The Writers' Circle

The call

This is where the hero is seperated from his or her ordinary life. This separation may be due to an outside influence - for instance he or she may be witness to something; or it may be due to inner circumstances - for instance an inner unhappiness that has built up over time.

The threshold

Once called, the hero now decides to cross the threshold of adventure. He or she may cross it alone, or he or she may take guardians or helpers along with him or her. Often those the hero interacts with will try to stop the hero from crossing the threshold to adventure; sometimes they may assist. Occassionally guardians or helpers will follow at a distance, in the background, rather than directly side-by-side

The challenges / minor trials

The Hero begins the journey. He or she is no longer in familiar territory. Of course it can be emotional territory or a real territory - perhaps a landscape that the hero has never seen before. Now the minor challenges begin - for instance the challenges of differentiating between those that have come along to help from enemies. Also the hero is often tried by minor enemies - for example the minions of some grander enemy.

The abyss / the major trial

Having travelled some way into the strange, new territory, the hero now faces his or her lowest point. He or she is challenged in a very great way, perhaps by the main antagonist or enemy. Perhaps it is even a situation of life or death. It is usually a situation for which the hero is totally unprepared, even if they did not hesitate to go. His or her personal weaknesses are laid bare and the possibility of failure is very real.

The transformation

The hero has been through the abyss and has at least in part conquered his or her fears of the situation. Now comes the transformation! The hero will gain renewed strength. The hero is invigourated on his or her quest or adventure, intent on doing battle with who or whatever the enemy is.

The battle / the atonement

With renewed determination, the hero now seeks the enemy and does battle. This may be a personal battle - to battle addiction; or it may be an emotional battle - to battle the person that was once cruel; or even a physical battle - to slay that dragon!

The return / the frustration

The battle is over. The enemy is defeated, perhaps for ever perhaps indefinitely or temporarily. Either way the hero can now return home if he or she wishes. The hero may want to return home. For instance he or she may have become richer or have gained new insight or awareness; or they may have changed sufficiently much to no longer belong where they began. Even if he or she does return, with every positive intention, they may become frustated by those around them who did not change and who no longer have the same life experiences.