The Hero’s Journey is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters.
The Hero’s Journey:
• Attempts to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has regarding what a story is and how it should be told.
• Gives the writer more structural elements than simply three or four acts, plot points, mid point and so on.
• Interpreted metaphorically, laterally and symbolically, allows an infinite number of varied stories to be created.
The Hero's Journey is also a study of repeating patterns in successful stories and screenplays. It is compelling that screenwriters have a higher probability of producing quality work when they mirror the recurring patterns found in successful screenplays.
Consider this:
• Titanic (1997) grossed over $600,000,000 – uses the Hero's Journey as a template.
• Star Wars (1977) grossed over $460,000,000 - uses the Hero's Journey as a template.
• Shrek 2 (2004) grossed over $436,000,000 - uses the Hero's Journey as a template.
• ET (1982) grossed over $434,000,000 - uses the Hero's Journey as a template.
• Spiderman (2002) grossed over $432,000,000 - uses the Hero's Journey as a template.
• Out of Africa (1985), Terms of Endearment (1983), Dances with Wolves (1990), Gladiator (2000) – All Academy Award Winners Best Film are based on the Hero's Journey.
• Anti-hero stories (Raging Bull (1980), Goodfellas (1990) etc) are all based on the Hero's Journey.
• Heroine’s Journey stories (Million Dollar Baby (2004), Out of Africa (1980) etc) are all based on the Hero's Journey.
Deep Structure
The standard Hero's Journey boasts 17 stages but deep analytics reveal many more stages and recurring themes and patterns. Below is a small example; a basic deconstruction of Silence of the Lambs (Academy Award Best Film, 1991).
Introduce Hero and Capabilities [Clarice tackling the FBI assault course].
Herald brings the Call to Adventure [Jack Crawford sends Clarice to visit Lecter (her Supernatural Aid)].
Threshold Guardian [Dr Chiltern obstructs Clarice's visit to Lecter].
Refusal [Lecter refuses to help].
Overcoming Refusal [Lecter's cell mate is rude and causes Lecter to help Clarice by way of apology]. Lecter sends Clarice to the First Threshold [the garage].
Physical Separation / Belly of the Whale [Lecter says he'll help Clarice catch Buffalo Bill].
Antagonism developed [Buffalo Bill kidnaps senator's daughter].
Transformation / Road of Trials x 3 [Clarice controls the police officers; analyses the dead body in Clay County ; learns about the cocoon].
Resistance to the Meeting with the Oracle [Dr Chiltern obstructs Clarice from seeing Lecter before he is moved].
Journey to the Sword [Lecter journeys to meet the Senator].
Seizing the Sword [Clarice gets the info she needs, which Lecter has written in the case files; Clarice learns the significance of Silence of the Lambs].
Rebirth through Death [Lecter escapes and kills].
Reward [Clarice knows Lecter will not come after her].
Atonement with the Father [Clarice learns that Buffalo Bill can only covet what he sees].
Apotheosis [he's making a skin suit].
Ultimate Boon [Crawford has (allegedly) found Buffalo Bill].
Refusal [Crawford tells Clarice not to come to Chicago but go to Belvedere instead].
Magic Flight [Senator's daughter attempts to escape].
Rescue from Without {Clarice directed toward Mrs Lipman].
Crossing the Return Threshold [Clarice enters buffalo Bills House].
Master of the Two Worlds [Clarice and Buffalo Bill gun battle].
Freedom to Live [medals, graduation, Lecter confirms he has no plans to call on Clarice].
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Learn more…
The Complete 188 stage Hero’s Journey and FREE 17 stage sample and other story structure templates can be found at
http://managing-creativity.com/You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.
Kal Bishop, MBA
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Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. His specialities include Knowledge Management and Creativity and Innovation Management. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached at
http://managing-creativity.com/.
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