Once you’ve decided that you need to Outline your story before you start writing the screenplay, you will need to choose between the various storytelling structures out there. The three-act structure as a narrative breakdown can be applied to almost any story. But to further breakdown your story in beats, certain storytelling frameworks can be quite useful. One such framework is the Hero’s Journey by Joseph Campbell.
Who is Joseph Campbell?
Joseph Campbell (1904–1987) was an American mythologist, writer, and lecturer best known for his work in comparative mythology and his exploration of the hero’s journey. Campbell’s most influential work is the concept of the monomyth or the hero’s journey. This was the result of his examination of common patterns and themes found in the myths and legends of various cultures throughout history.
What is the Hero’s Journey?
In 1949, Campbell published his book “The Hero with a Thousand Faces“. In this seminal work, he examined common patterns and themes found in the myths and legends of various cultures throughout history. The phrase “Hero’s Journey” suggests that myths and stories from different cultures often follow a similar narrative structure. The hero typically embarks on an adventure, faces challenges and trials, undergoes a transformation, and returns home changed. It was later popularized by screenwriter, Christopher Vogler, in his book “The Writer’s Journey“. Vogler condensed the principles into a 12-step framework.
12 Steps of The Hero’s Journey
Let’s take a look at each of the 12 steps that you can use to outline your story. To illustrate the same, we’ll be using the application of this concept with a movie where the filmmaker was famously inspired by the Hero’s Journey template while writing his film ie. Star Wars (1977).
1. Ordinary World
The hero begins in their familiar environment, often characterized by routine and unawareness of the larger journey. This setting establishes the baseline for the hero’s growth.
Application: Luke Skywalker resides on the desert planet Tatooine, leading a mundane life as a farm boy.
2. Call to Adventure
An external event or internal desire disrupts the hero’s ordinary life, presenting an opportunity or challenge that sets the journey in motion. The call often introduces a quest or a significant change.
Application: Obi-Wan Kenobi invites Luke to join him in the quest to deliver the Death Star plans to the Rebel Alliance.
3. Refusal of the Call
Faced with uncertainty, fear, or a sense of duty to the familiar world, the hero hesitates or rejects the call initially. This reluctance adds depth to the hero’s internal conflict.
Application: Luke hesitates to leave Tatooine, citing responsibilities and family ties.
4. Meeting the Mentor
A mentor figure appears, providing guidance, wisdom, or supernatural aid. The mentor equips the hero with the tools or knowledge necessary for the journey.
Application: Obi-Wan becomes Luke’s mentor, introducing him to the Force and encouraging his journey.
5. Crossing the Threshold
The hero decides to leave the ordinary world, venturing into the unknown or a special world. This crossing represents a commitment to change and growth.
Application: Luke, with Obi-Wan, departs Tatooine and enters the larger galaxy.
6. Tests, Allies, Enemies
The hero encounters challenges, forms alliances with companions, and faces adversaries. These experiences shape the hero’s character and prepare them for more significant trials.
Application: Luke, Han Solo, and Princess Leia face various trials, forming alliances and encountering Imperial forces.
7. Approach to the Inmost Cave
The hero approaches a central challenge or a crucial location that holds the key to their quest. This stage builds anticipation and sets the stage for the ordeal.
Application: The Rebel Alliance plans to attack the Death Star, a critical mission.
8. Ordeal
The hero undergoes a severe trial, facing the most significant danger or fear. This moment tests the hero’s resolve and marks a pivotal point in the journey.
Application: Luke participates in the Battle of Yavin, aiming to destroy the Death Star amidst intense opposition.
9. Reward
Following the ordeal, the hero reaps a reward, gains new insight, or achieves success. This stage highlights the hero’s growth and the tangible or intangible benefits of the journey.
Application: Luke successfully destroys the Death Star, earning recognition and hero status.
10. The Road Back
The hero begins the journey back to the ordinary world, often encountering new challenges or facing the consequences of their actions. This stage introduces the final hurdles.
Application: The Rebels regroup and plan their next moves after the Death Star’s destruction.
11. Resurrection
The hero faces a final, life-altering test, representing a symbolic death and rebirth. This transformative experience solidifies the hero’s evolution.
Application: Luke confronts Darth Vader and the Death Star’s destruction leads to a symbolic rebirth.
12. Return with the Elixir
The hero returns to the ordinary world, bringing back the elixir—a tangible or metaphorical boon gained during the journey. This stage showcases the hero’s ability to contribute positively to the ordinary world.
Application: Luke returns to Tatooine, having become a skilled pilot and a key figure in the Rebel Alliance.
As we saw, Star Wars follows the Hero’s Journey with Luke Skywalker as the protagonist. From his ordinary life on Tatooine to the battles against the Empire and the ultimate confrontation with Darth Vader, the film adheres to the monomyth structure.
Use Cases: Stories Tailored for Hero’s Journey
One of the common beliefs around this template is that it typically applies to fantasy and adventure genres. While those genres are more naturally suited, the Hero’s Journey is equally applicable to different kinds of movies. It is particularly useful for stories that fall within the following genres or themes:
Fantasy and Adventure
The Hero’s Journey is frequently employed in fantasy tales where characters embark on epic quests. Examples include “The Lord of the Rings,” “Harry Potter,” and “The Chronicles of Narnia.”
Coming-of-Age Stories
Many coming-of-age narratives use the Hero’s Journey to depict a character’s maturation and self-discovery. Films like “The Karate Kid” and “Stand by Me” exemplify this application.
Science Fiction Epics
Stories set in futuristic or otherworldly settings often utilize the Hero’s Journey. “Star Wars” and “The Matrix” showcase how this structure can be applied in the science fiction genre.
Mythology and Legends
The Hero’s Journey is deeply rooted in mythology and is thus well-suited for stories inspired by ancient myths and legends. Examples include adaptations of Greek myths or Arthurian legends.
Quest Narratives
Any story that involves a quest, whether it’s a literal journey or a metaphorical one, can benefit from the Hero’s Journey structure. “Indiana Jones” and “The Odyssey” are classic examples.
Superhero Origin Stories
Many superhero origin stories align with the Hero’s Journey as characters discover their powers, face adversaries, and undergo personal growth. Examples include “Spider-Man,” “Wonder Woman,” and “Black Panther.”
Historical and Period Dramas
Even in stories set in historical or period settings, the Hero’s Journey can be applied. Films like “Braveheart” and “Gladiator” showcase protagonists facing significant challenges and transformation.
Character-Driven Dramas
While traditionally associated with more fantastical genres, the Hero’s Journey can also be adapted for character-driven dramas. Movies like “Forrest Gump” and “The Pursuit of Happyness” demonstrate this versatility.
Let’s take a look at one such example using the poignant, “non-heroic” drama written by Greta Gerwig ie. Ladybird.
Ladybird – Hero’s Journey
1. The Ordinary World: Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson navigates her senior year in high school in Sacramento, California. Dissatisfied with her surroundings and yearning for something more, she grapples with the challenges of adolescence.
2. Call to Adventure: Lady Bird desires to escape Sacramento and attend college on the East Coast, envisioning it as the key to a more fulfilling life beyond her current circumstances.
3. Refusal of the Call: Lady Bird’s family faces financial struggles, and her dream of attending an expensive East Coast college seems unattainable. She initially grapples with the reality of her family’s limitations.
4. Meeting the Mentor: Sister Sarah Joan, Lady Bird’s school principal, becomes a mentor figure, encouraging her to pursue her dreams and offering guidance.
5. Crossing the Threshold: Lady Bird applies to colleges in New York, symbolizing her venture into a world beyond Sacramento and her family’s constraints.
6. Tests, Allies, Enemies: Lady Bird navigates friendships, romance, and conflicts with her family, forming alliances with friends like Julie and facing challenges that shape her character.
7. Approach to the Inmost Cave: Lady Bird’s relationships face challenges as she experiences heartbreak, and she confronts the reality of her family’s financial struggles.
8. Ordeal: Lady Bird’s relationship with her mother reaches a breaking point, leading to a confrontation that forces both to confront their feelings and expectations.
9. Reward: Lady Bird gains insight into her identity and aspirations, realizing the value of her family and the impact of her choices.
10. The Road Back: Lady Bird leaves Sacramento for college, symbolizing her journey back into the world with newfound wisdom and self-discovery.
11. Resurrection: Lady Bird’s return home prompts reconciliation and understanding with her family, particularly her mother, as they navigate the complexities of love and acceptance.
12. Return with the Elixir: Lady Bird’s return home marks a resolution, bringing a sense of acceptance and understanding, not only for herself but also for her family.
In Lady Bird, the Hero’s Journey is elegantly woven into the fabric of a coming-of-age story. It captures her challenges, growth, and self-discovery inherent in the journey from adolescence to adulthood, offering a nuanced exploration of identity, family dynamics, and the pursuit of dreams.
Exceptions: Not Every Plot Fits the Hero’s Journey
Whilst the Hero’s Journey is a flexible template and can be adapted to various genres and themes, it might not be the best fit for certain stories; especially the ones that intentionally subvert traditional narrative structures, focus solely on ensemble casts without a clear central protagonist, or explore experimental storytelling methods. Here are a few examples:
Experimental Films
Experimental films often prioritize unconventional storytelling methods, abstract concepts, and non-linear narratives. In such cases, the traditional stages of the Hero’s Journey may not be evident, as these films may prioritize artistic expression over a structured plot.
Example: Koyaanisqatsi (1982)
Directed by Godfrey Reggio, “Koyaanisqatsi” is an experimental documentary film that uses time-lapse photography and innovative editing techniques to depict the relationship between humans, nature, and technology. The film doesn’t follow a traditional narrative structure or a hero’s journey but rather offers a visual and auditory exploration of its themes.
Documentaries
Some documentaries aim to capture real-life events, explore social issues, or provide informative content. The Hero’s Journey, with its focus on fictional characters and their transformative arcs, may not align with the goals of documentary filmmaking.
Example: Grizzly Man (2005)
Directed by Werner Herzog, this documentary explores the life and death of Timothy Treadwell, who lived among grizzly bears in Alaska. The film is a character study and examination of nature, presenting real-life events without following a fictional hero’s journey.
Slice-of-Life Dramas
Movies that focus on depicting everyday life without a central conflict or clear protagonist’s journey might not adhere strictly to the Hero’s Journey structure. The emphasis is often on realism and capturing ordinary moments rather than a hero’s transformative adventure.
Example: Boyhood (2014)
Directed by Richard Linklater, “Boyhood” is a coming-of-age film that spans over 12 years, following the life of a boy named Mason. The film captures ordinary moments in Mason’s life without a traditional central conflict, showcasing the challenges and joys of growing up.
Art House Cinema
Art house films often prioritize artistic expression, symbolism, and unique narrative structures. These films may not follow a traditional hero’s arc, as the focus might be on creating an emotional or intellectual experience rather than a clear, linear narrative.
Example: Mulholland Drive (2001)
Directed by David Lynch, this enigmatic film is known for its surreal and dreamlike narrative. Lynch weaves a complex story with multiple layers, challenging conventional storytelling structures and incorporating elements of psychological horror and mystery.
Episodic or Anthology Films
Films with episodic or anthology formats, where multiple stories or vignettes are presented, might not follow a single hero’s journey across the entire film. Each segment may have its own thematic or narrative structure.
Example: Pulp Fiction (1994)
Directed by Quentin Tarantino, “Pulp Fiction” is famously known for its non-linear narrative and multiple interconnected storylines. Each segment features different characters and situations, creating an anthology structure rather than following a single hero’s journey.
Certain Comedy Films
While many comedies incorporate elements of the Hero’s Journey, certain slapstick or purely situational comedies may prioritize humor over a structured hero’s arc. The primary goal is to generate laughs rather than guide the protagonist through a transformative journey.
Example: Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones, this comedy classic is a parody of the Arthurian legend. The film is known for its absurd humor, satirical elements, and episodic structure, deviating from a traditional hero’s journey while delivering comedic brilliance.
Non-Narrative or Abstract Films
Films that lean heavily on visual aesthetics, abstract concepts, or non-narrative structures may not adhere to the Hero’s Journey. The focus is on evoking emotions or exploring themes through visuals rather than following a traditional story arc.
Example: Samsara (2011)
Directed by Ron Fricke, this non-narrative documentary is a visual and musical journey through various cultures and landscapes. The film emphasizes stunning imagery and thematic exploration without a conventional plot or character-driven narrative.
These examples showcase the diversity of writing styles and genres that deviate from the traditional hero’s journey. There’s no one-size-fits-all. It’s important to know the technique that suits your style, be it Hero’s Journey or alternative frameworks like Save The Cat, Dan Harmon’s Story Circle, or any other. If none of those particularly suit you and you would still like to outline, you can create your custom template. Scrite allows you to use existing templates or create or own. You can download the app to get started for free.