Wondering how to effectively apply the ‘Hero’s Journey’ to your own story? Here are three practical tips to get started:
1. Identify your protagonist: Your main character is crucial to your story, so take the time to develop them fully. Consider their challenges, desires and the core theme of your story, as well as how they will grow and evolve throughout the journey.
2. Add the seven chapters: Once you have established your protagonist, you can begin adding the seven essential chapters that make up the ‘Hero’s Journey’. These include:
– The Call to Adventure (the protagonist’s journey begins)
– The Shift (a change occurs, setting the protagonist on a new path)
– The Quest (the protagonist sets out to achieve a goal)
– The Allies (the protagonist gains support and help from others)
– The Challenge (obstacles arise, testing the protagonist’s resolve)
– The Transformation (the protagonist undergoes a significant change or realisation. In Marvel films heroes often discover incredible superpowers that help them save the day, but in the real world, our heroic transformations come from gathering a mighty dose of courage)
– The Legacy (the protagonist leaves a lasting impact)
3. Make it personal: to truly engage your audience, make your story personal. Incorporate your own experiencess, emotions and build suspense to keep your audience invested. By creating a personal connection, you can draw your audience into the story and give it deeper meaning.
