Hero’s Journey Narrative:

Developing Plot

Learning Objectives and Expectations

Objectives:

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-Brainstorm the various stages of the hero’s journey as they relate to your story

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-Record ideas for each stage

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-Ask clarifying questions of your group members

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Expectations:

-Treat all group members with respect

-Conversations are on topic & relevant to the current station

-Be aware of the time remaining at each station

-Participate at each station. Even if you decide to make changes to your story at a later date, you should leave here today with a starting point for each stage of the journey.

Learning Station Group Members

The Ordinary World

The hero is in their normal world but feels incomplete or unsatisfied.

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• Describe your setting.
• What will be the initial tone/mood for your story?
• What characters will you introduce? How will you show indirect characterization?
• You might consider using dialogue here

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1.

Call to Adventure

The catalyst that pushes the hero out of his/her ordinary world

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• Great place to use dialogue!
• What was asked of you that was unusual?
• Was there a problem that arose that needed to be solved?

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2.

Refusal of the Call

The hero resists the call, adding tension and conflict.

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• Were you hesitant to complete the task? Nervous?
• Did you have doubts about your ability to succeed?

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*While your narrative is based upon true events, authors often “stretch the truth” when storytelling. Can you think of a believable refusal of the call if you don’t have one?

3.

Meeting the Mentor

The mentor encourages the hero and provides guidance and support.

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• Who helped you along the way? One person? A group of people?
• How can you provide indirect characterization of your mentor?
• Did you help yourself? How can you describe your internal dialogue?

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4.

Crossing the Threshold

The first moment of departure from the ordinary world, a step filled with emotion.

• What is your “special world’?
• How can you describe your step into this special place using the 5 senses?
• What do you see?
• What do you hear?
• Smell?
• Taste?
• Touch?

5.

Tests, Allies & Enemies

A series of trials, giving insight into what lies ahead. The strengths of his companions are shown.

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• What tests did you face? Challenges?
• Were there any enemies you had to face?
• Who was around during this journey?

6.

Approach to the Inmost Cave

The hero is ready for the supreme ordeal. This is the start of the action.

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• What events lead up to the climax of your story?
• Are there small details that contribute to the big ordeal?

7.

The Ordeal

The hero faces his final fear in a showdown with his nemesis.

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• What is the main event/climax of your story?

8.

The Reward (Seizing the Sword)

The hero has defeated his nemesis and claims his rightful prize.

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• What did you gain from overcoming the ordeal?
• Your “reward” can come in many forms:
• Newfound knowledge or insight?
• A physical treasure?
• Confidence within yourself?
• A spot on a team?

9.

The Road Back

The consequences of the hero’s actions become clear and any unresolved issues reappear.

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• This is when you leave the special world to return to your “ordinary” world.
• How will you signify a change in setting?

10.

The Resurrection

An event that changes the hero in some way and allows a return to his ordinary world.

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• Is there one final moment/test that you have to complete when you return to the ordinary world?
• Did you have to prove yourself? Make a final sacrifice?

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*Not every hero’s journey will have a “resurrection”

11.

Return with the Elixir

Loose ends are tied up and the hero’s journey is complete. If the hero does not have the elixir, the whole journey must be repeated.

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• What did you learn?
• How did you grow?
• What life lesson applies to your journey?

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12.