188 Step Hero's Journey (Monomyth) - Screenwriting, Story Structure Secrets 2

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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)

*****Elixir*****

The Elixir is now developed or further made explicit (post Trial 3 and the conquest of the Outer Challenge). The Hero (as well as the audience) are reminded of the rewards of completing the Journey: In Transamerica (2005), Bree and Toby arrive at the Gender Pride party in Dallas.

Threshold Guardian. As normal, the Threshold Guardian must be passed. In Transamerica (2005), Marianne welcomes them to the Gender Pride party.

World of Elixir. In Transamerica (2005), we meet the characters at the Gender Pride party. In Matrix (1999), we meet the other gifted children.

*****Antiheroes and Romantic Challenges*****

Where the Hero evolves, the Antihero devolves. So it is not unusual to find that the Antihero starts off with a close personal relationship that devolves (whereas the Hero most often starts off with a polarized Romantic Challenge that gradually evolves). In The Godfather (1972), Michael and Kay are initially close but their relationship devolves toward the end. In Scarface (1983) Tony and Elvira ultimately separate.

*****Mirror*****

Symbolism is an underrated aspect of storytelling. A mirror is an often used symbol, that demonstrates the Hero's self analysis at the stage of the Ordinary World. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Bonnie look at herself in the mirror. In An Officer and a Gentleman (1983), Zach looks at himself in the mirror.

*****Demonstrating the Magical Gift*****

It is not unusual for the Mentor or Hero to have to demonstrate the Magical Gift. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), Jack uses the gun to shoot the wolf. This often also substitutes as a foreshadow of the coming real use of the Magical Weapon, which is where some obstacle is overcome.

*****Lack of Commitment*****

The Hero, even though he (or she) may be willing, does not often commit to the Journey easily. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Bonnie wants to know what armed robbery is like.

*****Conscious Decision*****

The Conscious Decision is a staple of the Hero's Journey and Transformation. The Hero explicitly states that he (or she) will embark on the Journey and Transformation. This is expressed in a number of ways. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Clyde asks Bonnie whether she wants to stay in West Dallas, carry on waitressing and dating truck drivers or go with her.