188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Afterlife Act

His receives a high status burial (is buried on high ground etc). In Out of Africa (1985), Denys is buried upon a hilltop.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): The Trivial Task

During the Period of Desolation, where the Hero is not committed to the Journey and Transformation, a Trivial Task sets the Hero on the right course. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), they steal another car.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Call to Adventure

A staple of the Hero's Journey and Transformation. Separate and distinct from the Inciting Incident. A Call for the Hero to set out on a Journey; an implicit Call to face Challenges. It is the undergoing of the Journey that will Transform the Hero and provide him (or her) with the capacity to conquer challenges that were previously unconquerable. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Clyde invites Bonnie for a drink.

188 stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Polarization

A number of things happen in the Inner Cave of the First Trial. One element is Polarization. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Bonnie and Blanche argue.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Disgust With the Self

Disgust is a core part of the Refusal, post the Ultimate Boon. The Hero (or major character) is disgusted by what he (or she) has become or was. It is a reaction to the Transformation so far. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Blanche regrets the path she has chosen.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Analysis of the Ordinary Self

This is another word for context. In Bonnie and Clyde (1967), photos of 20’s and text explain when Bonnie and Clyde were born and that they were vicious criminals.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): The Chance Meeting

188 stages of the Hero's Journey you need to know about....The Heralds often meet the Hero by chance.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Magical Aid of the Middle Cave

The Magical Aid is often used to resolve a Middle Cave conflict. In Star Wars (1977), Ben pays Han in cash. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), Ennis shoots the deer (the gun is the Magical Aid).

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Where to Start - the FADE IN

Writers often don't know where to start. It's easy. It's called a Fade In and it's another word for context. Start with the context. In Straw Dogs (1971), we open with shots of a tiny village in England. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), the first scene sets the context - Ennis is a cowboy in cowboy country.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Making Explicit the Ordinary Self

Whether the Hero et al arrive from an Ordinary World or arrive through the process of swift Exile, the Ordinary Self must be made explicit. This is because stories are all about Transformation and the Ordinary Self is an initial benchmark. In Straw Dogs (1971), David is a Mathematician.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): First Threshold Middle Cave

The Middle cave of the First Threshold is where the Hero meets Allies and Enemies. This is also then, obviously, where subplots are initiated or further developed. In Straw Dogs (1971), Henry plays with Janice.

188 Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Antihero's Legend

The antihero's legend will have travelled before him and symbols of his nature will be visible – scars or actions of his past. These will reveal the antihero as a dangerous being and explanations will be elicited.

Author - Edit Thyself

When editing your own manuscript, dare to be brutally honest with yourself. To help you, here's a list of tips and techniques.