The Hero's Journey

Phrase coined by American mythologist and writer Joseph Campbell to describe the narrative pattern he discovered.

• Monomyth

• Story structure

• The Hero's Journey

• Quintessential Story

The name given to a typical character, setting, theme, plot, that represents universal patterns.

• Symbolism

• Characterization

• Archetype

• Plot structure

A pattern of narrative that describes the typical adventure of the archetype known as The Hero, the person who goes out and achieves great deeds on behalf of the group, tribe, or civilization.

• The Journey

• The Path

• The Hero's Story

• The Hero's Journey

Most of a hero's journey takes place

• in space

• in the known world

• underground

• in the unknown world

This is the hero's normal world, where life is status quo, problems/conflicts don't trouble the hero, and he/she lives among mortals/non-supernatural beings.

• Refusal of the Call

• The Resurrection

• The Ordinary World

• Meeting with the Mentor

Someone or something presents the hero with a problem, challenge, or an adventure. This can be an event or a person.

• Meeting with the Mentor

• The Call to Adventure

• The Ordeal

• Return with the Elixir

The hero is reluctant or frightened to accept the call and begin the journey. The hero feels the fear of the unknown and tries to turn away from the adventure, however briefly. Alternately, another character may express the uncertainty and danger ahead.

• Refusal of the Call

• The Road Back

• The Ordinary World

• Crossing the Threshold

The future/potential hero initially refuses to accept the call to adventure. What causes their hesitation?

• Lack of interest

• Lack of a mentor

• Fear of success

• Fear of the unknown

The hero comes across a veteran traveler of the worlds or a wise man or woman who gives him or her training, equipment, weapons, or advice that will help on the journey.

• The Reward

• Approach to the Inmost Cave

• The Resurrection

• Meeting with the Mentor

A "point of no return" is crossed. The hero is committing to the journey. The hero leaves their ordinary world and enters into an unfamiliar/new world.

• The Road Back

• The Approach

• The Ordeal

• Crossing the Threshold