12 Stages of the Hero's Journey Flashcards
Non-hero, uninteresting life, the hero is potentially bored or dissatisfied
The ordinary world
The hero faces an unexpected problem he must solve, and feels pressured to embark on an extraordinary adventure
Call to adventure
The hero is reluctant to take on his mission, fearful and indecisive.
Refusal of the call
Hero receives help from a teacher/fatherly figure, usually an unexpected one
Meeting the mentor
The hero finally commits to the journey. He is prepared to leave normalcy for an extraordinary adventure. This usually comes in the form of some test to be overcome.
Crossing the threshold
The hero progresses through a series of tests, a set of obstacles which prepare the, for their final showdown. He will often find supportive figures and create enemies
Test/Allies and Enemies
The hero passes tests and overcomes obstacles
Approach
The hero hits rock bottom; he may have a near-death experience. The plot has a second turning point
Ordeal
The hero gains control (seizes the sword, gets the girl) but the journey is not yet complete
Reward
After completing the ordeal and gaining control, the hero returns home, often with lesser obstacles to overcome.
The road back
Final chase scene in which the hero overcomes final challenges and returns to the normal world
Atonement
The hero is transformed by his journey and returns a new person, and shares the solution with the ordinary world
Return/resurrection
