The 12 Stages of the Hero’s Journey

The ordinary world

The hero is introduced in their normal, mundane environment, establishing a baseline before the adventure.

Call to adventure

This is something disruptive that pulls the hero out of their ordinary world and toward a journey that will change their life.

Refusal of the call

The hero refuses the journey. This shows the hero is human and unsure

Meeting the mentor

The hero doesn’t have the knowledge or skills yet. Hero receives advice.

Crossing the threshold

Often called point of no return. The protagonist has learned from the mentor and gained confidence. It marks the beginning of the hero. The antagonist giving both the reader and the protagonist an idea of how powerful the villain is.

Tests. Allies. Enemies

Beginning of challenges which builds his character. Hero finds out who can be trusted.

Approach to the inmost cave

• In this period, there is fear and doubt; the section gives the character a chance to reflect on the previous challenges of the previous section.

• Inner conflict; hero faces his fear

Ordeal

Survival because of an impending that is irreversible. Resurrection. Central conflict.

Reward (seizing the sword)

• The hero is now confident.

• The hero survives the ordeal, overcoming the enemy and taking possession of the object of their quest.

The road back.

End of success. The hero has served a greater cost. The moment he must choose his personal agenda and that of a higher cost.

Resurrection

• Climax or the most dangerous period where the growth he gains is true. The ultimate showdown between the hero and the villain. The tension is now higher than ever. He emerges more strong and committed.

• The final, highest-stakes battle where the hero is purified and transformed one last time.

Return with the elixir.

Return to his ordinary world as a changed man. The journey ends.

popularized by Christopher Vogler from Joseph Campbell's work, The Hero with a Thousand Faces (1949)

The 12 Stages of the Hero’s Journey is the work of?

• Beginning

• Middle

• End

The story has?

• Departure: 1-5

• Initiation: 6-9

• Return: 10-12

The 12 Stages of the Hero’s Journey

• Departure: __

• Initiation: __

• Return: __