How to Write a Hero’s Journey Story
Writing a hero’s journey story is an exciting endeavor that can captivate readers and transport them to a world of adventure and self-discovery. The hero’s journey, also known as the monomyth, is a narrative structure that has been used in countless stories throughout history. To craft a compelling hero’s journey, follow these essential steps.
1. Choose Your Hero
The first step in writing a hero’s journey story is to select your protagonist. Your hero should be relatable and have a strong desire to change their life. Consider their background, personality, and motivations. What drives them to embark on their journey? What challenges do they face in their everyday life? These questions will help you create a well-rounded character that readers can connect with.
2. Establish the Ordinary World
Before the hero’s journey begins, it’s important to introduce the ordinary world. This is the setting and context in which the story takes place. Describe the hero’s daily life, their relationships, and the challenges they face. The ordinary world should be stable and predictable, setting the stage for the hero’s transformation.
3. Call to Adventure
The call to adventure is the moment when the hero is presented with an opportunity to change their life. This can be a direct invitation or an indirect challenge. The call to adventure often represents a significant change in the hero’s life, compelling them to leave their ordinary world behind.
4. Refusal of the Call
After receiving the call to adventure, the hero may initially resist. This refusal can be due to fear, doubt, or a sense of loyalty to their ordinary world. The hero’s hesitation adds depth to their character and creates tension in the story.
5. Meeting the Mentor
The mentor is a guide who helps the hero prepare for their journey. This character can provide wisdom, training, or equipment that will be essential for the hero’s success. The mentor can also serve as a source of moral support and encouragement.
6. Crossing the First Threshold
The hero’s journey officially begins when they cross the first threshold, leaving their ordinary world behind. This can be a literal or metaphorical departure, but it marks the beginning of the hero’s transformation.
7. Tests, Allies, and Enemies
As the hero progresses on their journey, they will encounter various tests, allies, and enemies. These challenges will help the hero grow and develop their skills. Allies can provide support and guidance, while enemies will test the hero’s resolve and determination.
8. Approach to the Inmost Cave
The approach to the inmost cave represents the hero’s final confrontation with their greatest fear or challenge. This is the climax of the story, where the hero must confront their inner demons and overcome their deepest fears.
9. The Ordeal
The ordeal is the moment when the hero faces their greatest challenge and must make a crucial decision. This can be a physical battle, a moral dilemma, or an internal struggle. The outcome of the ordeal will determine the hero’s fate.
10. The Reward
After surviving the ordeal, the hero receives a reward. This can be a physical prize, such as a treasure or a new skill, or a psychological reward, such as self-discovery or personal growth. The reward represents the hero’s transformation and their newfound power.
11. The Road Back
The hero must now return to their ordinary world with the knowledge and power they’ve gained. This journey back can be fraught with danger, as the hero must face the same enemies and challenges they encountered earlier. The hero’s journey back also serves as a chance for them to apply their newfound wisdom and skills.
12. The Resurrection
The resurrection is the moment when the hero is reborn, having overcome their trials and transformed into a new person. This can be a literal or metaphorical rebirth, but it signifies the hero’s growth and the beginning of their new life.
13. Return with the Elixir
Finally, the hero returns to their ordinary world with the elixir, or the knowledge and power they’ve gained. This can bring about change and transformation in their community, as the hero uses their newfound abilities to help others.
By following these steps and incorporating the elements of the hero’s journey, you can create a compelling and timeless story that will resonate with readers for generations. Happy writing!
