The Heros Journey, A Summary Of The Stages
by Kevin Edwards
A hero goes through a series of steps to be recognized. This is a challenge that every writer must deal with. The best example is what is provided by Joseph Campbell in <a href="www.whimsybutwise.com/">The Heros Journey</a>. This is a summary of the stages through which a hero must pass from the beginning to the end. The idea is borrowed from Christopher Vogler who outlines 12 stages in his monomyth. Here are the steps to take your hero through during scripting.
The genesis for all characters is an ordinary existence. There is nothing special in life about the person. This position is preferred in drama and scripts because people can easily identify with it. It shows that there is not extraordinary about the heroes we encounter in life.
Call to Adventure is the point at which the ordinary person is summoned to take a particular action. This call to action is triggered by something that happens to people around him. There could be a threat to life, family or a situation that requires intervention. While the situation might not involve guns, but it is a scenario that requires the hero to come out of his comfort zone. There is usually resistance to this call at the beginning.
The hero then encounters a mentor who trains him on vital skills that will help him face the challenge ahead. These skills are rare and will define his performance once he is facing the ultimate challenge. The doubts that used to slow him down will be eliminated. The mentor trains him on very specific skills that will make him courageous and confident to face the challenge ahead.
Crossing the Threshold. This is a stage where there is enough pressure for the hero to answer to the call. The crossing happens voluntarily or he is forced. This is the point he will take on risks and engage in tasks that were previously difficult. He also shows the commitment to undertake the tasks that previously seemed impossible.
Tests, enemies and allies refer to a moment of confrontation. There are different challenges that have to be overcome. The obstacles could be spiritual, emotional or physical. Any whichever way, the obstacles stop our hero from progressing. The process of finding allies and overcoming them shows that this hero has what it takes. It presents a chance to test his strength and character.
Approaching the Innermost Cave. This is the pinnacle of preparation for battle. There is a specific place where the battle will take place. There is also a specific skill that will win. Doubts sometimes reemerge but with allies beside him, the hero will overcome. Further, there are people waiting to cheer him when he wins. The anticipation builds tension and is a perfect climax background.
Every hero must finally face his demon. This ordeal will demand that he summons all his strength. For victory to be realized, all the strength possible must be summoned. He faces a situation of life or death. It is after fighting the battle that he seizes the sword in order to claim his reward. There is the brief journey back to where it all began and a resurrection takes place. The hero then sublimes back into ordinary life.
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New Unique Article!
Title: The Heros Journey, A Summary Of The Stages
Author: Kevin Edwards
Email: nathanwebster335@live.com
Keywords: the heros journey
Word Count: 541
Category: Motivation
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