A hero goes through a series of steps to be recognized. This is a challenge that every writer must deal with. The best example is what is provided by Joseph Campbell in The Heros Journey. This is a summary of the stages through which a hero must pass from the beginning to the end. The idea is borrowed from Christopher Vogler who outlines 12 stages in his monomyth. Here are the steps to take your hero through during scripting.
All heroes begin the journey as ordinary folks. At the start, nothing is special about these heroes. This makes it easier for people to identify with their daily struggles and pleasures. This is a trick that shows that the hero comes from an ordinary beginning. It will therefore be easier to relate to his triumphs.
Call to Adventure is the point at which the ordinary person is summoned to take a particular action. This call to action is triggered by something that happens to people around him. There could be a threat to life, family or a situation that requires intervention. While the situation might not involve guns, but it is a scenario that requires the hero to come out of his comfort zone. There is usually resistance to this call at the beginning.
The hero then encounters a mentor who trains him on vital skills that will help him face the challenge ahead. These skills are rare and will define his performance once he is facing the ultimate challenge. The doubts that used to slow him down will be eliminated. The mentor trains him on very specific skills that will make him courageous and confident to face the challenge ahead.
Crossing the Threshold occurs when a star moves on to take up his call or task. The act to take on the call may come from compulsion or voluntarily. Such a hero finds himself doing something he has never done in his life. This is a point that signifies the commitment to pursue his calling and take on what life throws his way.
Tests, Enemies and Allies. The conqueror is now going into confrontation with the issues that lay ahead. These challenges could be emotional, physical, spiritual or of any other nature. They usually prevent him from moving forward. He has to find allies and deal with the enemies. It is this confrontation that will test his strength and resolve. It will reveal his character.
Approaching the Innermost Cave. This is the pinnacle of preparation for battle. There is a specific place where the battle will take place. There is also a specific skill that will win. Doubts sometimes reemerge but with allies beside him, the hero will overcome. Further, there are people waiting to cheer him when he wins. The anticipation builds tension and is a perfect climax background.
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.
All heroes begin the journey as ordinary folks. At the start, nothing is special about these heroes. This makes it easier for people to identify with their daily struggles and pleasures. This is a trick that shows that the hero comes from an ordinary beginning. It will therefore be easier to relate to his triumphs.
Call to Adventure is the point at which the ordinary person is summoned to take a particular action. This call to action is triggered by something that happens to people around him. There could be a threat to life, family or a situation that requires intervention. While the situation might not involve guns, but it is a scenario that requires the hero to come out of his comfort zone. There is usually resistance to this call at the beginning.
The hero then encounters a mentor who trains him on vital skills that will help him face the challenge ahead. These skills are rare and will define his performance once he is facing the ultimate challenge. The doubts that used to slow him down will be eliminated. The mentor trains him on very specific skills that will make him courageous and confident to face the challenge ahead.
Crossing the Threshold occurs when a star moves on to take up his call or task. The act to take on the call may come from compulsion or voluntarily. Such a hero finds himself doing something he has never done in his life. This is a point that signifies the commitment to pursue his calling and take on what life throws his way.
Tests, Enemies and Allies. The conqueror is now going into confrontation with the issues that lay ahead. These challenges could be emotional, physical, spiritual or of any other nature. They usually prevent him from moving forward. He has to find allies and deal with the enemies. It is this confrontation that will test his strength and resolve. It will reveal his character.
Approaching the Innermost Cave. This is the pinnacle of preparation for battle. There is a specific place where the battle will take place. There is also a specific skill that will win. Doubts sometimes reemerge but with allies beside him, the hero will overcome. Further, there are people waiting to cheer him when he wins. The anticipation builds tension and is a perfect climax background.
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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