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 much more than just a story structure. It is much more than a plotting element, though it is valuable as that in and of itself. It is a road map for self-development, however. Though it is recognized in psychological perspectives, it is a strong way to plan a story using the same principles to make the protagonist in a story become real to the 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.
The hero comes home during the stage appropriately named return. He is no longer the same person, however. The trials he has endured has changed him into a more mature person. He has achieved a goal, and is now a more mature person. This is the ultimate journey, with the growth and maturation desired of the character.
The elements of drama in a story can be related to this journey. The thesis is the same as the departure stage. This would be the original world for the protagonist. The antithesis is the act of facing challenges by the character, and the introduction to the antagonist. The synthesis is when the tasks have been completed, whether won or not, and the character goes home to try and reconcile the original world and the new.
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.
Each of the steps fit into the three stages. These same stages and steps can be seen in a person's personal development as well. Sometimes a character that is part of a series remains static, not maturing. Just as a character can be "stuck" in one or more steps, not showing maturity but remaining static, so too can a person's personal development get stuck. The whole process has been detailed in depth in several book length works, but the process can be seen in outline form to guide a writer's plot.
This idea is much more than just a story structure. It is much more than a plotting element, though it is valuable as that in and of itself. It is a road map for self-development, however. Though it is recognized in psychological perspectives, it is a strong way to plan a story using the same principles to make the protagonist in a story become real to the 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.
The hero comes home during the stage appropriately named return. He is no longer the same person, however. The trials he has endured has changed him into a more mature person. He has achieved a goal, and is now a more mature person. This is the ultimate journey, with the growth and maturation desired of the character.
The elements of drama in a story can be related to this journey. The thesis is the same as the departure stage. This would be the original world for the protagonist. The antithesis is the act of facing challenges by the character, and the introduction to the antagonist. The synthesis is when the tasks have been completed, whether won or not, and the character goes home to try and reconcile the original world and the new.
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.
Each of the steps fit into the three stages. These same stages and steps can be seen in a person's personal development as well. Sometimes a character that is part of a series remains static, not maturing. Just as a character can be "stuck" in one or more steps, not showing maturity but remaining static, so too can a person's personal development get stuck. The whole process has been detailed in depth in several book length works, but the process can be seen in outline form to guide a writer's plot.
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