hero chart

The Hero’s Journey Chart
Separation
Ordinary World- Describe the character’s world before the adventure begins.			I was an excellent student in high school and felt optimistic about my college experience- nothing would stand in my way of becoming a Marine Biologist (not even Calculus and Physics)! I would work extremely hard to get the best grades I could (3.5 GPA in the classes= goal).
Call to Adventure: How does the character receive the call to adventure? This is usually presented in a problem, challenge or adventure			I enrolled in Introduction to Marine Science and Marine Invertebrate Biology during my first semester (along with two other classes). At first, I was doing well- studying hard, taking notes, typing the notes, studying and studying long hours. Soon, however, I realized that the classes were nothing like those in high school and the exams brought my GPA down substantially, as I received “C”s in both of the classes- my FIRST ever C. Between this and the stress involved with being a marine science major (a.k.a. no social life), I knew I had to do something about it- switch majors.
Refusal of the Call: Does the character accept the call immediately? Does the character express reluctance?			I did not want to switch majors initially, telling myself that I will give myself one more chance, one more semester to turn it around. I had been wanting to be a marine scientist since elementary school. I couldn’t give up on my life dream so easily. I enrolled in Calculus I the next semester.
Answering the Call: What motivates the character to accept the call?			Considering I was unable to attain a spot in Marine Geology, I dabbled in a human development course and two environment studies courses, as I was told most marine science majors end up switching to environmental studies. Also, as I withdrew Calculus I second semester, I felt it was a “calling.”
Guide/Mentor: Is there a specific character that helps the hero understand the life situation or provides the hero with special training?			During fall semester of my sophomore year, I took another human development course as it sparked my interest, as well as continuing with biology courses. Over time, my cell biology professor took on the role of my mentor. There were several times that I went to her for advice on stress levels, what to major in, and a confidante when I had fights with my mother.
Crossing the Threshold: At what point in the story does the hero leave the familiar world and move into a new, unfamiliar circumstance?			Deciding a whole new major when I had no intention of majoring in anything other than science (or art) to begin with. I had so many options and didn’t know what to choose- Biology, Human Development, International Business, Writing, Art, Theater, and Environmental Studies were the main majors I was debating on.
SEPERATION
Road of Trials: What specific challenges does the hero face? Tests, allies, and enemies? 3	I had difficulty cutting Marine Science out of my life for other reasons, besides it being my lifelong dream. Originally I did not want to leave my home state for college, as I am close to my family, however after coming to Eckerd, I did not want to “go back.” My mother insisted that if I wasn’t majoring in Marine Science, there is no point in spending all the money to send me to Eckerd College when I could be studying at a cheaper school. Also, since I did not know what I wanted to major in, she said that I would have to come home and attend a community college until I figured it out (a.k.a. live at home). I also had the obstacle of choosing a new major, something that never crossed my mind (marine science and art were the only things that ever sparked my interest enough for a major). For a long time my mom and I fought about the topic and it usually ended up with me being in tears and resorting back to a marine science major.
Meeting with the Goddess: Does the hero meet with a character with special beauty and power?
Ordeal- Meeting with the goddess, woman as temptress, atonement with the father
Atonement (“at one with”) with or Recognition by the Father: Is the hero reunited with his or her father or a father figure in some way? Does the hero reconcile his or her beliefs or values with another’s beliefs or values?			After several discussions with my mother, we decided that it would be best to continue my education at Eckerd College as she realized that it was a good fit for me.
Ultimate Boon / Magic Elixir: Does the hero find some special solution to the problem he or she is attempting to resolve? This might be a magic potion or a key to something.			Eventually after taking a few classes, having long chats with my mentor and mother, I decided I was going for a double major in Biology and Human Development
RETURN
Refusal of the Return: Does the hero initially refuse to return to the homeland or the place that he or she began the journey?
Magic Flight / Pursuit: Is there some point (generally toward the end) where the hero is being chased or is otherwise trying to escape something?	My mother did not believe that it is worth getting a B.A. in Biology and double major in Human Development. She continued to nag at me, pointing out several references where a path similar to this failed (aunt majoring in psychology and ended up working in a business-like setting).
Rescue from Without: Is there some point when all seems hopeless, when it looks like the hero is going to die, then suddenly he or she is rescued unexpectedly?			On several occasions, I felt there was no way to win with my mother and almost gave in to her requests.
Crossing the Return Threshold: Is there some point where the hero clearly returns “home”?			Somehow my mother and I work things out for good.
Master of Two Worlds: Does it appear that the hero has conquered life in both the familiar and unfamiliar worlds?			My mom FINALLY accepts my plan of action of double majoring. I said “forget you Marine Science!” I was now much happier (although still stressed, but not as much as I would have been).
Freedom to Live: Since the hero typically begins the journey to resolve a problem, does it appear the problem is at last resolved so that all can live freely?			I am now happily a double major in biology and human development. I learned that I loved biology too much to abandon it, yet I knew I needed a back-up plan and thus human development stepped in. Ironically, the two can accent each other and make me a stronger candidate for the workplace in the future.