The Hero’s Journey

1) Ordinary World –the hero’s normal life and world before the story begins

Shrek is living his swamp, wanting to be left alone, doing his ogre thing.

2) Call to Adventure –The hero is presented with a problem, challenge, or adventure

The fairy tale creatures invade Shrek’s swamp.

3) Refusal of the Call – The hero often refuses the challenge or journey at first, usually because s/he is scared

Shrek refuses to go to Lord Farquaad despite Donkey’s persistence.

4) Meeting with the Mentor- the hero meets a mentor to gain advice or training for the adventure

This may seem like a stretch, but Donkey assists Shrek on his journey. He is pretty much the closest thing to a

mentor Shrek has available to him.

5) Crossing the First Threshold –The hero leaves his/her ordinary world and goes into a special world

Shrek and Donkey go to see Lord Farquaad in the Kingdom of Fairy Tale Creatures.

6)Tests, Allies, Enemies-The hero faces tests, challenges, meets allies, and confronts enemies & learns the rules of the special ,new, world--Often, the hero is given a special weapon, spell, talent, or tool – known as a boon.

What are some of these from Shrek?

7)The Belly of the Beast, or the Innermost Cave -This is where things look darkest, the hero faces the most difficult challenge.

Shrek has to rescue Fiona and Donkey from the dragon.

8)Ordeal – The biggest life or death crisis

He has to save Fiona from Lord Farquaad.

9)Reward-The hero has survived death, overcomes his fear, and now earns a reward

Shrek gets the girl!

10) The Road Back –The hero must return to the Ordinary World

He heads back to the swamp.