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Hero's Journey

Hero's Journey Template (Based on Christopher Vogler's Model)

1. Departure​

1. Ordinary World​

Start with the status quo. What is life like for the hero? Give us insight into the hero's life and their current situation.

  • [Describe the hero's normal life, their environment, and any existing problems or dissatisfaction.]

2. Call to Adventure​

An event disrupts the hero's ordinary world, presenting a challenge or quest.

  • [Describe the event that calls the hero to adventure. This could be a message, a threat, a discovery, or a personal crisis.]

3. Refusal of the Call​

The hero initially hesitates or refuses the call, often due to fear or doubt.

  • [Describe the hero's initial reluctance and the reasons behind it.]

4. Meeting with the Mentor​

The hero encounters a wise or experienced figure who provides guidance and support.

  • [Describe the mentor figure and the advice or assistance they offer.]

5. Crossing the First Threshold​

The hero commits to the adventure and enters a new, unfamiliar world.

  • [Describe the point of no return where the hero fully embraces the journey.]

2. Initiation​

6. Tests, Allies, and Enemies​

The hero faces challenges, forms alliances, and confronts adversaries in the new world.

  • [Describe the various trials, the friends the hero makes, and the enemies they encounter.]

7. Approach to the Inmost Cave​

The hero prepares for the major challenge, often entering a dangerous or significant location.

  • [Describe the hero's planning and preparation for the central conflict.]

8. The Ordeal​

The hero faces the greatest challenge, often a life-or-death situation.

  • [Describe the climax of the adventure, where the hero faces their most significant obstacle.]

9. Reward (Seizing the Sword)​

The hero overcomes the ordeal and gains a reward, which could be a physical object, knowledge, or a new ability.

  • [Describe the reward the hero receives as a result of their victory.]

3. Return​

10. The Road Back​

The hero begins the journey back to the ordinary world, facing new challenges.

  • [Describe the return journey and any lingering dangers or obstacles.]

11. Resurrection​

The hero faces a final test, often a confrontation with a powerful enemy or a moment of self-sacrifice.

  • [Describe the final challenge that tests the hero's growth and resolve.]

12. Return with the Elixir​

The hero returns to the ordinary world with a transformed perspective or valuable knowledge, ready to share it with others.

  • [Describe how the hero's experiences have changed them and how they reintegrate into their ordinary life.]