The Hero's Journey is the template upon which the cast majority of successful screenplays are built upon. Films as diverse as Gladiator (2000), Million Dollar Baby (2004), Raging Bull (1980) and Scarface (1983) were all constructed around the Hero's Journey Template.
The hero normally has three challenges: outer, inner, romantic.
One important criteria of the challenge is its feasibility. The audience must believe that the hero can achieve it.
One good example where it is difficult to believe that the hero is capable of the task is Return of the Jedi (1983) and consequently the movie suffers. We did not experience Luke complete his training and so when he appears in the beginning of Return of the Jedi (1983), it is difficult to believe that he is truly capable.
On the other hand, we are introduced to Maximus in Gladiator (2000) and very quickly learn that he is capable in battle and a good fighter. It is very easy for us to then believe that he can conquer the gladiator world so quickly.
Feasibility crosses most genres. In There's Something about Mary (1998), Ted matures from geek to normal guy before he gets a chance to feasibly woo Mary.
Learn more…
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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
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