The 12 Stages of The Hero's Journey

7 TREASURE

The hero gains possession of the treasure, but there is still a threat of losing the treasure.

12. ORDINARY WORLD / STATUS QUO

Life has returned to normal, but the hero has been changed forever and is now operating with a new, heightened awareness.

2 ASSISTANCE

The hero either meets someone who gives him/her training, equipment, and/or advice, or the hero finds strength and courage within.

4 TRIALS

The hero faces tests and sorts out friends and enemies.

5 APPROACH

The hero and his/her allies prepare for the major challenge.

3 DEPARTURE

The hero commits to leaving the Ordinary World and enters unknown territory.

6 CRISIS

The hero confronts death or faces his/her greatest fear.

8 RESULT

The hero is driven to complete the adventure. There are still tasks to complete, including the final, most severe task(s) or test(s) that the hero faces.

12. THE ORDINARY WORLD / STATUS QUO

The hero is uneasy, uncomfortable, or unaware. He/she is a sympathetic character.

1 THE CALL TO ADVENTURE

The hero must face the beginnings of change due to either external or internal conflicts.

10 NEW LIFE

The hero returns home or continues the journey but has been transformed in some way.

9 RETURN

The hero returns to his/her ordinary world.

11 RESOLUTION

The official ending of the journey (where plot lines are straightened out) before the hero returns to his/her status quo.