What is a Hero's Journey?
A narrative structure that follows the journey of a protagonist who goes through inner and outer challenges to achieve his or her goal.
The Not-So-Typical Journey: A Closer Look at the Hero's Journey
The hero's journey is a narrative structure that has long been used in storytelling across cultures and media, including literature, film, and theatre. This structure follows the journey of a protagonist who faces inner and outer challenges to achieve his or her goal, often resulting in personal growth or transformation along the way.
The hero's journey usually consists of three main parts: departure, initiation, and return. In the departure stage, the protagonist leaves their ordinary world and enters a new, unfamiliar world. This could be a physical place or a psychological state, but it marks the beginning of their journey. In the initiation stage, the protagonist faces a series of trials or challenges that test their skills, values, and resolve. These trials often involve confrontations with enemies, mentors, and supernatural beings. Finally, in the return stage, the protagonist returns to their ordinary world, often with a newfound knowledge or power that they can use to help others.
The hero's journey can be a useful framework for writers who want to create compelling stories and characters. By following this structure, writers can create a coherent and satisfying narrative that resonates with readers or audiences. Understanding the hero's journey can also help writers avoid common pitfalls, such as flat or unrelatable characters, unrealistic plots, or unsatisfying endings. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, the hero's journey is a timeless structure that can inspire and guide your creative process.
The hero's journey is a common structure found in literature and film. Here are two examples of how authors have used this structure to create compelling stories that have stood the test of time.
Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is content with his quiet life, is recruited by a wizard to join a group of dwarves on a quest to reclaim their homeland from a fearsome dragon. Along the way, Bilbo faces challenges such as trolls, goblins, and a treacherous mountain pass. He also discovers a magic ring that gives him the power of invisibility, which proves crucial in his ultimate battle with the dragon. Through his adventures, Bilbo becomes a braver and more self-assured hero who ultimately returns to his hobbit hole with new tales to tell.
Neo, a computer hacker who works a mundane job by day, is contacted by a mysterious figure named Morpheus who tells him that the world he knows is an illusion created by intelligent machines. Morpheus offers to help Neo become the 'One', a prophesized hero who can free humanity from this enslavement. In order to fulfill his destiny, Neo must face off against agents of the machines who are tasked with eliminating him and other rebels. Through his journey, Neo discovers his own inherent power and becomes the savior of humanity.