A Hero's Journey

Where we first meet our hero before anything extraordinary happens.

• The Ordeal

• Approach the Inmost Cave

• The Ordinary World

• Call to Adventure

The hero heads home, triumphant. S/He brings back their knowledge or "elixir" and applies it to the ordinary world. This is the true reward for the journey and transformation.

• Approach the Inmost Cave

• Return with the Elixir

• The Reward

• Atonement/ Resurrection

This part of the hero's journey is where all the preparations for the final conflict occur.

• The Ordeal

• Crossing the Threshold

• The Refusal of the Call

• Approach the Inmost Cave

This is when a hero has overcome his greatest fear and is rewarded.

• The Road Back

• The Reward

• The Refusal

• Atonement/ Resurrection

A period of uneasy peace as the hero returns home or celebrates their success, all while the villain “seems” to have failed (but of course hasn’t).

• The Road Back

• The Reward

• The Refusal

• Test/Allies/ Enemies

When the hero faces his ultimate reason for his journey and/or when the hero has a near death experience but overcomes.

• The Ordinary World

• Call To Adventure

• Atonement/ Resurrection

• The Mentor

A teacher or someone who takes interest in the hero and helps him/her hone his/her powers. S/He can also be someone who keeps the hero on track and helps them remember what they are fighting for.

• The Road Back

• Crossing the Threshold

• Test/Allies/ Enemies

• The Mentor

This is the point where the hero accepts his destiny and goes on his journey.

• Approach the Inmost Cave

• Crossing the Threshold

• The Reward

• Call to Adventure

This is the hero's biggest challenge yet!

• Test/Allies/ Enemies

• The Ordeal

• Approach the Inmost Cave

• Atonement/ Resurrection

Initially, the hero is reluctant to take on the challenge. So, they try to ignore their destiny.

• Return with the Elixir

• The Road Back

• Crossing the Threshold

• Refusal of the Call