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What are the core components of the 'hero's journey' narrative structure?



The hero's journey, a common narrative archetype, consists of several core components. The ordinary world introduces the hero in their everyday life, establishing their initial circumstances and personality. The call to adventure disrupts the hero's ordinary world, presenting them with a challenge or opportunity that sets them on their journey. Refusal of the call represents the hero's initial hesitation or reluctance to embrace the adventure, often due to fear or uncertainty. Meeting the mentor involves the hero encountering a wise or experienced figure who provides guidance, training, or resources to help them on their journey. Crossing the threshold marks the hero's commitment to the adventure, leaving their ordinary world and entering a special or unfamiliar world. Tests, allies, and enemies involve the hero facing various challenges, forming alliances, and encountering adversaries as they navigate the special world. Approach to the inmost cave represents the hero's preparation for the central ordeal, often involving facing their fears or making difficult choices. The ordeal is the hero's major crisis or confrontation with their greatest fear or challenge, often involving a life-or-death situation. The reward is the hero's acquisition of a treasure, knowledge, or power as a result of surviving the ordeal. The road back involves the hero's return to the ordinary world, often facing additional challenges or pursuing enemies. The resurrection is the hero's final and most dangerous encounter, where they must demonstrate their ultimate transformation and commitment. Return with the elixir represents the hero's triumphant return to the ordinary world, bringing with them a treasure, knowledge, or wisdom that benefits others or transforms their world.