The Ultimate Hero's Journey
Page 12
The Matrix: Neo wants to rescue Morpheus alone; Trinity tells him to go to hell—she’s the ranking officer, so she’s coming as well.
Harry Potter: Neville confronts Harry, Ron, and Hermione: “You’ll get Gryffindor in trouble again! I... I’ll fight you!”
Sideways: Miles tells Jack that going into Cammi’s house to get the wallet is a crazy idea. Jack says, “Fuck you, I’ll get it myself.” He won’t.
Dodgeball: Lance Armstrong learns about Peter quitting and tells him, “If people never quit when the going got tough, they’d have nothing to regret all their lives. Good luck to you, Peter. I’m sure this decision won’t haunt you forever.”
Related:
088 – Good Guys in Disagreement
138 – No Way Back, No Way Forward
The Hero’s past is destroyed, and the future is about to be.
Description:
All bonds the Hero had with the Ordinary World are gone. If anything was left of it, in this stage it gets killed or eliminated—a cat, a job, a grandma, whatever. There is no place the Hero can retreat to.
And what is worst, soon the Villain will win this thing and the Hero will have no place left in the world to go to.
Thank god the Hero still has his extraordinary talent.
Examples:
Star Wars: Luke’s home is gone, and soon the Empire will destroy his new home, too: the Rebellion. All he has left is the power of the Force. And his friends.
The Matrix: The world Neo knew never existed, and soon the Machines will destroy his future home, Zion, too. All he has left is the power of choice. And his friends.
Harry Potter:InThe Deathly Hallows movies, Harry has no home to go back to (the Dursleys escaped), and Voldemort is about to destroy Hogwarts. All he has is his magic powers, the loyalty of a wand or two, and his friends.
Sideways: Miles’s hopes to get back with Victoria are gone and it looks like he blew his chances with Maya, as well. All he has is one last adventure ahead of him: To get Jack’s wallet back.
Dodgeball: Peter gave up the gym, the championship, the girl, and his friends. His past and his future mean nothing. All he has is the bribe money.
Related:
072 – No Going Back
139 – Ticking Clock
This will be over soon.
Description:
Time is the scarcest of commodities: You cannot buy it, and when it’s gone, it’s gone. This is true for fiction, too. If no clock was set earlier in the story, now is the moment to introduce it.
This is the thing with countdowns: As long as they don’t reach zero, everything is okay. So you make sure that the countdowndoreaches zero, which happens in stage164 – The Unthinkable Happens.
Nowthat’s a climax!
Examples:
Star Wars:We see a computer diagram of the Death Star approaching firing position and a countdown. (Itwill fire.)
The Matrix:The Squids, those murderous machines, where introduced early in the story. Two of them are back, trying to penetrate the Nebuchadnezzar’s hull. (Theydo penetrate the hull.)
Harry Potter:If Harry doesn’t hurry, Snape is going to reach the chamber where the sorcerer’s stone is hidden. (The real villain is Quirrell, whodoes reach the chamber. In fact, he’s waiting there for Harry.)
Sideways: The rings are lost, and Jack’s wedding is but a few hours away.
Dodgeball:If Peter doesn’t arrive soon, his team will have to forfeit the game. (Theydo forfeit the game.)
140 – The Villain’s Weakness
The Villain’s perfect plan has a teeny-tiny problem.
Description:
Just as the Hero has a Weakness, the Villain has one, too, derived from need and desire.
Now that the Hero knows how the bad guy is going to win this thing, the Hero also knows how to stop him.
Examples:
Star Wars:The Death Star looks invincible, but it has one weakness: One torpedo in the reactor and the whole thing goesk-boom. But the Weakness (with capital “W”) is Tarkin’s: He underestimates the small Rebel attack force; he thinks they are no match for his monstrous battle station.
The Matrix: Smith is invincible. But there is a problem: The Oracle was right. Neo’s doubts are gone.
Harry Potter: Voldemort wants to use the stone to return to life. There is a problem, though: Dumbledore’s spell. The stone can only be found by someone who wouldn’t want to use it, so it magically teleported to Harry’s pocket.
Sideways: The wallet is in Cammi’s room. Luckily for the guys, Cammi and her husband didn’t notice that.
Dodgeball:White Goodman won everything. There is a problem, though: Peter now has $100,000 in cash and a renovated faith in himself.
Related:
171 – The Hero Lets Go
141 – Second Encouragement
The Hero gets a last moment of human intimacy
before the ordeal begins.
Description:
This encouragement gives the Hero a reaffirmation of power. It usually comes from the Goddess (or whomever the romantic interest is).
There can be a kiss, a night of love, a word of encouragement, even something as subtle as a look. In any case, the message is “I believe in you.”
Examples:
Star Wars: Han tells Luke before the final battle: “May the Force be with you” (no time for romance here).
The Matrix: Neo rescues Trinity from the exploding helicopter, and they embrace in the rooftop.
Harry Potter:There is no romance, but there is a word of encouragement from Hermione. Harry answers, embarrassed, “I’m not as good as you”. “Me!,” Hermione says. “Books! And cleverness! There are more important things – friendship and bravery and – oh, Harry – becareful!”
Sideways: Miles spends the night at Maya’s.
Dodgeball: Owen and Fran meet and connect at the bar; romance ensues.
Related:
079 – First Encouragement
169 – Third Encouragement
142 – Third Epiphany
The Hero learns the most important lesson about himself.
Description:
This stage marks the end of the Hero’s Weakness. Fighting against it didn’t work; the only alternative is to understand it; not to repress the Weakness, but to leave it behind.
This is the last stage of Act 2. Consider ending a chapter here.
Examples:
Star Wars: Luke might not have much faith in the Force, but he hears Obi-Wan’s voice again. His distrust starts dissipating.
The Matrix: Neo may not have much belief, but he has the power of choice. And paradoxically, being The One is all about choice.
Harry Potter: Harry might not know much about magic (he is a first-year, after all), but the magic is in him, as he will learn soon.
Sideways: Miles discovers that he has his own agency. “I’m not Jack. I’m just his freshman roommate from San Diego State,” he says.
Dodgeball:Peter finds himself with money in his hands (something he always did without) but without friends (something henever did without). It’s time to turn that around.
Related:
118 – The Ultimate Boon
140 – The Villain’s Weakness
143 – Plan C: Infiltrate
No time for explanations.
Description:
The Hero finally has a plan for the final battle. But when asked about it, the Hero only says something cryptic, like “I know what I must do.”
One thing is certain: He has factored self-sacrifice into the equation.
Examples:
Star Wars: Luke retracts his targeting computer. When he’s asked what’s wrong, he only answers: “Nothing, I’m all right.”
The Matrix: Tank asks Neo, “What do you need, besides a miracle?” He only answers, “Guns. Lots of guns.”
Harry Potter:Harry discovered which one of the flying keys opens the door they must open in order to continue ahead. Hermione asks, “Wh
at’s wrong, Harry?” He only answers, “It’s too simple.”
Sideways: Miles and Jack discuss how to recover the wallet. Miles only says, “Hold on,” and leaves the car.
Dodgeball: Peter shows up at the game. Everyone looks at him, waiting for an explanation. He just says, “What? I got a plan.”
Related:
064 – Plan A: Let Events Unfold
120 – Plan B: Rescue
126 – The Villain’s Stronghold
140 – The Villain’s Weakness
144 – The Reluctant Aid
A character with some special power reluctantly helps.
Description:
The Hero recruits the help of a character who is essentially neutral. This character doesn’t care about the Hero’s quest, nor about the dark side. The Reluctant Aid agrees to help, but for a price.
This character doesn’t become part of the team but remains reclusive and independent. The Aid is beyond good and evil and seems unaffected by the world’s problems.
After this scene, the Reluctant Aid disappears from the story.
Examples:
Star Wars: InEpisode I - The Phantom Menace, Watto releases Anakin in exchange for money.
The Matrix:In the sequel,The Matrix Reloaded, Persephone gives Neo the Keymaker in exchange for one true kiss.
Harry Potter: InThe Deathly Hallows - Part 2, Helena Ravenclaw reluctantly reveals the location of her mother’s diadem only after Harry promises that he will destroy the object.
Sideways: (Not applicable).
Dodgeball: The help comes from none other than Chuck Norris. The destiny of Average Joe’s is in his hands—literally: He gives the thumbs-up, and Average Joe’s can play despite having forfeited the game. So much for neutrality.
Related:
081 – The False Enemy
083 – The Random Ally
145 – The Comedic Relief
Something funny happens.
Description:
As a Joker stage, the Comedic Relief can be placed wherever you need it, but it has more effect after something has gone downhill.
Humor is important, no matter the genre. This stage reminds us to not take ourselves too seriously, and it reminds the audience that this is supposed to be entertaining.
It only takes one funny word or situation not to write a totally humorless story.
Examples:
Star Wars: C3PO is in charge of funny remarks, but the best comedic situation is delivered by Han Solo, posing as a mild-mannered stormtrooper: “Uh... We had a slight weapons malfunction, but, uh… everything’s perfectly all right now. We’re fine, thank you. How are you?”
The Matrix: I believe this would be the perfect movie if it had just a pinch of humor somewhere. The closest to it is Mouse’s monologue about the Woman in the Red Dress.
Harry Potter: Potions explode, Uncle Vernon’s disgusting sister inflates like a balloon and floats away, and candy has earwax’s flavor. Harry’s stories are full of funny situations.
Sideways: This is a drama, but many scenes have a funny side: Jack scares bullies away with a golf club, men run around stark naked, etc.
Dodgeball: This movie is all about comedic situations, of course. And it has one moment of drama (see stage135 – The Hero’s Fall), which is exactly what every good comedy needs.
146 – Sword Upgrade
The Hero gets a more powerful weapon.
Description:
The acquisition of a new “sword” (a weapon, tool, or instrument) is a symbol of the ascending Hero’s arc.
There is a personal relationship with the weapon the Hero uses. It either belonged to an ancestor (likeAndúril,Aragorn’s sword inThe Lord of The Rings), or was received by divine right (Excalibur), or was forged by the Hero (like Luke’s new lightsaber).
Examples:
Star Wars:Luke starts using his father’s lightsaber, but a Jedi must build his own. He does, and Vader says, examining the weapon: “Your skills are complete.” For the coming battle, however, he will be using something bigger: An Incom T-65B X-wing Starfighter, with torpedoes and everything.
The Matrix:Neo goes from using “lots of guns” to using none at all—that’s his upgrade.
Harry Potter: Harry uses several wands: Ollivander‘s wand, a snatcher’s wand that Ron gave him, Draco’s wand, and the Elder Wand—the most powerful in existence. He destroys that last one, though, a symbol of staying true to himself.
Sideways: Miles doesn’t use any weapons (just like Neo), but only his wits.
Dodgeball: No weapons upgrade here, either—just uniform upgrades.
Related:
056 – Presentation of the First Sword
173 – Emergence of the Sword
147 – Suit Up and Go
Both sides get armed to the teeth.
Description:
Both Hero and Villain wear their Sunday suits in preparation for the final battle. Once again, the external appearance is indicative of an internal resolution.
Both suits (the Hero’s and the Villain’s) come with an ace up the sleeve, but those remain secret until the Climax.
Examples:
Star Wars: Luke wears a pilot’s suit; R2D2 is placed in Luke’s ship, and all fighters are fueled, armed, and ready. In the Death Star, there is no shortage of shiny uniforms, of course—or ships, or weapons.
The Matrix: The Agents’ suits always look like they were just picked up from the cleaners, no matter if they just punched their way through a concrete wall. Neo and Trinity wear the coolest outfits that anyone can code.
Harry Potter: The kids, usually in school uniforms, dress in normal clothes for the final mission.
Sideways: After running naked for five miles dodging mean ostriches, Jack puts some clothes on.
Dodgeball: The guys, wearing their yellow uniforms, take position in the field.
Related:
065 – New Clothes
148 – Rallying the Troops
A figure of authority delivers a pep talk.
Description:
Epic tales feature several troop rallies; in other genres, this stage can be just a simple, intimate conversation. The key is to inspire the warriors by talking about values they are fighting for. It has to be a short but powerful speech.
Examples:
Star Wars: Luke’s call is made to Han, asking for his help in the final battle. The speech succeeds, but not immediately (right now, Han leaves the Rebel base with his money. He doesn’t want to take part in the final battle).
The Matrix: Neo tells Trinity and Tank that he believes in something: He believes he can bring Morpheus back.
Harry Potter: Giant magical chess. Ron encourages Harry to finish the game, and to continue. “Do you want to stop Snape or not? Harry, it’s you that has to go on. I know it. Not me, not Hermione—you.”
Sideways: Jack directs Miles to Cammi’s house: ”Yeah, this is the block. Just keep going.” Their final battle is to recover the wallet with the rings.
Dodgeball:Peter’s pep talk starts with the question, “What’s our motto?” The team replies, “Aim low.” “That’s right, “ Peter says. “All I’m asking is that you give it your best for Patches. I say we go out there, let it all hang loose, try to have some fun. I mean, it’s only dodgeball, right?” It’s not “just dodgeball”, of course, but his words reveal that he is already letting go, a foreshadowing of stage171.
Related:
122 – The Hero Leads
171 - The Hero Lets Go
149 – The Villain’s Grand Entrance
It’s David versus Goliath all over again.
Description:
Welcome to the Villain’s inner cave, his natural element, the place where the Villain is most powerful.
This place shows the antagonists in all their glory, reflecting their true personality—think Dracula’s Castle or Mount Doom.
Examples:
Star Wars: The Imperial forces are intimidating, an immense evil arm
ada. Only a handful of small Rebel fighters stands in its way.
The Matrix: Security guards, SWAT, policemen, the Agents—Neo and Trinity march to face them all.
Harry Potter: Quirrell stands up straight, and he doesn’t stutter anymore. He looks powerful and evil. And he has Voldemort living inside his body. Scary.
Sideways: Miles looks Lilliputian compared to Cammi’s husband, a naked behemoth screaming obscenities against a background of heavy metal music.
Dodgeball: Globo Gym players are huge, muscular, and have names like “Laser, Blazer, Taser, and all kinds of ‘asers.”
Related:
150 – Humble Entrance of the Hero
150 – Humble Entrance of the Hero
This Hero enters the place where everything is going to end.
Description:
The Hero is the underdog, always outnumbered and outgunned. The only hope is to outsmart the Villain.
The entrance of the Hero is humble but radiates self-confidence. The Hero fights for something bigger than himself.
Every piece of the board is in position, and both Hero and Villain are ready to fight. All the events of the story have fatally driven them to this place and time.
Examples:
Star Wars:Thirty single-pilot Rebel ships feel the gravity shake as they enter the Death Star space. They unfold their wings, locking them in the “X” attack position.
The Matrix: Security checkpoint. Neo opens his coat and shows the astonished guards all the weapons he carries.
Harry Potter: Harry walks into the secret room where the sorcerer’s stone is kept hidden. Professor Quirrell is already there.
Sideways: Miles enters Cammi’s house through the back door and advances on all fours toward the bedroom.
Dodgeball:Peter enters the field while jogging confidently. The final game is about to begin.
Related: