Just build a story around the Hero's Journey. It is as simple and as difficult as that. If JK Rowling can do it, so can you. Yes, the Harry Potter series stories all mirror the same template, as does The Godfather, The Shawshank Redemption and a thousand other stories and films. At it's most basic, a story can be constructed around seventeen sequences. Lets look at Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), which is textbook Hero's Journey. Simply know the purpose of each stage and build a "short" around it. Then piece them together: Call to Adventure: Army intelligence want Indy to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis do. After introducing Indy (the opening jungle sequence), a whole sequence explicitly states the nature of this story - the Well of Souls, the Ark of the Covenant etc. Refusal of the Call: Army intelligence not sure if they want Indy to seek the Ark; Marcus (and later Sallah) warn Indy that the Ark is something that was not meant to be disturbed. This is not an expanded stage in this story; however, where the hero is resistant to the adventure or there are interdictors and obstacles in the way, this can be an important and interesting stage. Supernatural Aid: Marcus and Sallah are Indy's two mentors. The supernatural aid's purpose is to guide spiritually, advice, give magical gifts that will aid in the hero's adventure. There can be dark and good mentors. When Luke meets Ben Kenobi in Star Wars, this is an important sequence. Crossing the First Threshold: Indy travels to Nepal, where he meets Marion. The hero ventures into a place from which there is no return, where he meets allies and undergoes a trial. Physical Separation from the Old World (Belly of the Whale): Marion's bar is burnt down; they both leave for Cairo. The hero physically resists or is encouraged into the transformation (Road of Trials). Transformation (Road of Trials): A number of trials transform the hero; Indy loses Marion, swears revenge on Belloq, escapes death by poisoning etc. Meeting with the Goddess: Indy meets an Oracle where he is informed of the location of the Well of Souls. Indy steals into the Well of Souls to recover the location of the Ark. Rebirth through Death (Woman as Temptress): Indy and Marion are buried alive in the tomb. Indy has to confront his inner challenge - snakes. Atonement: Indy battles the Nazi soldiers while simultaneously having to save Marion from the about to explode aircraft. Apotheosis: Indy can't waste any more time; Belloq and the Nazis are about to depart with the Ark; this is his last chance. Ultimate Boon: Indy captures the Ark. Refusal of the Return: Indy and Marion depart. Say goodbye to Sallah. Magic Flight: Indy and Marion on the boat home. Rescue from Without: The Nazi submarine appears and retakes the Ark. Crossing the Return Threshold: Indy swims to the submarine, follows Belloq et al and threatens to blow up the Ark. The Knowledge (Master of the Two Worlds): During the final confrontation, Indy knows to close his eyes. Freedom to Live: The Ark hidden away by army intelligence. Indy and Marion together. The detailed deconstruction and the Complete 188 stage Hero's Journey and FREE 17 stage sample and other story structure templates can be found at http://www.managing-creativity.com/ You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site. Kal Bishop, MBA ********************************** You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the author's name and site URL are retained. |
