Hero's Journey Stages to Know for Storytelling for Film and Television

The Hero's Journey outlines a universal storytelling framework that guides characters through growth and transformation. Each stage, from the Ordinary World to the Return with the Elixir, shapes compelling narratives in film and television, engaging audiences deeply.

1. The Ordinary World

   • Establishes the hero's normal life and environment.
   • Highlights the hero's flaws, desires, and relationships.
   • Sets the stage for the contrast with the adventure to come.

2. The Call to Adventure

   • Introduces a challenge or opportunity that disrupts the ordinary world.
   • Sparks the hero's interest and curiosity about the unknown.
   • Often presented through a specific event or message.

3. Refusal of the Call

   • The hero expresses doubt or fear about embarking on the journey.
   • Reflects internal conflict and the stakes involved in the adventure.
   • Can be influenced by external pressures or responsibilities.

4. Meeting the Mentor

   • The hero encounters a mentor figure who provides guidance and support.
   • The mentor often shares wisdom, tools, or training necessary for the journey.
   • Helps the hero gain confidence and prepare for the challenges ahead.

5. Crossing the Threshold

   • The hero commits to the adventure and leaves the ordinary world behind.
   • Marks the transition into the unknown and the beginning of the journey.
   • Often involves a significant event or decision that propels the hero forward.

6. Tests, Allies, and Enemies

   • The hero faces various challenges that test their skills and resolve.
   • Introduces supporting characters who become allies or friends.
   • Establishes antagonists or obstacles that create conflict and tension.

7. Approach to the Inmost Cave

   • The hero prepares for a major challenge or confrontation.
   • Involves introspection and strategizing for the upcoming ordeal.
   • Often includes a moment of doubt or fear before the climax.

8. The Ordeal

   • The hero faces their greatest challenge, often a life-or-death situation.
   • Represents a turning point in the story, leading to significant growth.
   • The hero confronts their fears and emerges transformed.

9. Reward (Seizing the Sword)

   • After overcoming the ordeal, the hero gains a reward or insight.
   • This can be a physical object, knowledge, or a newfound strength.
   • Sets the stage for the hero's return journey and further challenges.

10. The Road Back

    • The hero begins the journey back to the ordinary world.
    • Often involves a pursuit or additional challenges that test the hero.
    • Reinforces the stakes and the importance of the reward gained.

11. Resurrection

    • The hero faces a final test that represents a culmination of their journey.
    • Often involves a confrontation with the main antagonist or a personal struggle.
    • The hero emerges renewed, embodying the lessons learned throughout the journey.

12. Return with the Elixir

    • The hero returns to the ordinary world, bringing back the reward or knowledge.
    • The elixir symbolizes healing, wisdom, or change for the community.
    • The hero's journey has transformed them, impacting their world positively.