Many study myths by studying the different methods used by each writer. Joseph Campbell, however, instead of contrasting the methods studies how they compare them as being the same. This method of study led to the system named the heros journey. Both authors use it to plan their plots and individuals use it to direct their lives.
This idea is not just about story structure. It is about much more than that. Though it is a valuable tool in plotting, it is also identified as a road map to self-improvement. Though it is recognized by psychologists, it is more identified as a writing tool for planning a story's plot. The same principles used for self-improvement are used to make a character come to life for a reader.
One step in this process is called departure. This is when the character, or the individual if that applies, is required to depart the world they know and enter a new situation, leaving the comfort of the familiar. They must venture forth to a new situation, which in the story is a new adventure, or in the case of the individual, an adventurous undertaking.
Once the hero has departed to the unknown, he faces all the trials and catastrophes facing him, such as monsters and other dangers. His skill and ability to deal with conflict is tested. Though he may not always triumph over it all, and really will not, he will persevere in spite of whatever he faces.
The hero comes home during the stage appropriately named return. He is no longer the same person, however. The trials he has endured has changed him into a more mature person. He has achieved a goal, and is now a more mature person. This is the ultimate journey, with the growth and maturation desired of the character.
The elements of drama in a story can be related to this journey. The thesis is the same as the departure stage. This would be the original world for the protagonist. The antithesis is the act of facing challenges by the character, and the introduction to the antagonist. The synthesis is when the tasks have been completed, whether won or not, and the character goes home to try and reconcile the original world and the new.
The stages in this process translates into ten steps as Campbell identified. The steps include the ordinary world, the adventure, crossing the first adventure (the point of no return), the trials and foes faced, rescue by a magical mentor, in the dragon's lair, the moment of despair when all seems lost, the ultimate treasure, homeward journey, and the maturity and home at last.
All of these steps make up the three stages. These can be seen in the character's growth as well as in a person's individual development. Sometimes the character remains static when they need to be the same throughout a series. They remain static in one step, not showing maturity. In a similar way, an individual's progress may get stuck also. Several authors have dealt with this whole process in books, but this outline form will help a writer guide their plot.
This idea is not just about story structure. It is about much more than that. Though it is a valuable tool in plotting, it is also identified as a road map to self-improvement. Though it is recognized by psychologists, it is more identified as a writing tool for planning a story's plot. The same principles used for self-improvement are used to make a character come to life for a reader.
One step in this process is called departure. This is when the character, or the individual if that applies, is required to depart the world they know and enter a new situation, leaving the comfort of the familiar. They must venture forth to a new situation, which in the story is a new adventure, or in the case of the individual, an adventurous undertaking.
Once the hero has departed to the unknown, he faces all the trials and catastrophes facing him, such as monsters and other dangers. His skill and ability to deal with conflict is tested. Though he may not always triumph over it all, and really will not, he will persevere in spite of whatever he faces.
The hero comes home during the stage appropriately named return. He is no longer the same person, however. The trials he has endured has changed him into a more mature person. He has achieved a goal, and is now a more mature person. This is the ultimate journey, with the growth and maturation desired of the character.
The elements of drama in a story can be related to this journey. The thesis is the same as the departure stage. This would be the original world for the protagonist. The antithesis is the act of facing challenges by the character, and the introduction to the antagonist. The synthesis is when the tasks have been completed, whether won or not, and the character goes home to try and reconcile the original world and the new.
The stages in this process translates into ten steps as Campbell identified. The steps include the ordinary world, the adventure, crossing the first adventure (the point of no return), the trials and foes faced, rescue by a magical mentor, in the dragon's lair, the moment of despair when all seems lost, the ultimate treasure, homeward journey, and the maturity and home at last.
All of these steps make up the three stages. These can be seen in the character's growth as well as in a person's individual development. Sometimes the character remains static when they need to be the same throughout a series. They remain static in one step, not showing maturity. In a similar way, an individual's progress may get stuck also. Several authors have dealt with this whole process in books, but this outline form will help a writer guide their plot.
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