Ontology: Characters (Part 4)

Campbell’s structure of the hero’s journey has been adapted and used by many writers. Numerous examples of modified versions of the hero’s journey exist, but most retain the essential steps identified by Campbell. One such modified version is included in 45 Master Characters: Mythic Models for Creating Original Characters, which includes a feminine version (Schmidt, 2001, pp. 199-242) and a masculine version (Schmidt, 2001, pp. 243-277) of the journey (see Figure 28).
When linked to the three acts in a traditionally structured play or screenplay, the feminine journey is (Schmidt, 2001, pp. 199-242):

• Act 1: Containment
  • The Illusion of a Perfect World
  • The Betrayal or Realization
  • The Awakening – Preparing for the Journey
• Act 2: Transformation
  • The Descent – Passing the Gates of Judgment
  • The Eye of the Storm
  • Death – All is Lost
• Act 3: Emergence
  • Support
  • Rebirth – The Moment of Truth
  • Full Circle – Return to the Perfect World

When linked to the three acts in a traditionally structured play or screenplay, the masculine version of the hero’s journey is (Schmidt, 2001, pp. 243-277):

• Act 1: Challenge
  • The Perfect World
  • Friends and Enemies
  • The Call
• Act 2: Obstacles
  • Small Successes
  • Invitations
  • Trials
• Act 3: Transformation
  • Death – A Fork in the Road
  • Awaken or Rebel
  • Victory or Failure

Concept map of the elements that affect character design

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