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.
The Separation from Allies
One common occurrence during the Seizure of the Sword (The stage of Meeting with the Goddess) is the separation of the hero from some or all of his allies:
In The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Obi Wan cannot help Luke when he decides to venture to the City in the Clouds without fully completing his training.
In Star Wars (1977), Luke et al leave C3PO and R2D2 behind, when he, Han and Chewy venture off to rescue Leia.
In Dances with Wolves (1990), Kicking Bird and Wind in his Hair (and the rest of the tribe) go off to fight the Pawnee, leaving John Dunbar alone to win over Stands with a Fist.
In Goodfellas (1990), Henry is separated from Karen upon entering prison – where his Sword is the discovery of "the cocaine business."
In Carlito’s Way (1993), Gail distances herself from Carlito when he agrees to help break Tony T out of prison.
The detailed, complete deconstruction and the Complete 188 stage Hero’s Journey and FREE 17 stage sample and other story structure templates can be found at
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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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