The Hero's Journey: Understanding and Applying the Monomyth in Screenwriting

Introduction to the Hero's Journey

The Hero's Journey, also known as the monomyth, is a narrative pattern that has been used in storytelling for thousands of years. Popularized by mythologist Joseph Campbell in his book "The Hero with a Thousand Faces," the Hero's Journey outlines a series of stages that a hero or protagonist goes through as they embark on a quest, face challenges, and ultimately return home transformed.

In this blog post, we'll explore the different stages of the Hero's Journey and discuss how screenwriters can use this narrative framework to create compelling and resonant stories.

The 12 Stages of the Hero's Journey

While Campbell originally identified 17 stages in the Hero's Journey, screenwriter Christopher Vogler condensed and adapted these into a more accessible 12-stage structure. The 12 stages are:

1. Ordinary World: The story begins in the hero's ordinary, everyday world. This is where the audience is introduced to the protagonist and their status quo.
   
   

2. Call to Adventure:
   The hero is presented with a problem, challenge, or adventure that disrupts their ordinary world and sets the story in motion.
   
   

3. Refusal of the Call:
   The hero initially resists or hesitates to embark on the adventure due to fear, doubt, or a sense of duty.
   
   

4. Meeting with the Mentor:
   The hero encounters a mentor or wise figure who provides guidance, advice, or training to help them overcome their fears and prepare for the journey ahead.
   
   

5. Crossing the Threshold:
   The hero commits to the adventure, leaving their ordinary world behind, and enters a new, unfamiliar, and often dangerous realm.
   
   

6. Tests, Allies, and Enemies:
   The hero faces a series of challenges and obstacles, encounters allies who support them, and confronts enemies who oppose their quest.
   
   

7. Approach to the Inmost Cave:
   The hero prepares for the central crisis of the story, approaching the most dangerous and difficult part of their journey.
   
   

8. Ordeal:
   The hero faces their greatest challenge or confronts their deepest fears. They must use their acquired skills and knowledge to overcome this ordeal and emerge victorious.
   
   

9. Reward (Seizing the Sword):
   The hero achieves their goal or obtains a reward as a result of overcoming the ordeal. This often signifies a personal or spiritual transformation.
   
   

10. The Road Back:
    The hero begins the journey back to their ordinary world, but the consequences of their adventure may still pursue them or create additional challenges.
    
    

11. Resurrection:
    The hero faces a final test or crisis, often mirroring the initial ordeal, but they are now more capable and experienced. This stage represents the hero's ultimate transformation and renewal.
    
    

12. Return with the Elixir:
    The hero returns to their ordinary world, having been transformed by their experiences and often bringing a gift or knowledge that benefits others.

Applying the Hero's Journey in Screenwriting

While the Hero's Journey provides a useful narrative framework, it's important to remember that not every story needs to adhere strictly to this structure. Screenwriters can use the Hero's Journey as a starting point, adapting and modifying the stages to suit their unique story and characters.

Here are some tips for applying the Hero's Journey in screenwriting:

1. Identify the core elements of your story:
   Determine the key components of your story, such as the protagonist, their goal, and the challenges they will face.
   
   

2. Map out your story structure:
   Outline your story using the 12 stages of the Hero's Journey as a guide, while also considering the unique elements and themes of your story.
   
   

3. Adapt the structure to fit your story:
   Remember that the Hero's Journey is a flexible framework. Feel free to modify or rearrange the stages to better fit your narrative.
    

4. Focus on character development:
   The Hero's Journey is ultimately about transformation and growth. Ensure that your protagonist experiences meaningful change over the course of their journey.