Mythologists study mythology by contrasting them by methods, looking at older ones. Joseph Campbell was a mythologist who did the opposite, by comparing how they were alike instead of contrasting differences. Through this he developed the concept of the heros journey. Authors use it to develop plot, and individuals use it to change 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 of the steps for this journey is that of departure. The character, or the individual if it is not a story, is called to depart to the unknown. They leave the comfort of their familiar life and venture out, to a great adventure in the case of the story, or to what to a person is somewhat of an adventure because they are not sure of what the future holds.
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.
During the stage named return, the hero must return home, no longer the same person. The trials he has withstood have matured him. He has a goal to achieve, and is now a mature person. This stage involves growth of the character as he matures. This is the ultimate goal of a story character, this change.
This journey can be related to the drama of a story. The departure stage is the same as the thesis. This is the world as it currently is for the protagonist. The antithesis is when the character faces opposing forces, and the antagonist. The synthesis stage is when the hero has accomplished, or not, all he sets out to do, and goes home to try and combine the old world and the new one.
There are ten steps that are included in the three stages. These are the original world, the adventure, hitting the apparent point of no return when a major challenge is met, trials and dangers, a magical mentor with supernatural assistance, being in the dragon's lair, the moment of despair, and the ultimate challenge. At the conclusion of that, there is the homeward trip, then the rebirth of the character and his triumphant return.
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 of the steps for this journey is that of departure. The character, or the individual if it is not a story, is called to depart to the unknown. They leave the comfort of their familiar life and venture out, to a great adventure in the case of the story, or to what to a person is somewhat of an adventure because they are not sure of what the future holds.
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.
During the stage named return, the hero must return home, no longer the same person. The trials he has withstood have matured him. He has a goal to achieve, and is now a mature person. This stage involves growth of the character as he matures. This is the ultimate goal of a story character, this change.
This journey can be related to the drama of a story. The departure stage is the same as the thesis. This is the world as it currently is for the protagonist. The antithesis is when the character faces opposing forces, and the antagonist. The synthesis stage is when the hero has accomplished, or not, all he sets out to do, and goes home to try and combine the old world and the new one.
There are ten steps that are included in the three stages. These are the original world, the adventure, hitting the apparent point of no return when a major challenge is met, trials and dangers, a magical mentor with supernatural assistance, being in the dragon's lair, the moment of despair, and the ultimate challenge. At the conclusion of that, there is the homeward trip, then the rebirth of the character and his triumphant return.
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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