This PPT was designed to help teach the concepts of Aristotelian 3-Act structure to high school students. Since the 1980's the writings of Joseph Campbell have been cited as the inspiration for the structure behind many successful films including Raiders of the Lost Ark, the Star Wars franchise as well as many of the popular comic book inspired films of today. For the classroom, The Wizard of Oz makes an excellent example of a film that fits the Hero's Journey model. In 2020 as a result of the Coronavirus Pandemic, I recorded a video of this presentation. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/P3DLRw59TGw Please feel free to use it in your classrooms.

1. Three Act Structure
 Most narrative films –
both comedy and drama –
share several common
characteristics.

2.  These common
characteristics were first
described by Aristotle, a
Greek philosopher and
playwright.
 According to Aristotle,
each act contains
predictable elements
common to all stories.

3.  They both usually take place in
Three Acts.
 They both have a Protagonist
(the person we are rooting for)
and an Antagonist (whoever or
whatever is in conflict with the
protagonist)

4.  Act One contains Exposition
or a summary of who the main
characters are (players), where
they are from (setting) and
what they want (motivation).
 It also contains a Call to
Action (inciting incident) that
leads the protagonist to leave
the security of home.

5.  Act Two contains the Rising
Action or a series of
challenges and obstacles that
prevent the protagonist from
easily achieving his goal.
 It also leads to some sort of a
final conflict or Climax. Which
pits the protagonist and
antagonist against one-another.

6.  Act Three contains the falling
action which leads to the
Resolution (or denouement)
when the loose ends are all
neatly tied up.

8. TITANIC
Jack admires Rose from afar
They board the ship
Jack gets “lucky” pass
Rose is unhappy
Titanic referred to as “unsinkable” by builder

9. The Hero’s Journey
 The Hero’s Journey is a
series of common
characteristics in drama
first observed by Joseph
Campbell.

10.  The Hero takes a journey
(physical, emotional, etc.) in
search of identity and
wholeness or to correct an
injustice.
 The Hero is commonly an
average person who is driven
to extreme acts of bravery to
reach this goal.

11. All heroes, regardless of their
personalities, will demonstrate
some or all of these
characteristics:
1. Has human flaws
2. Learns and grows
3. Takes risks
4. Overcomes obstacles
5. Makes sacrifices

12. Heroes share the listed
characteristics regardless of:
The culture or environment in
which their story is set.
The time period in which their
story takes place.
Ancient
Modern
Future

13.  A pattern of characteristics
that is common to all literary
characters is called an
ArchetypeArchetype.
 Common Archetypes include:
 Mentor - a wise old man/woman
 Herald - someone who predicts the
future for the Hero.
 Shapeshifter, Shadow and Trickster
attempt to impede the Hero from
reaching his goal.

14. The Hero’s Journey
Birth/Home
Tests
Helpers
Climax/Final Battle

15. The Hero’s Journey