The Hero's Journey

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

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 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

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

The hero begins the adventure, leaving the known limits of his or her world to venture into an unknown and dangerous realm where the rules and limits are unknown.

• Call to Adventure

• Road of Trials

• Beginning of the Adventure

• Ultimate Boon

Where we first meet our hero before anything extraordinary happens.

• The Ordeal

• Approach the Inmost Cave

• The Ordinary World

• Call to Adventure

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

• The Road Back

• The Reward

• The Refusal

• Atonement/ Resurrection

The future hero often refuses to accept the call to adventure. The refusal may stem from a sense of duty, an obligation, a fear, or insecurity.

• Call to Adventure

• Refusal of the Return

• Refusal of the Call

• Beginning of the Adventure

The destination of the quest is achieved, though the hero still may have a fight or struggle in front of them.

• Ultimate Boon

• Road of Trials

• Crossing or Return Threshold

• Refusal of the Return