Chapter 23 - The Hero’s Journey in 27 Chapters

A useful rule of thumb for writing a novel

Photo by Rock’n Roll Monkey on Unsplash

This was in my notebook. I don’t remember writing it down, so hat-tip to Joseph Campbell and other sources.

Act I

Set up — Introduce hero & ordinary world

C1: Introduction (set up)

C2: Inciting incident (conflict)

C3: Immediate reaction (resolution)

Conflict — A problem disrupts hero’s life

C4: Reaction (set up)

C5: Action (conflict)

C6: Consequence (resolution)

Resolution — Hero’s’ life has changed direction

C7: Pressure (set up)

C8: Pinch (conflict)

C9: Push (resolution)

Act II

Set up — Hero explores new world

C10: New world (set up)

C11: Fun & games (event/conflict)

C12: Old world contrast (resolution)

Conflict — Hero encounters crisis of new world

C13: Build up (set up)

C14: Midpoint (conflict)

C15: Reversal (resolution)

Resolution — Hero dedicates to finding a solution.

C16: Reaction (set up)

C17: Action (conflict)

C18: Dedication (resolution)

Act III

Set up — Hero faces defeat, victory seems impossible.

C19: Trials (set up)

C20: Pinch (event/conflict)

C21: Darkest moment (resolution)

Conflict — Hero must find power and take action

C22: Power within (set up)

C23: Action (conflict)

C24: Converge (resolution)

Resolution — Hero fights and wins, resolving quest

C25: Battle (set up)

C26: Climax (conflict)

C27: Resolution (resolution)