Directions: Trace the Hero’s path through the heroic archetype on the chart below. (Adapted from Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with 1,000 Faces and other sources)

Heroic Archetypical Characteristics / Description / Examplein Film
Departure/Leaves Family / Something compels the hero to leave family. May begin on heroic journey because of a discovery of their true identity and a desire to fulfill them. Message to the hero for hero to leave. Hero may try to avoid destiny of being a hero, but doesn’t last…(this is also referred to as refusal of the call).
Special weapon / Hero often has a special weapon that only he/she can use. Weapon may have magical powers.
Journey/Test / Hero must go on a journey or quest to prove him/herself a true hero. Sometimes a series of challenges or one large task. If the hero has to cross to “the dark side” in order to go on the journey, this is called crossing the threshold.
Supernatural Aid / Hero often aided by a helper, or helpers, that are often magical or supernatural. Helper may be a mentor and/or guide.
The Ordinary World / The hero, uneasy, uncomfortable, or unaware, is introduced sympathetically so that the audiences can identify with the situation or dilemma. The hero is shown against a background of environment, heredity and personal history. Some kind of polarity in the hero’s life is pulling in different directions and causing stress.
The Call to Adventure / Something shakes up the situation, either from pressures or something rising up from deep within; so the hero must face the beginnings of change.
Refusal of Call / The hero feels the fear of the unknown and tries to turn away from the adventure, however briefly. Alternatively, another character may express the uncertainty and danger ahead.
Meeting with the Mentor / The hero comes across a seasoned traveler of the worlds who gives him/her training, equipment, or advice that will help on the journey. Or the hero reaches within to a source of courage or wisdom.
Tests, Allies, Enemies / The hero is tested and sorts out allegations in the Special World.
The Approach / The hero and newfound allies prepare for the major challenge in the Special World.
The Ordeal / Near the middle of the story, the hero enters a central space in the Special World and confronts death or faces his/her greatest fear. Out of the moment of death comes new life.
The Reward / The hero takes possession of the treasure won by facing death. There may be celebration, but there is also danger of losing the treasure again.