пятница, 27 июля 2018 г.

The Heros Journey, The Stages Explained

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 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 points at a stage where there is need for the potential hero to act. It happens because of an extraordinary incidence in his life and that of people around him. The people face such challenges as injuries or safety threat to the people who are important in their life. Though not all situations involve guns, it will trigger the need for the star to ditch his comfort zone. Most heroes show resistance to the call at the beginning.

The hero meets a mentor who will eliminate the doubts that are larking in his life. The hero also reinforces skills that will be required to tackle the challenge that lies ahead. From the mentor, he will receive training or an object that will define the fat of his journey. All the doubts that made him to slow down will be eliminated. The mentor gives him the courage and confidence to face life.

Crossing the Threshold refers to a situation where enough pressure has build up to the point that the hero has to face his troubles. The urge to face these troubles will either be forceful or voluntary. He has to do away with his doubts and fears in order to meet the demands of the moment. The hero also shows commitment to face the challenge, something that was previously not possible.

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 refers to the situation where the ultimate obstacle has to be dealt with. There is an actual location and the specific battle to be fought. Special preparations are required. The doubts that confronted him at the beginning resurrect. There are people whose fate depends on him overcoming the situation. This becomes an incredible source of tension in a plot.

Time for war has come and your hero must show his mettle. All the courage and concentration are required. Victory will keep him alive while defeat marks his death. The hero must cease the sword to declare victory. He then makes the brief return journey that marks his resurrection. The script ends with a hero returning to normal life and fading into ordinary humanity.




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