Hero’s Journey, Screenwriting, Story Structure - Parts 13 and 14 (of 17)
The Hero’s Journey is THE screenwriting template. Screenwriters can use it to write effective screenplays. Below are a few of the elements of each stage of the journey.
The Magic Flight.
Flee with the Treasure. The hero departs with the boon in hand. In Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indy and Marion flee with the Ark. In The Shawshank Redemption, Andy is able to flee with the warden’s paperwork, identity and money.
Distance ones self from the Antagonism. The hero may attempt to distance himself from the antagonism. In Alien, Ripley simply wants to get away.
Pursued by the Antagonism. The antagonism will not simply allow the hero to leave. It will be snapping at the hero’s heels. In Dances with Wolves, the US soldiers will not let John go.
Obstacles to the Escape. The hero will not be able to rid the antagonism easily.
In Star Wars, Luke et al battle the Empire’s fighters.
Changed. When the Hero returns home, he is somehow different. Clothing, body language and stature are changed.
Recognition. He may not be recognised, he may be ridiculed or he may be given elevated status. This is the curse of the wizened one.
Sponsors. On his return, many sponsors - Kings and important people who have encouraged his venture, may greet him. Or they may disown him.
Rescue from Without.
Resistance. Often there is resistance to the Final Confrontation. In Spiderman, Peter is more worried about his aunt in hospital.
Forced Back. If the hero has been captured by the antagonism, then he will be assisted or will though his own ingenuity somehow escape. In Dances with Wolves, the Indians help rescue John.
If the hero has escaped the antagonism, it will somehow draw him back. In Goldfinger, Bond has to diffuse a nuclear bomb.
Final Antagonism. Often, the antagonist will draw the hero back by means of a dastardly deed. In Spiderman, the Green Goblin kidnaps Mary Jane.
Time Pressure. The antagonism will initiate a time pressure to speed up the hero’s return. In Star Wars, the Empire is tracking them and approaching.
Loss of Allies. Before crossing the Return Threshold, the hero will remember and mourn lost ones and their value. In Star Wars, Luke remembers Ben.
Powerful Allies will Absent Themselves. In Lord of the Rings, Frodo journeys up the mountain alone. In Star Wars, Han Solo departs.
Impossibility. The impossibility of the final battle will be noted by doves. In The Matrix, even Neo doesn’t like the idea of having to face Agent Smith. In The Gladiator, Maximus is warned not to confront the Emperor.
Encouragement. Allies will encourage the hero when he needs strength. He travels with their support. In Star Wars, Leia encourages Luke.
New Status. The hero’s new status will be referenced. In Star Wars, Biggs confirms Luke as the best pilot in the outer territories.
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/
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Kal Bishop, MBA
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Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. His specialities include Knowledge Management and Creativity and Innovation Management. 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 at http://www.managing-creativity.com
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