The Ordeal

The Ordeal is a stage in The Hero’s Journey.

The Ordeal is Act II's crisis point — a brush with death, literal or symbolic. Something must “die” for the hero to be transformed: their life, their ego, a relationship, or an old worldview. This moment is the pivotal point of the journey, proving the hero’s growth and preparing them for the climax ahead.

Central Crisis vs. Delayed Crisis

In The Writer’s Journey, Christopher Volger identifies two ways the Ordeal can be placed within the narrative:

1. Central Crisis

This Ordeal happens at the midpoint of the story, giving the story a sense of mirror-like symmetry. The hero faces “death” early, and the rest of the story becomes about how they climb back, adapt, and transform.

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• The Ordeal
• Central Crisis vs. Delayed Crisis
• 1. Central Crisis