Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Transformation and Transmogrification


by Kal Bishop - Date: 2006-12-31 - Word Count: 247 Share This!

The Hero's Journey is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. In fact, ALL of the hundreds of Hollywood movies we have deconstructed (see URL below) are based on this 188 stage template.

Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters.

There is only one story.

The Hero's Journey:

a) Attempts to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has regarding what a story is and how it should be told.

b) Gives the writer more structural elements than simply three or four acts, plot points, mid point and so on.

c) Gives you a tangible process for building and releasing dissonance (establishing and achieving catharsis).

d) Gives you a universal structural template upon which you can superimpose your situational story.

and more...

TRANSFORMATION and TRANSMOGRIFICATION

There are two types of Transformation that all successful stories tend to have mastered: Transformation and Transmogrification. Transformation refers to psychological change and Transmogrification to physical change; specifically, Transmogrification is the physical change of the Hero to a more "hero-like" (read contextually adequate) form.

Transmogrification: In The Godfather (1972), Capt. McCluskey punches Michael in the face. Later, when the damage has been long repaired, it is noted that Michael looks different.

Transformation: In Annie Hall (1977), Annie's attitudes, beliefs and behaviour change: from dependent and shy in New York to independent and confident in Los Angeles.

Transformation and Transmogrification: In The Matrix (1999), Neo et al finally believe he is The One; he demonstrates such with the adept handling of his new found powers.


Related Tags: screenplay, monomyth, screenwriting, heros journey

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The Complete 188 stage Hero's Journey and other story structure templates can be found at www.clickok.co.uk

The Managing Creativity and Innovation MBA dissertation, DIY creativity Audit, Powerpoint presentation and Good Idea generator software can be found at www.managing-creativity.com

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Kal Bishop, MBA

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