Ruining every story ever told
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
I'm sure this is no secret, but I was shocked to have found the formula to a good story (excerpt from
The Writer's Journey, by Christopher Vogler):
1. Heroes are introduced in the ORDINARY WORLD, where
2. they receive the CALL TO ADVENTURE.
3. They are RELUCTANT at first or REFUSE THE CALL, but
4. are encouraged by a MENTOR to
5. CROSS THE FIRST THRESHOLD and enter the Special World, where
6. they encounter TESTS, ALLIES, AND ENEMIES.
7. They APPROACH THE INMOST CAVE, crossing a second threshold
8. where they endure the ORDEAL.
9. They take possession of their REWARD and
10. are pursued on THE ROAD BACK to the Ordinary World.
11. They cross the third threshold, experience a RESURRECTION, and are transformed by the experience.
12. They RETURN WITH THE ELIXIR, a boon or treasure to benefit the Ordinary World.
I never minded the simple thread every story follows, but I won't be able to just sit back and enjoy a movie without mentally referring to this guide. What's more, if you are a romantic, every period of your life can be broken down in this pattern. Give or take a bit of free will here and there.
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