The Hero’s Journey Steps:

Step 1 – Ordinary World

We see the Hero in their normal setting before the story comes to shake up their world.

Step 2 – Call to Adventure

The Hero gets a Call to Adventure, inviting them to leave their Ordinary World.

Step 3 – Refusal of the Call

Typically, the Hero will initially refuse this call – or reservations will be expressed by those around them.

Step 4 – Meeting with the Mentor

The Hero will then interact with a mentor figure, though not necessarily a wise old man with grey hair.

Step 5 – Crossing the First Threshold

The Hero finally leaves their ordinary world and enters the Special World where the story commences in earnest.

Step 6 – Tests, Allies and Enemies

The Hero is now disoriented and must decide who they can and cannot trust.

Step 7 – The Approach (to the Inmost Cave)

Before the Hero tackles the central ordeal, he might engage in some reconnaissance, training or extra curricular activity.

Step 8 – The Ordeal

The Hero is confronted here with a life and death situation – either literally or figuratively – that will generally identify their character flaw and force them to change if they are to progress in their quest.

Step 9 – The Reward

Having stared death in the face, the Hero is changed and rewarded – either with a feast or a romantic interlude.

Step 10 – The Road Home

Just when things seemed comfortable, the Hero gets a reminder that the job is not yet done.

Step 11 – Resurrection

The story reaches its climax in another life and death moment and the Hero proves beyond doubt that they are changed for all time.

Step 12 – Sharing the Elixir

When the Hero confronts their fears, others in the “tribe” get to share the spoils. Their lives too are enriched by the completion of the Hero’s Journey.