I. The Ordinary World

The hero, uneasy, uncomfortable or unaware, is introduced sympathetically so the audience can identify with the situation or dilemma. The hero is shown against a background of environment, heredity, and personal history. Some kind of polarity in the hero’s life is pulling in different directions and causing stress.

II. The Call to AdventureHero is called to

adventure by mistake or called by a herald who summons the hero.

This call comes at a time when the hero is ready for inner growth.

Agamemnon and Odysseus

Who calls Harry Potter to adventure?

Harry Potter Hagrid (on behalf of Dumbledore)

Who calls Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz to

adventure?

DorothyGet’s called by a tornado

III. The Refusal of the Call• The hero is not

always eager to assume the adventure offered. This kind of hero is called a reluctant hero.

Agamemnon calling Odysseus to war. Odysseus is a “reluctant” or “unwilling” hero.

The Refusal of the Call• The hero has the

opportunity to reject the call. If the hero refuses, his or her life may enter a state of paralysis until something happens to release him or her. (continued) Agamemnon calling

Odysseus to war. Odysseus is a “reluctant” or “unwilling” hero.

The Refusal of the Call• The hero may want

to answer the call to adventure and this kind of hero is called a willing hero.

Agamemnon calling Odysseus to war. Odysseus is a “reluctant” or “unwilling” hero.

Is Harry Potter a “willing” or “reluctant”

Hero?

Harry Potter is a Willing Hero

Is Dorothy a “willing” or “reluctant” Hero?

Dorothy is a reluctant hero

IV. MEETING WITH THE MENTOR

• The hero encounters a helper as the journey begins: a guide and protector (often an old woman or old man)

Athena

IV. MEETING WITH THE MENTOR

• The protector usually appears to one who has already accepted the call but not always. The helper is often a wizard, hermit, or shepherd.

Athena

Who is Harry Potter’s Mentor?

Dumbledore

Who is Dorothy’s Mentor?

Glinda the Good Witch

V. The Crossing of the 1st Threshold

• The hero goes beyond the boundaries of everyday life accompanied by the guide and faces dangerous forces of the unknown.

VI. Tests, Allies & Enemies

• The hero is tested and sorts out allegiances in the Special World

Harry Potter is tested by…

“Fluffy” in Harry Potter

Dorothy’s enemy…

Wicked Witch

VII. Approach

• The hero and newfound allies prepare for the major challenge in the Special world

VIII. The Ordeal

• Near the middle of the story, the hero enters a central space in the SW & confronts death or faces his/her greatest fear.

IX. The Reward• The hero takes

possession of the treasure won by facing death. There may be celebration, but there is also danger of losing the treasure again.

X. The Road Back• The hero leaves the

Special World to be sure the treasure is brought home.

XI. The Resurrection• The hero is severly

tested once more on the threshold of home. He/she is purified by a last sacrifice, another moment of death & rebirth, but on a higher & more complete level.

XII. Return with the Elixir• The hero returns

home or continues the journey, bearing some element of the treasure that has the power to transform the world as the hero has been transformed.