Tags
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.
In Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back, Luke duels Darth Vader on Cloud City. He is beaten, loses his hand, and discovers Vader is his father. It is not the final climax of the story, but a devastating crisis that transforms Luke.
Add content here
← Previous
Add link here
Next →
Add link here