The Hero's Journey

A "point of no return" is crossed. The hero commits to the journey and enters into the Special World.

• The Road Back

• Approaching the Inmost Cave

• The Ordeal

• Crossing the Threshold

The hero faces the initial tests/conflicts and sorts out allegiances in the Special World.

• Tests, Allies, and Enemies

• The Call to Adventure

• The Road Back

• Return with the Elixir

The hero and new-found allies are reminded of the main challenge that lies ahead in the Special World.

• Tests, Allies, and Enemies

• The Ordeal

• Approach to the Inmost Cave

• Meeting with the Mentor

The hero reaches their original goal, confronts death, or faces their greatest fear. All the hard work and training is put to the test.

• The Ordeal

• Crossing the Threshold

• The Ordinary World

• The Reward

The hero receives something for their victory or failure,

and must accept the consequences.

• Meeting with the Mentor

• The Reward

• Return with the Elixir

• Refusal of the Call

The Hero must complete the adventure, leave the Special World, and get the "treasure" home safely.

• The Road Back

• The Ordeal

• Crossing the Threshold

• Tests, Allies, and Enemies

The hero is tested a final time on the threshold of home, and is purified by a final sacrifice and a higher level of rebirth.

• The Ordeal

• The Resurrection

• Refusal of the Call

• Meeting with the Mentor

The hero finally masters the problem. The hero returns home bearing some element of the treasure (elixir) that has the power to heal or transform the Ordinary World, just as the hero has been transformed.

• Crossing the Threshold

• The Reward

• The Road Back

• Return with the Elixir

Teacher, counselor, trainer, and encourager to the hero.

• The Hero

• The Shadow

• The Sidekick

• The Mentor

The protagonist of the story. Usually, this character is brave and honorable, but needs to learn something in the story.

• The Hero

• The Mentor

• The Shadow

• The Sidekick