2. Volger analysed a range of films for
Hollywood film companies. His explanation
of character archetypes and the twelve
stages of the hero’s journey in films have
become influential in Hollywood and film
making.
3. 1. Ordinary world – The hero’s normal world before the story
began
2. Call to adventure – The hero is presented to a problem,
challenge or adventure
3. Refusal of the Call – The hero refuses the challenge, usually
because they are scared
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 leaves his comfortable
routine and goes into the ‘special world’
6. Tests, Allies, Enemies – The hero faces obsticals which
challenge them, makes allies, confronts enemies and learns
the rules of the ‘special world’
4. 7. Approach – The hero has hit setbacks during his ‘test’ and
may need to try a new idea
8. Ordeal – The biggest life or death crisis
9. Reward – The hero has survived death , overcomes his fear
and now earns a reward. For example, a princess
10. The Road Back – The hero must return to the ordinary world
11. Resurrection Hero – Another test where the hero faces life or
death, he has to use everything he has learned
12. Return with Elixir – The hero returns from the journey with the
‘Elixir’, and uses it to help everyone in the ordinary world.
