Story Structure ? Classic Hero?s Journey

The Classical Hero's Journey is one of the most detailed story structures containing 106 sequences overall and 32 in Act III alone.

A descendant of Campbell's Hero with a Thousand Faces and containing references to all the normal and less usual Archetypes: Peer Brothers, the Failed Hero and more, it allows the screen or story writer to quickly map out a step outline, template or first draft screenplay.

The Classical Hero's Journey follows the universal story pattern ("there is in reality only one story"); the first ten sequences are very briefly summarised here:

1. An overview of the environment and context the story will take place in. Usually shots of the city, events, people interactions, events, narrative or some combination of above or similar. Sometimes an explanation is in order depending on the complexity involved.

2. Antagonist captures Princess. Princess sends Heralds to find rescuer ? someone with a reputation and history of success against the antagonist; someone who may be able to assist in some way or similar. Often an Old Knight. If Heralds are more than one, they may conflict in some way. Establish evil nature of antagonist. Establish good nature of Princess. Herald(s) may be forced into the journey. Antagonist's lieutenants may, through a mistake, lack of intelligence, some sort of deception or similar allow the Herald(s) to escape. Antagonist chases Herald's in the belief (may be mistaken) that they Herald's are dangerous, are important people, have something important in their possession, cannot let word of the Princess' capture get out or similar.

3. The Herald(s) journey is full of difficulties. If the Herald's are more than one, they may be separated for some reason. Some may die before finding help.

4. Antagonist's lieutenants are hot on the heels of the Herald(s).

5. If Herald's are separated, they are united. Else they approach the place where help may be at hand and the story reverts to being that of the Hero and not theirs.

6. The Hero is introduced. Along with the Interdictor, Hawks, Doves and perhaps others. The interaction between the characters illustrates their roles.

7. Heralds are not recognised by the Hero. It may be by pure chance that the Hero and Heralds meet. Others may have an interest in blocking the meeting.

8. Hero and Heralds interact in a safe, quiet place. Usually a place where the Hero feels comfortable. Herald's inform the Hero of their backstory, the World of the Ordeal. There are references to a Mentor. The Heralds present the Hero with a Call to Adventure.

9. The Interdictor presents an interdiction that prevents the Hero from embarking on the adventure. The interdictive nature of the Interdictor is expanded upon. There are references to the Peer Brother - that the Interdictor is preventing the Hero from growing to the level of the Peer Brother. References to the Hero's mysterious birth, his lack of knowledge of his parenthood and descendents. References to the Mentor. Hawks, Doves and Interdictor may debate the pros and cons of issuing the Interdiction. The secret desire of the Hero to embark on the adventure is illustrated.

10. Through some outside event, the Hero is forced into the adventure. He leaves in the dead of night, aware that he is violating the interdiction and aware of the danger. The danger of breaking the interdiction is expanded.

The Classical Hero's Journey Story and Screenplay Structure 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.

Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached on http://www.managing-creativity.com

---

Humor Just Got A Whole Lot Funnier With Juggin Joe

Author Joseph Yakel presents his own blend of humor and... Read More

Headlong Into Quicksand: The Tale of Today in America

America´s 220 years of Democracy (of its 400 years) is... Read More

The Cranberry Bog - Book Review

"Scott Underhill takes readers on a stimulating, emotional ride in... Read More

Book Review: Seth Godin - All Marketers Are Liars

Let me start with a small disclaimer: I am a... Read More

Book review on Finite Capacity Scheduling, Part I

Finite Capacity Scheduling by Gerhard Plenert PhD and Bill KirchmeirI... Read More

Niche Site Confessions Revealed ? An Unbiased Ebook Review

If you're like me then chances are when it comes... Read More

Media Star Power Book Review

Media Star Power: ABCs to Successful TV, Radio, Print &... Read More

Do You Know How to Buy and Read eBooks!

Now, I know what you're probably thinking, "Reading and eBook... Read More

72 Hour Hold

Bebe Moore Campbell weaves a tale of unrelenting love and... Read More

FDA Approved Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy Can Improve The Quality of Your Life

As of August 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA)... Read More

Druxel Manor - Book Review

"Druxel Manor is a stimulating thriller-mystery-romance novel that keeps the... Read More

The Bible Code II: The Countdown, by Michael Drosnin

Sir Isaac Newton knew about the Bible code 300 hundred... Read More

Book Summary: Networking For Professional Success

Book Summary:This article is based on the following book: ... Read More

Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life - AchieveMax® Top Ten Book Review

Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life is another book focusing... Read More

Multi-talented Author Joseph Yakel Releases Both Historical and Comedy Works

Author Joseph Yakel is leading a two-pronged charge to provide... Read More

The Little Mornings - Book Review

The Little Mornings, by C M Albrecht is a murder... Read More

What $ells on EBay For What - Book Review

You look at the salesletter and the price tag ($8.95... Read More

HIV-Muscles: This is the Title of a New Book about One Mans Battle with HIV

Today Lavaine is doing well and able to go about... Read More

Story Structure - Three Heroes

Three Heroes Story Structure follows the Hero's Journey mould but... Read More

Life Lines

Joyce Meyers has been inspiring Christians for decades with the... Read More

Book Summary: Effective Networking For Personal Success

We are all "self-employed" now.Today there is absolutely no job... Read More

A Monster Named Criney who Makes Kids Whiney - Review

Excellent! The best children book of this genre that I... Read More

Alison?s Journey: Book Review

"The dedication in this book is a work of poetry... Read More

Book Summary: The 17 Indisputable Laws Of Teamwork

To achieve great things, you need a team. Building a... Read More

Book Review: What Color Is Your Parachute?

What Color is Your Parachute? Reviewed by: Matt Keegan ©... Read More

How Would You Move Mount Fuji? - AchieveMax® Top Ten Book Review

For a number of reasons, today's hiring managers from Wall... Read More

A Ghost in Cornwall

This land is my memories. For two thousand years this... Read More

Kashmir: Behind the Vale

Kashmir has been a reason for at least three wars... Read More

Never Fry Bacon in the Nude - AchieveMax® Top Ten Book Review

Never Fry Bacon in the Nude (And Other Lessons from... Read More

Lethal Option - Book Review

"This has to be one of the best detective novels... Read More

Marone Memoirs: An Immigrant Story - Review By Amanda Evans

Marone Memoirs ? An immigrant Story by author Sarah E.... Read More

ARTURO EL REY - Book Review

This large (about 378 pages), fantasy-adventure novel should give best... Read More

My Dad Wears Polka-dotted Socks! - Review

"Bright colored sheets just inside the sturdy book cover certainly... Read More