Hero's journey

Definition

The hero's journey is a narrative structure that outlines the typical adventure of the archetypal hero as they venture into unknown territories, face challenges, and ultimately return transformed. This framework often emphasizes personal growth and self-discovery, highlighting stages like the call to adventure, facing trials, and achieving a reward, which resonate deeply in creative writing and storytelling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The hero's journey typically consists of twelve stages, such as 'The Call to Adventure', 'Crossing the Threshold', and 'Return with the Elixir'.
2. Joseph Campbell popularized the concept in his book 'The Hero with a Thousand Faces', where he analyzed myths from different cultures.
3. This narrative structure can be seen in countless stories across various media, including novels, films, and even video games.
4. The hero's journey often emphasizes transformation, showing how characters evolve through their experiences and challenges.
5. Many modern stories adapt or subvert this structure to create fresh narratives while still resonating with the core elements of the hero's journey.

Review Questions

• How does the hero's journey framework help writers develop compelling characters and stories?
  • The hero's journey provides a roadmap for character development by illustrating how protagonists undergo significant transformations through trials and tribulations. By following this structure, writers can create relatable characters who experience growth, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their journeys. This framework also helps in structuring the plot effectively, ensuring that essential elements like conflict and resolution are present to maintain engagement.
• In what ways can the stages of the hero's journey be applied to contemporary storytelling across different genres?
  • Contemporary storytelling often adapts the stages of the hero's journey to fit various genres by modifying key elements. For example, in a fantasy novel, the protagonist might receive a magical call to adventure, while in a drama, it could be a more personal awakening. These adaptations allow writers to explore diverse themes while still utilizing the universal appeal of the hero's transformative arc, making it relevant for today's audiences.
• Evaluate the significance of subverting traditional elements of the hero's journey in modern narratives and its impact on audience expectations.
  • Subverting traditional elements of the hero's journey can create unexpected twists and deepen character complexity, challenging audience expectations. By deviating from expected outcomes—such as an anti-hero who fails to complete their journey or a story that ends without resolution—writers can provoke thought and discussion about conventional notions of heroism. This shift allows for richer storytelling that reflects contemporary societal values and complexities, engaging audiences on multiple levels.

Related terms

Archetype: A universally recognized symbol or character type that represents shared human experiences, often seen in storytelling.

Myth: A traditional story, often involving supernatural beings or events, that conveys cultural beliefs and values.

Narrative Arc: The overall structure of a story that includes exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.