The Hero's Journey

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

This is a gifted item that helps the hero on their journey. Often has (real or imagined) magical or supernatural powers.

• The Talisman

• The AirPods

• The Sword

• The Magic Wand

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

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

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

An event that interrupts the hero's ordinary life. This event presents the hero with a challenge that cannot be ignored.

• Refusal of the Call

• The Ordinary World

• Crossing the Threshold

• Call to Adventure

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 hero's biggest challenge yet!

• Test/Allies/ Enemies

• The Ordeal

• Approach the Inmost Cave

• Atonement/ Resurrection