Call to Adventure: unique circumstances or “herald” event causes the hero to leave their ordinary life to pursue a “quest”.

Crossing the Threshold: the point of no return where the hero leaves their ordinary world and begins their quest.

Tests, Allies, & Enemies: during a series of test/trials, the hero forms allies and confronts enemies.

Approach: the hero moves through a series of threatening challenges that lead toward the ultimate challenge.

Ordinary World: the hero starts in a state of discontent or frustration with their current life.

Return: the hero returns to their ordinary world with new wisdom and respect from their old peers. They have mastered their fears and enemies.

Ordeal: the hero faces the central, primary conflict, and has to defeat the true antagonist in the story.

Meeting the Mentor: the hero is matched with a wiser, experienced person to train and prepare them.

Resurrection & Reward: the hero literally or figurative is resurrected, is transformed with new knowledge, and often receives a reward for their victory or quest.

Inmost Cave: where the hero confronts and overcomes their inner conflicts and fears.