Rhianna Lebedz
October 14,2008

Vogler, Christopher, and Michele Montez. The Writer's Journey : Mythic Structure for Writers. Boston: Michael Wiese Productions, 2007. pg. 127-141.

Summary

Stage five of The Writer's Journey is "Crossing the First Threshold". This is where the hero will commit to the adventure (127). The hero may experience an external or internal event which will lead him or her to commit to the journey (128). At this time they are approaching the threshold and have a run-in with the threshold guardian (128-129). The hero must find a way around the threshold guardian in order to continue on with the journey (129). The hero then crosses into the unknown world which takes courage for him to do (128-129). After the hero takes this "leap of faith", there is no turning back and the hero must only hope to continue on safely (129).
Vogler's sixth stage is the run-in of the "Tests, Allies, and Enemies". The hero is tested to see if they are ready for much larger ordeals which will follow (136). Along the way the hero may make new friends who are referred to as allies (137). These allies can also be sidekicks who ride along with the hero and support their adventure (137). The hero also comes across an enemy who may perform as the Shadow, Trickster, Threshold Guardian, or even the Herald (138). It's common that the hero will have a rival who most of the time will want to defeat them in competition (138).

Reaction

Vogler described two very important stages in this section. Both of these give excitement to the story and get the plot rolling with adventure. I don't feel that the sidekick plays a major role in the journey. He is just someone there to get in your way. At times he may help fight off enemies, but serves no real other purpose. The only time Robin served a purpose to Batman was when enemies were around. I do however like the idea of having a rival. I believe this rival helps push the hero to better themselves and push them to be stronger.

Questions

1. Which has more impact on the hero, an internal event or an external event?

2. Will the hero always have both an ally and an enemy?

3. Does the ally ever become the enemy?