The Hero's Journey is the most usable story structure consisting of at least 106 stages and the template for successful contemporary stories, from Star Wars to Al Pacino Scarface to The Incredibles to War of the Worlds to The Dirty Dozen to Midnight Cowboy. The Hero's Journey is a valuable template because:
a) It attempts to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has regarding what a story is and how it should be told.
b) It gives the writer more structural elements than simply three or four acts, plot points, mid point and so on.
c) Interpreted metaphorically and symbolically, it allows an infinite number of varied stories to be created.
One critical stage of the journey is the Final Conflict.
Whether fiction or non-fiction, subtle or direct, psychological of physical, the confrontation follows a familiar pattern that encompasses time pressure, impossible dilemma Anthony DeSclafani Youth Jersey , polarization, final antagonism, three catharses and possibly the Afterlife Act.
The Final Conflict contains 81 common steps that bring the story to a satisfactory close. This is very valuable, as the ending can be the hardest part of a story to write.
Often the hero is under time pressure to battle the antagonist. In classic good versus evil the antagonist will force the issue, by holding an ally hostage (Spiderman) Matt Kemp Youth Jersey , attack with superior forces or similar. But time pressure is nearly always an element of every story, no matter what. In Midnight Cowboy for example, it is created by Ratzo Rizzo's illness and the need to get to Florida.
The antagonist will often put the hero in an impossible dilemma. He will have to save himself, his love or the world ? he cannot do both. This seemingly impossible task is overcome and prompts the antagonist to take the threat more seriously.
There is also usually a polarization between the good and bad. The difference between them is highlighted visually, verbally and symbolically. This helps the ultimate catharses (there are three) have more impact.
The three catharses allow the audience to attain maximum emotional fulfilment. Catharsis 1 usually involves the antagonist realising he has lost and pleading for mercy on some level. Catharsis 2 usually involves the death of the antagonist Joey Votto Youth Jersey , following a deception to regain control. Catharsis 3 involves the death of the lieutenant or some symbol representative of the evil. This process is very obvious and common in Bond films, for example.
The Afterlife Act is less common in modern stories but it still has a valuable place (Out of Africa, Conan the Barbarian). It is an ending that briefly informs us what happens to the hero after we leave him. This will be discussed in another article.
The 81 common steps of the Final Conflict and other story structure templates can be found at can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.
Kal Bishop, MBA
**********************************
You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the author's name and site URL are retained.
Recently I was asked to touch up a friend's resume. Her challenge was simple. She was a stay-at-home mom who had not worked in four years. A difficult task however Jose Iglesias Youth Jersey , with the information in this section, I generated a listing of skills she did not know she had. Here is a partial list. (Organized, patient, detail oriented, energetic Scooter Gennett Youth Jersey , ability to multitask, works well under pressure and capable of meeting deadlines) Now ask yourself, what company would not want their new employee to showcase these skills?
The resume is a job search tool that highlights accomplishments by stating your
The resume is your first introduction to the employer. It is the first work sample they will see. Your resume should interest the reader to the degree that he or she wants to interview you. Remember the process of selection is first a process of elimination. Employers use the resume to determine whom they will call for further consideration.
For the resume, select white, cream, beige or gray colored paper. Brightly colored paper does not enhance a resume! A good bond is preferable over color. Buy envelopes to match the paper you select. Never handwrite your address; a handwritten envelope is very unprofessional. If you have spent time preparing the perfect resume and have printed it onto quality paper, don't blow it with a poor presentation. By sending your information in a cheap envelope that you have scribbled an address across Joe Morgan Youth Jersey , the whole positive effect is destroyed. KEY POINTS TO CREATING A WINNING RESUME
? Resumes do not get job offers; they are successful if you are offered an interview.
? Describe your experience, not the job.
? Keep terminology simple and direct. Avoid technical jargon unless the resume is specifically targeted to a company or industry that understands the terms. Remember, the first person who sees the resume may be a clerical person and may not be familiar with the terminology. Use sparingly.
? Your resume is a personal marketing brochure, be sure to highlight relevant work experience and accomplishments.
? Support your profile throughout your resume.
? Resumes are not read ? they are skimmed. Often, first impressions are made within 10-20 seconds.
? Appearance is paramount! Neatness counts. The resume must be perfect. No typos or misspelled words. (Don't rely on spell checker). A proofreading hint: read the document backwards.