Hero's Journey Novel Outline Template
The Hero's Journey (monomyth), developed by Joseph Campbell, is the story structure underlying myths, epics, and modern bestsellers. Christopher Vogler adapted it for Hollywood; it powers Star Wars, The Matrix, and The Hunger Games. This free template walks you through all 12 stages so you can apply timeless storytelling to your novel.
What's Inside This Template
1The Departure
- Stage 1 — Ordinary World: Establish the hero's normal life before the adventure
- Stage 2 — Call to Adventure: The hero receives the call or challenge
- Stage 3 — Refusal of the Call: The hero hesitates or refuses
- Stage 4 — Meeting the Mentor: A guide prepares the hero for the journey
- Stage 5 — Crossing the First Threshold: The hero commits and enters the special world
2The Initiation
- Stage 6 — Tests, Allies & Enemies: The hero faces challenges and forms alliances
- Stage 7 — Approach to the Inmost Cave: Hero prepares for the central ordeal
- Stage 8 — The Ordeal: The hero faces death or their greatest fear
- Stage 9 — The Reward: Having survived, the hero claims their prize
3The Return
- Stage 10 — The Road Back: The hero must return to the ordinary world
- Stage 11 — The Resurrection: A final climax where the hero is transformed
- Stage 12 — Return with the Elixir: The hero returns changed, bringing something of value
How to Use This Template
Map the Departure (Stages 1–5)
Establish your hero in their ordinary world, introduce the call to adventure, allow them to refuse, provide a mentor, and end the departure with the hero crossing the first threshold into the unknown.
Write the Initiation (Stages 6–9)
Put your hero through tests, build alliances, and lead toward the central ordeal — the darkest moment. The reward at Stage 9 is the hero's prize, but the journey isn't over.
Complete the Return (Stages 10–12)
The hero faces a final resurrection — a last-chance test — before returning to the ordinary world changed, bringing wisdom or a gift back to their community.