11.2 Hero's journey and other narrative structures

Narrative structures are powerful tools for crafting compelling stories. From the Hero's Journey to the three-act structure, these frameworks provide a roadmap for engaging audiences. Understanding these structures helps writers create memorable tales that resonate with readers.

Corporate communicators can leverage narrative structures to craft brand stories and presentations. By applying storytelling techniques, companies can create emotional connections with customers and deliver persuasive messages. Mastering these structures enhances communication effectiveness across various mediums.

Hero's journey framework

• The Hero's Journey is a common narrative structure that follows a hero who goes on an adventure, learns a lesson, wins a victory with that newfound knowledge, and then returns home transformed
• This framework, identified by Joseph Campbell, is widely used in storytelling across various mediums (films, novels, plays)
• The Hero's Journey consists of twelve main stages that outline the hero's path from the ordinary world to the extraordinary and back again

Ordinary world

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• The hero's normal life before the adventure begins
• Establishes the hero's character, relationships, and setting
• Provides a contrast to the extraordinary world the hero will soon enter
• Often depicts the hero as unsatisfied, restless, or longing for something more

Call to adventure

• The hero is presented with a challenge, problem, or adventure that must be undertaken
• This call disrupts the comfort of the hero's ordinary world and presents an opportunity for growth
• The call can come from an external source (a message, a person, an event) or from within the hero (a desire for change, a need to prove oneself)
• Examples: Harry Potter receiving his Hogwarts letter, Luke Skywalker finding Princess Leia's message in R2-D2

Refusal of the call

• The hero initially refuses the call to adventure due to fear, insecurity, or a sense of duty to the ordinary world
• This refusal heightens the stakes and demonstrates the hero's humanity
• The hero may require encouragement or persuasion from a mentor figure to accept the call
• Ultimately, the hero must overcome their hesitation and cross the threshold into the unknown

Meeting with the mentor

• The hero encounters a wise, experienced mentor who provides guidance, training, and often a gift or tool for the journey ahead
• The mentor helps the hero navigate the challenges of the extraordinary world and offers wisdom and support
• Examples of mentors include Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings, Dumbledore in Harry Potter, and Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars
• The mentor's role is to prepare the hero for the trials they will face and to instill confidence in their abilities

Crossing the threshold

• The hero leaves the ordinary world and enters the special world of the adventure
• This crossing signifies a point of no return, as the hero commits to the journey and faces new challenges and rules
• The threshold can be a physical boundary (a door, a border) or a symbolic one (a decision, a rite of passage)
• Crossing the threshold marks the end of the hero's old life and the beginning of the transformation

Tests, allies, and enemies

• In the special world, the hero faces a series of tests, challenges, and obstacles that help them grow and learn
• The hero meets allies who provide assistance, companionship, and support during the journey
• Enemies and adversaries also appear, challenging the hero and creating conflict
• These experiences help the hero develop new skills, gain insights, and prepare for the greater challenges ahead

Approach to the inmost cave

• The hero nears the central part of the adventure, often a dangerous or forbidden place that holds the object of the quest
• This approach is marked by increased danger, intensity, and a sense of impending confrontation
• The hero may need to prepare physically, mentally, and emotionally for the ordeal ahead
• The approach to the inmost cave represents a deeper commitment to the journey and a willingness to face the greatest challenges

Ordeal

• The hero faces the central crisis of the adventure, the most difficult and dangerous challenge
• This ordeal is often a confrontation with the hero's greatest fear or the main antagonist of the story
• The hero must draw upon all they have learned and experienced to overcome this challenge
• The ordeal is a defining moment in the hero's journey, often resulting in a symbolic death and rebirth

Reward

• Having survived the ordeal, the hero gains the reward they sought, which can be a physical object, knowledge, or personal growth
• The reward often comes with a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world
• This success affirms the hero's growth and mastery of the special world
• The reward may also bring new responsibilities or challenges for the hero to face

The road back

• The hero begins the journey back to the ordinary world, often pursued by remaining forces of the special world
• This stage marks a decision to return to the ordinary world with the reward and newfound wisdom
• The road back can be a chase, a dangerous escape, or a series of final tests that the hero must overcome
• The hero must navigate the consequences of their actions and prepare to bring their insights back to the ordinary world

Resurrection

• The hero faces a final challenge or confrontation that represents a purification or transformation
• This challenge is often an external manifestation of the hero's internal struggles and doubts
• By overcoming this final test, the hero demonstrates their growth and mastery of both worlds
• The resurrection affirms the hero's identity and their ability to integrate the lessons of the journey

Return with the elixir

• The hero returns to the ordinary world, bringing with them the reward, knowledge, or elixir gained from the adventure
• The elixir can be a physical object, a new perspective, or a solution to the problems of the ordinary world
• The hero shares the benefits of the journey with others, using their newfound wisdom to improve their community or society
• The return marks the end of the hero's journey and the beginning of a new life, forever changed by the experience

Three-act structure

• The three-act structure is a traditional narrative framework that divides a story into three main parts: setup, confrontation, and resolution
• This structure is widely used in screenwriting, playwriting, and novel writing to organize the plot and character development
• The three acts are connected by two major plot points that propel the story forward and raise the stakes for the characters

Setup

• The first act of the story, which introduces the main characters, their world, and the central conflict or problem
• Establishes the protagonist's goals, desires, and obstacles, as well as the antagonist or opposing force
• Often includes an inciting incident that disrupts the status quo and sets the story in motion
• The setup ends with the first major plot point, which thrusts the protagonist into the main conflict and marks the transition to the second act

Confrontation

• The second act of the story, where the protagonist faces a series of challenges, obstacles, and setbacks in pursuit of their goal
• The main conflict intensifies as the protagonist struggles against the antagonist or opposing force
• Subplots and secondary characters are developed, adding complexity and depth to the story
• The confrontation ends with the second major plot point, often a low point for the protagonist that sets up the final act

Resolution

• The third and final act of the story, where the protagonist confronts the central conflict and works towards a resolution
• The main plot and subplots converge, leading to a climax where the protagonist faces the ultimate challenge
• The resolution includes the aftermath of the climax, showing the consequences of the protagonist's actions and the new status quo
• The story ends with a sense of closure, with the protagonist having changed or grown as a result of their journey

Freytag's pyramid

• Freytag's pyramid is a dramatic structure that maps the progression of a story's plot, originally developed by German novelist and playwright Gustav Freytag
• The pyramid consists of five parts: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement
• This structure is often used in classical drama and short stories, focusing on the rise and fall of the main conflict

Exposition

• The opening part of the story that introduces the setting, characters, and initial conflict
• Provides background information necessary for understanding the plot and character motivations
• Establishes the status quo and the world of the story before the main conflict arises
• Often includes an inciting incident that sets the story in motion and leads to the rising action

Rising action

• The part of the story where the main conflict intensifies and the protagonist faces a series of challenges and obstacles
• The rising action builds tension and suspense as the protagonist works towards their goal
• Subplots and secondary characters are introduced, adding complexity to the story
• The rising action leads to the climax, the highest point of tension and the turning point of the story

Climax

• The pivotal moment in the story where the main conflict reaches its peak and the protagonist faces the ultimate challenge
• The climax is the turning point that determines the outcome of the story and the fate of the characters
• Often involves a confrontation between the protagonist and the antagonist or a resolution of the central problem
• The climax marks the transition from rising action to falling action

Falling action

• The part of the story that follows the climax, showing the consequences of the protagonist's actions and the resolution of the main conflict
• The falling action ties up loose ends and subplots, leading to the final resolution of the story
• Tension and suspense decrease as the story moves towards its conclusion
• The falling action prepares the reader for the denouement, the final outcome of the story

Denouement

• The final part of the story that provides closure and resolution to the plot and character arcs
• The denouement shows the new status quo and the changes that have occurred as a result of the story's events
• Any remaining questions or mysteries are answered, and the characters' fates are revealed
• The denouement offers a sense of catharsis and completion, leaving the reader satisfied with the story's conclusion

Save the Cat beat sheet

• The Save the Cat beat sheet is a story structure template created by screenwriter Blake Snyder, based on his analysis of successful Hollywood films
• The beat sheet consists of 15 "beats" or plot points that outline the key events and turning points in a story
• This structure is often used in screenwriting and novel writing to create engaging, commercially viable stories

Opening image

• The first beat of the story, which sets the tone, mood, and style of the narrative
• Often a visual representation of the protagonist's world or the central theme of the story
• Establishes the status quo and the world of the story before the main conflict arises

Theme stated

• A moment early in the story where the central theme or message is hinted at or explicitly stated
• Often delivered through dialogue, action, or a symbolic event
• Foreshadows the protagonist's journey and the lessons they will learn

Setup

• The part of the story that introduces the main characters, their world, and their goals or desires
• Establishes the protagonist's initial problem or challenge, which will later escalate into the main conflict
• Provides necessary background information and context for understanding the story

Catalyst

• An event or turning point that disrupts the status quo and sets the story in motion
• Often an unexpected or surprising moment that forces the protagonist to take action or make a decision
• The catalyst propels the protagonist into the main conflict and marks the beginning of their journey

Debate

• A period of uncertainty or hesitation where the protagonist grapples with the challenge presented by the catalyst
• The protagonist weighs their options, considers the risks and rewards, and decides on a course of action
• This beat adds depth to the protagonist's character and raises the stakes for their journey

Break into act two

• The moment when the protagonist fully commits to the journey and enters the main conflict of the story
• Often a point of no return, where the protagonist leaves their comfort zone and faces new challenges
• Marks the end of the setup and the beginning of the confrontation

B story

• A secondary plotline that runs parallel to the main story, often involving supporting characters or subplots
• The B story provides contrast, comic relief, or thematic resonance to the main plot
• Often involves a romance, a friendship, or a personal journey that intersects with the protagonist's story

Fun and games

• A series of entertaining, lighthearted, or action-packed scenes that showcase the protagonist's newfound skills or abilities
• Provides a break from the main conflict and allows the audience to enjoy the protagonist's journey
• Often includes humorous or playful moments that deepen the characters' relationships

Midpoint

• The central turning point of the story, where the protagonist faces a major challenge or revelation that raises the stakes
• Often a false victory or a false defeat, which changes the direction of the story and the protagonist's understanding of the conflict
• The midpoint marks the shift from reaction to action, as the protagonist becomes more proactive in pursuing their goal

Bad guys close in

• A period of increasing pressure and danger, where the antagonist or opposing force gains the upper hand
• The protagonist faces setbacks, obstacles, and personal challenges that test their resolve and abilities
• This beat heightens the tension and suspense, leading to the "all is lost" moment

All is lost

• The lowest point in the story, where the protagonist faces their greatest challenge or loss
• Often a moment of despair, where the protagonist's goal seems impossible or their world is shattered
• This beat is a turning point that forces the protagonist to confront their fears, flaws, or weaknesses

Dark night of the soul

• A period of introspection and reflection, where the protagonist grapples with the implications of the "all is lost" moment
• The protagonist faces their inner demons, doubts, and regrets, and must find the strength to continue their journey
• This beat is a moment of transformation, where the protagonist learns a valuable lesson or gains a new perspective

Break into act three

• The moment when the protagonist emerges from the "dark night of the soul" with renewed purpose and determination
• Armed with newfound knowledge or resources, the protagonist devises a plan to confront the antagonist and resolve the main conflict
• This beat marks the beginning of the final act and the protagonist's ultimate push towards their goal

Finale

• The climactic sequence where the protagonist confronts the antagonist and resolves the main conflict
• Often a high-stakes, action-packed, or emotionally charged moment that tests the protagonist's growth and determination
• The finale brings together all the plotlines and character arcs, leading to the resolution of the story

Final image

• The last beat of the story, which shows the new status quo and the consequences of the protagonist's journey
• Often a visual representation of the protagonist's growth, success, or transformation
• Provides closure and satisfaction for the audience, leaving them with a lasting impression of the story's themes and messages

In medias res

• In medias res is a narrative technique where the story begins in the middle of the action, rather than at the beginning
• The term is Latin for "in the midst of things," referring to the story starting in the middle of the plot
• This technique is often used to grab the audience's attention, create intrigue, or provide a sense of immediacy

Beginning in the middle

• Stories that use in medias res start with a dramatic, action-packed, or emotionally charged scene
• The opening scene often depicts a critical moment in the story, such as a conflict, a turning point, or a moment of high stakes
• By starting in the middle of the action, the writer creates a sense of urgency and engagement for the audience

Flashbacks vs linear storytelling

• Stories that begin in medias res often use flashbacks to provide context, background information, and character development
• Flashbacks allow the writer to explore the events leading up to the opening scene, filling in the gaps and deepening the audience's understanding of the story
• In contrast, linear storytelling presents the events of the story in chronological order, from beginning to end
• While in medias res relies on flashbacks to provide context, linear storytelling allows for a more straightforward, cause-and-effect narrative structure

Comparing narrative structures

• Narrative structures provide frameworks for organizing and presenting stories in engaging, meaningful ways
• While each structure has its unique features and emphases, there are commonalities and differences between them
• Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different narrative structures can help writers choose the most effective approach for their stories

Similarities across frameworks

• Most narrative structures include a beginning, middle, and end, which correspond to the setup, confrontation, and resolution of the story
• Conflict and character development are central to all narrative structures, as they drive the plot and engage the audience
• Turning points, such as the inciting incident, midpoint, and climax, are common features that propel the story forward and raise the stakes

Differences between approaches

• Some structures, like the Hero's Journey and Save the Cat, are more detailed and prescriptive, outlining specific plot points and character arcs
• Other structures, like the three-act structure and Freytag's pyramid, are more general and adaptable to different genres and styles
• The emphasis on certain elements, such as the B story or the theme, varies between structures

Strengths and weaknesses

• Detailed structures like the Hero's Journey and Save the Cat can provide a clear roadmap for writers, but may feel formulaic or restrictive if followed too rigidly
• More general structures like the three-act structure and Freytag's pyramid allow for greater flexibility and creativity, but may require more effort to develop a cohesive, compelling story
• Unconventional techniques like in medias res can create immediate engagement and intrigue, but may be challenging to execute effectively without confusing or alienating the audience

Narrative structures in corporate communication

• Narrative structures are not limited to fiction; they can also be applied to corporate communication to create compelling, persuasive messages
• By using storytelling techniques and frameworks, companies can engage their audiences, communicate their values, and differentiate themselves from competitors
• Effective corporate storytelling can help build brand loyalty, inspire employees, and drive business results

Crafting compelling brand stories

• Companies can use narrative structures to create brand stories that communicate their unique identity, purpose, and values
• A well-crafted brand story can humanize the company, create emotional connections with customers, and differentiate the brand from competitors
• By using techniques like the Hero's Journey or the three-act structure, companies can create brand stories that are memorable, authentic, and inspiring

Structuring presentations and pitches

• Narrative structures can be used to create engaging, persuasive presentations and pitches
• By organizing information into a clear beginning, middle, and end, presenters can guide their audience through a logical, compelling argument