Home Add to Favorite Contact Submit  
             29 March, 2024
 

    
Category:  Articles » Writing & Speaking » Writing

 

188+ step Hero's Journey (Monomyth) - Story Structure for Screenwriters 160507a

Popularity:
         Views: 2480
2007-05-20 09:48:38     
Article by Kal Bishop

FORWARD

The 188 stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth) is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. In fact, ALL of the hundreds of Hollywood movies we have deconstructed (see URL below) are based on this 188+ stage template.

Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters. This is the template you must master if you are to succeed in the craft.

[The terminology is most often metaphoric and applies to all successful stories and screenplays, from The Godfather (1972) to Brokeback Mountain (2006) to Annie Hall (1977) to Lord of the Rings (2003) to Drugstore Cowboy (1989) to Thelma and Louise (1991) to Apocaplyse Now (1979)].

THERE IS ONLY ONE STORY

THE 188 STAGE HERO'S JOURNEY:

a) Attempts to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has regarding what a story is and how it should be told.

b) Gives the writer more structural elements than simply three or four acts, plot points, mid point and so on.

c) Gives you a tangible process for building and releasing dissonance (establishing and achieving catharses, of which there are usually four).

d) Tells you what to write. For example, at a certain stage of the story, the focus should be on the Call to Adventure and the micro elements within.

ABRIDGED TIPS, EXCERPTS AND EXAMPLES:

*****Lack of Commitment and Committing*****

Post the Physical Separation and before the Trials, a stage of Lack of Commitment is not unusual. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), in the bedroom: Clyde gives Bonnie the option of getting out now. In Thelma and Louise (1991), both heroines sit it out in a hotel while they wait for Thelma to make a decision.

*****Interdiction to Trial 3*****

A Refusal or Interdiction precedes Trial 3, which is, after all, a confrontation with the Outer Challenge. In Straw Dogs (1971), the Interdiction is symbolic: David warns Amy to stop messing with the blackboard.

*****Inner Resolve*****

With the coming of the Inner Resolve, the Hero says goodbye to his Old Self and the Old World. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), Ennis drives away and this will be the last time they see each other.

*****Outer Cave*****

The Outer Cave, whichever it is (First Threshold, Road of Trials or beyond) is where the Hero confronts his Outer Challenge. In Straw Dogs (1971), the boys leave and all the while laugh at David.

*****Meeting the Oracle*****

The purpose of the Oracle is to send the Hero towards his Expansion of Consciousness and the representation of it, which is often a tangible. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), Alma asks Ennis if he knows about a guy called Jack.

Specialized in: Hero - Journey - Monomyth - Heros - Heroes - Screenwriting - Story - Structure
URL: http://www.heros-journey.info
Print article      Bookmark this page
Related Articles 
Get Expert Recommendation Letter Writing Help Online (Popularity: ): Looking for a job is not as easy as it seems to be. During your search, you will understand that it takes a lot of effort to do so. In order to ensure that you increase your visibility to the recruiters in the job market, it is important to have a proper format for all your documents. This includes submitting a well written recommendation letter. The resume should include all ...
Key Features and Benefits of Epublishing Plans (Popularity: ): Nowadays, many publishers are opting for e-publishing plans. These have a lot of benefits and key features which are not available on print media. First of all, e-publishing allows global distribution and thus allows one to reach as many customers as possible. All you have to do is sell your subscriptions online to your audience. In order to do so, you can place a URL or an image of your ...
Tips To Become The Best Blog Writer In The Blogging World And Make It Big (Popularity: ): Some people take up blog writing as a way of recreation, while some people take up blog writing professionally and make money out of it. If you write for yourself, just to record your thoughts, feelings and emotions, there are not a lot of pre-requisites which are required. When you take up writing as a freelancer or as a full time job, it is necessary that you follow certain rules ...
10 secrets of a successful grant application (Popularity: ): Many non-profit organisations rely on grants to acquire the funding they need to implement their programs. There are thousands of dollars in non-profit and community funding available each year, it is just a matter of finding the most suitable funding program for your project and then submitting a grant application, potentially securing significant funding for your organisation. However, grant writing can be a time-consuming and complex task. Some organisations choose ...
How To Enjoy Life As A Freelance Writer (Popularity: ): Being a freelance writer has its ups and downs. Just like working in any other role or industry, freelancers have to take the rough with the smooth. If, however, you focus on all of the positive aspects of this type of work, you should really be able to enjoy your working life. This, of course, is certainly benefited significantly if you have a passion for writing itself.As a freelance writer ...


Related Business 
Collaborator Software & Writer Services (Popularity: ): Provides step-by-step professional story development software and writer services for screenwriters and novelists. Used at TV/film studios and universities.
Castlebooks (Popularity: ): Ebooks and lesson plans related to Joseph Campbell and the Hero's Journey. This well-organized site offers hero myths from many cultures. Insightful commentary and interviews.
Inside Story Ink (Popularity: ): Comprehensive story and script analysis, consultation and coaching for screenwriters of all ilk, by an industry professional with extensive television credits.
How To Write Your Life Story (Popularity: ): This program leads you through the process of writing your story. It provides instruction on how to begin and how to structure your story.
alt.screenwriters (Popularity: ): Collected alt.screenwriters columns. Specifically geared towards screenwriters and the emergence of New Media.
Praxis Centre for Screenwriters (Popularity: ): A non-profit organization devoted to the professional development of Canadian screenwriters and filmmakers. Part of the School for the Contemporary Arts. News and events, screenplay competition, library, membership, scripts, resources, programs, photo directory of screenwriters and Praxis advisors, funding, awards, deadlines and deals.
Empowerment Plus Inc. (Popularity: ): A self managed journey to address concerns in the areas of attention, learning, depression, behavior, and relationships. Includes step by step instructions and useful resources.
Screenwriters Guild of America (Popularity: ): A professional portal for working and aspiring screenwriters globally.
Hero Honda Bikes Pictures (Popularity: ): Are you looking for latest and innovative online information about Hero Honda Bikes Pictures in india 2012. Get to more details of upcoming Hero Honda Bikes Pictures from autoinfoz.com online here. If you are a true lover of Hero Honda bikes, you would surely like to put the Hero Honda bikes wallpapers on your bedroom wall, on your laptop or desktop machine, on your room, your office area, your personal ...
Screenwriting Consultant (Popularity: ): Profesional story analysis and script coverage, including script editing and story structure.