1. The Stages of the Hero’s Journey

2. These stages can be divided into three major sections:
1. Departure
Hero ventures forth on the quest
2. Initiation
Hero’s various adventures along the way
3. Return
Hero's return home with knowledge and powers acquired on the journey

3. Stage 1: Departure 1. Ordinary World 2. Call to Adventure
The hero’s normal world before the story begins
2. Call to Adventure
The hero is presented with a problem, challenge or adventure
3. Refusal of the Call
The hero refuses the challenge or journey, usually because he is scared

4. Stage 1: Departure, cont’d
4. Meeting with the Mentor
The hero meets a mentor to gain advice or training for the adventure
5. Crossing the First Threshold
The hero crosses/ leaves the ordinary world and goes into the special world

5. Stage 2: Initiation 6. Tests, Allies, Enemies 7. Approach
The hero faces tests, meets allies, confronts enemies and learns the rules of the special world
7. Approach
The hero has hit setbacks during these tests and may need to try a new idea

6. Stage 2: Initiation, cont’d
8. Ordeal
The biggest life or death crisis
9. Reward
The hero has survived death, overcome his fears, and now earns the reward (boon)

7. Stage 3: Return 10. The Road Back 11. Resurrection Hero
The hero must return to the ordinary world
11. Resurrection Hero
Another test where the hero faces death- he has to use everything he has learned

8. Stage 3: Return, cont’d 12. Return with the Elixir
The hero returns from the journey with the “elixir”, and uses it to help everyone in the ordinary world