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 The Heros Journey. 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.
Every character begins in an ordinary world. This is a world with nothing special and life is running as normal. This approach is preferred because the hero is considered a human being. It serves to show that the heroes in life and movies begin their journey as human beings. It is easier for people to identify with such a person compared to an instance where the starting point is that of a hero.
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. This serves as a turning point because such a hero will receive whatever was lacking in his life. It could be an object that is extremely important to him or his mission. Practical training is also provided and doubt dispelled. This becomes a source of strength for the person.
Crossing the Threshold occurs when a star moves on to take up his call or task. The act to take on the call may come from compulsion or voluntarily. Such a hero finds himself doing something he has never done in his life. This is a point that signifies the commitment to pursue his calling and take on what life throws his way.
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.
The hero finally faces the ordeal which requires him to summon all his strength. Victory relies on summoning of all his strength. There is imminent death which is the highest point in the story. He either overcomes or dies from resulting injuries. The hero then seizes the sword and gets his reward. He makes a journey back to the point where the call was made. Something new is reborn in the form of resurrection. Our hero will then make a journey back to ordinary life.
Every character begins in an ordinary world. This is a world with nothing special and life is running as normal. This approach is preferred because the hero is considered a human being. It serves to show that the heroes in life and movies begin their journey as human beings. It is easier for people to identify with such a person compared to an instance where the starting point is that of a hero.
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. This serves as a turning point because such a hero will receive whatever was lacking in his life. It could be an object that is extremely important to him or his mission. Practical training is also provided and doubt dispelled. This becomes a source of strength for the person.
Crossing the Threshold occurs when a star moves on to take up his call or task. The act to take on the call may come from compulsion or voluntarily. Such a hero finds himself doing something he has never done in his life. This is a point that signifies the commitment to pursue his calling and take on what life throws his way.
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.
The hero finally faces the ordeal which requires him to summon all his strength. Victory relies on summoning of all his strength. There is imminent death which is the highest point in the story. He either overcomes or dies from resulting injuries. The hero then seizes the sword and gets his reward. He makes a journey back to the point where the call was made. Something new is reborn in the form of resurrection. Our hero will then make a journey back to ordinary life.
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