Pen Freak

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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:

(simply go to http://www.screenplay-structure.com/ or http://www.story-structure.org/ for full details)

*****Conquest of the Romantic Challenge*****

The conquest of the Romantic Challenge is the Hero's Reward (post the Rebirth through Death). This is what is commonly referred to as the Mystical Marriage.

Rewards are referenced. In Dances with Wolves (1990), Kicking Bird's wife brings up the topic of John's relationship with Stands with a Fist.

Obstacles to the Reward are referenced. In Dances with Wolves (1990), Kicking Bird's wife discusses the mourning.

Removal of Obstacles is normally straightforward. In Dances with Wolves (1990), Kicking Bird tells Stands with a Fist that she can stop mourning. In Star Wars (1977), Luke swings to the other side of the bridge, Leia in his arms.

Rewards are given. In Star Wars (1977), Leia gives Luke a kiss. In Dances with Wolves (1990), John Dunbar and Stands with a Fist marry.

Sex. The boy gets the girl, of course.

*****Guided to the Oracle*****

The Hero is guided to an Oracle, who possesses some knowledge that the Hero must acquire.

Often the guide is a Mentor. In The Matrix (1999), Morpheus accompanies Neo to the Oracle. In Gladiator (2000), Maximus is simple brought to his Master, Proximo.

Often a weak animal or injured party guides the Hero toward the Oracle. In Star Wars (1977), the lost fighter guides Luke et al to the Death Star.