The Heroic Journey 13: Plot Structure
We see the Hero in the World of the Common Day from which he is summoned via a Call to Adventure from a Herald to the threshold of adventure and eventual departure into the Magical World. He refuses the Call at first, then finally accepts, prepares for the Journey, and encounters a Threshold Guardian, who warns him to turn back. The Hero then enters the Mythological Woods.
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The Heroic Journey 9: Heroes Change
A word about the Hero in the beginning.
In a novel there are obstacles — tangible ones such as icebergs, aliens, a powerful lost Ark, fairy tale creatures invading Shrek’s swamp, or the Mafia. But there are also inner conflicts within the Hero which affect the outer conflict.
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The Heroic Journey 5: The Hero’s Inner Journey
Another fairly common trait in Hero’s Journey stories is the inner journey of the Hero, analogous to the outer journey he undertakes.
The Hero starts out with an outer “want” and an inner “need.” He might not be conscious, even, of the inner need, but it’s clear to the reader.
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The Heroic Journey 4: The Hero’s Traits
We’ve discussed the Hero’s goals and how you can get the reader to identify and sympathize with the Hero. So who, exactly, is the Hero?
He’s an extreme, larger than life, slightly neurotic, driven type. He stands out in a crowd. He should be just a little bit better than the average guy – stronger, wittier, more beautiful, but not excessively so.
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