Monday, 7/16: The Hero's Journey

“Myths are public dreams, dreams are private myths.” --Joseph Campbell

"Myth is much more important and true than history. History is just journalism and you know how reliable that is.”  --Joseph Campbell

• Discussion and explanation of the Hero's Journey
• Static vs. Dynamic Characters
• Flaws/Fatal Flaw
• Prompt: Plot the major points of a novel according to the Hero's Journey
• Prompt: Write the opening chapter of your novel.

Exercise to develop your Hero/Heroine
1. Describe the clothes your hero/ine wears and their appearance in general. What is his or her attitude toward their appearance and clothing?
2. What would your hero/ine least like to do/be/have?
3. What would your hero/ine most like to do/be/have?
4. Get a feel for how your protagonist thinks and speaks. Write a letter or email from your hero/ine to his or her best friend.
5. What is your hero/ine's major strengths and weakness (flaw)? What are the minor ones?

Related Links

Hero's journey (for novels). The Hero's Journey is the classic format of adventure stories.

• Summary of steps of the Hero's Journey
• Visual of the Hero's Journey
• Archetypal Characters