The Hero's Journey: What is the purpose of the Separation phase in the Monomyth?
Channel: Josh Coker
Date: 2015-08-20

In this video Josh explains the purpose of the separation act in the Monomyth (also known as the Hero's Journey). 

The main take-aways are as follows:

1) Monomyth means the “one story." It's also known as the Hero's Journey (and loosly associated with the Fool's Journey). Elements of the monomyth can be found in nearly all forms of mythology and fairytales from around the world. 

2) The Hero's Journey is comprised of a three act structure.
The three main phases (or acts, or stages, or major plot events--depending on what you're writing) are: 

--Separation (or Departure)
--Initiation (or Trials/Tests)
--Return 

Today we are exploring the first phase, Separation. In particular, the steps that comprise this act. 

Purpose:

In many ways, the separation phase is the most important. Not only do audiences decide whether or not they want to participate in the story based on this section, but it serves several ancillary duties:

a) Sets the tone, genre, and theme of the story. 
b) Raises the dramatic question. 
c) Introduces key characters, particularly the hero/protagonist.What are their flaws, quirks, needs, and desires?
d) Explains world mechanics, rules, and technology.

This post is just to cover a small section of the Monomyth. Over the course of the next few months Josh intends to provide several detailed explanations on the different aspects of the Hero’s Journey, and analyze more advanced steps in the narrative structure of the monomyth. 


Follow Josh on Twitter: @Joshumusprime
Or Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepolymathparadigm
OR... read Josh's blog here: http://thepolymathman.blogspot.com/
And he has a book on military transitions here: http://www.amazon.com/About-Face-Josh...