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Author: Kal Bishop Article source: http://www.clickok.co.uk/. Used with author's permission.
The Matrix (1999) follows the Hero's Journey template...
Voiceover introducing context [similar to Scarface which uses visuals and text or Star Wars which just uses text].
Introduce the antagonism [Smith pursues Trinity].
Introduce the hero in his Ordinary World [Neo on his computer]. Led into the adventure by an animal [White Rabbit]. Foreshadow of the Ordeal [reference to the Matrix].
Hero led to the herald [punky friends invite Neo to the party]. Unusual as the herald usually travels to the hero.
Herald gives the Call to Adventure [Trinity tells Neo he is really looking for the Matrix]. Herald knows about the hero but the hero doesn't recognize the herald.
Hero refuses the call to adventure [Neo refuses to jump; drops the cell phone].
Punishment for refusing the call to adventure [Smith inserts the squid inside Neo]. References to the mentor / supernatural aid (Morpheus). Enhance the character of the antagonist.
Hero commits to the journey to the mentor [Neo says "yes" to Morpheus on the phone].
Hero travels to the mentor in the dead of night and in the rain and thunder. Danger / conflict on the way to the journey to the mentor [Trinity removes the squid from Neo's stomach].
The power of the mentor indicated [Trinity warns Neo that Morpheus knows more than he can imagine, outside the door].
Hero meets the mentor. The mentor knows and has been searching and watching the hero - a surprise to the hero.
Mentor provides hero with spiritual advice. Hero consciously decides to journey on the adventure [Neo takes the red pill].
Hero journeys to the First Threshold ["it means buckle your seat Dorothy, because Kansas is going bye bye"].
There is danger in the crossing to the First Threshold[Neo goes into arrest].
Hero crosses into the First Threshold [Neo wakes up in the pod]. This world is completely different form that from which he has come].
Strange and magical creatures inhabit the First Threshold [one of the machines unplugs and releases Neo].
Belly of the Whale . Hero makes a physical break from his Old World [needles, rebuilding muscles, using his eyes for the first time].
Road of Trials . Hero begins learning about this new world - taught by the mentor ; spiritual lessons by the mentor[Neo learns the year (2199), the ship (Nebuchadnezzar)., introduced to allies (Tank et al), enters the matrix, learns of the real world; learns of the enemy (AI machines), learns of the antagonism (humans are power cells).
Resistance to the rules of this New World [Neo wants out].
Impossibility of the return [Neo can't go back]. The destiny and superior nature of the hero is referenced.
Hero told of the magical place at the end of the Ordeal (end of the ye.llow brick road). Loyal ally introduced.
Hero begins to grow stronger [simulated](training begins). Hero has natural abilities, as is normal for the superior being.
Hero grows stronger [practical, training, guided by the mentor]. Hero resists. And grows. Until he matches the mentor. Again, his superior skills are noted.
Real World test. Hero shows the possibilities. Doves present. Hero fails. The final step will be the apotheosis [Neo fails the jump off the building].
The Shape Shifter is introduced. Conflicts with the hero.
Mentor teaches the hero about the antagonist. The magnitude of the power of the antagonist is referenced. Foreshadow of the conflict between the hero and the antagonist.
Significant attack of the antagonist. Through wisdom, hero diverts the attack.
Develop the Shifter . Hero interacts with the hero. Shifters motivations referenced. Shifter warns the hero of the antagonist.
Shifter's true nature revealed. His deal with the antagonist and further motivations for it.
Interaction with allies. We get to know the other characters in the story.
Journey to the Goddess . Hero et al journey to meet the goddess.
Separation . Hero and some allies detach.
Hero marvels at the new world. Hero and romantic interest interaction.
The wisdom of sea4rching for the Goddess is referenced.
Hero meets others searching for similar insights.
Meeting with the Goddess . Hero encounters a value that is outside his normal frame of reference and behavior and one that he will sacrifice himself for - the Sword[save himself or save the mentor, Morpheus].
Reattachment . Hero rejoins allies.
Hero led into the Ordeal by an animal [Neo notices a black cat].
Antagonist captures Mentor (Sword) [Morheus sacrifices himself to save Neo, Smith et al capture Morpheus, antagonism far superior in strength than the mentor].
Escape from the antagonism is dangerous [Shape shifter attacks hero et al, shifter's motivations enhanced; shifter destroyed].
Threat of the antagonist enhanced. Mentor referenced.
Time pressure. Limited time for hero to act [they have to kill Morpheus before he gives up the codes to Zion].
Threat of the antagonist enhanced.
Hero decides to Seize the Sword [rescue Morpheus]. Resistance, impossibility and danger of seizing the sword is referenced by Doves (it's suicide). Hero persuades allies.
Antagonism increases.
Hero prepared for the journey to seize the sword[Neo tools up].
Antagonism increases. More time pressure.
Hero breaches the outer chamber. Conflict with Guardians of the Sword. Hero overpowers the Guardian.
Antagonist alerted to the attempt to capture the Sword.
Rebirth through death [Neo nearly dies].
Comedic section before seizing the sword [can Trinity "fly that thing - not yet"].
Hero confronts Inner Guardians of the Sword and seizes the Sword - making a sacrifice.
Woman as Temptress . Hero led downwards [Trinity loses control of the 'copter].
Rebirth through death. Neo and Trinity both almost die.
Reward. [" Do you believe it now, Trinity.," Neo is the one].
Antagonist pursues hero et al. Time pressure ["they're not out yet."]
Atonement with the father. Neo battles Smith. Hand-to-hand battle.
Apotheosis [Neo believes that his destiny is not inevitable, that he will not die"].
Ultimate Boon . Inner resolve. ["my name is Neo"]. Neo knows what to do and throws Smith under the train.
Time pressure [sentinels coming].
Refusal of the Return [Neo pursued].
Time pressure. Sentinals approaching.
Crossing the Return Threshold. Smith shoots Neo.
Time Pressure.
Help from Without [Trinity helps revive Neo - the kiss].
Master of the Two Worlds. Hero can cross both worlds [Neo stops the bullets and easily destroys Smith].
Mentor electrocutes sentinels (second catharsis).
Freedom to Live . An extended reward - the kiss. Neo flies.
Learn more
The Complete 188 stage Hero's Journey and FREE 17 stage sample and other story structure templates can be found at http://managing-creativity.com/
You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.
Kal Bishop, MBA
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You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the author's name and site URL are retained. Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. His specialities include Knowledge Management and Creativity and Innovation Management. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached at http://managing-creativity.com/
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