The Heros Journey, The Stages Explained

By Kevin Edwards


Joseph Campbell adapted his monomyth on the 12 stages of a hero from the work of Christopher Vogler. The movie is ranked among the most successful stories of its generation. The Heros Journey highlights stages that everyone must pass through in order to overcome the adversities of life. These stages are worth following to understand the deep structure of characters in movies.

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 a stage where the star faces a daunting task of defending something he is passionate about or people close to his life. The people who have to be defended are usually injured or facing injustice from perceived powers. It is their pain that wakes him from his comfort zone. This comes with a lot of resistance.

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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