Stages: One-The Ordinary World and Two- The Call to Adventure

The Ordinary World

Known as the "world of common day", it is the start of the journey; "the context, home base and background of the hero." Also it is use to show the contrast between this world and the new world and foreshadowing aspects of that new world.

In the hero's world a dramatic question is raised to make the audience wonder of the hero can achieve or find the answer to this question. Additionally the hero shows it's inner and outer problems and the audience will be able to see it's entrance or "what is he doing the first time we see him"

Heroes must be relatable, being able to identify with the audience by lacking something or someone and it should have flaws and wounds. Furthermore in this stage the writer establishes what is in stake for the hero or what does the hero stand to gain or lose in the adventure, likewise his backstory, exposition and the story's theme.

Even though this is the first stage before it, the author must have an interesting title, an opening image and a prologue to captivate the audience.

The Call to Adventure

The second stage, "it may come in the form of a message or a messenger". Also it can come as a string of events, temptation, or by a herald. Likewise a lack or need and if the hero does not have any other option.
The hero can be warned about the outcome of the adventure during this stage.

The first stage seems to be of great importance since it establishes the hero and it surroundings to the audience. It gives the opportunity to learn about his world and how it is different from the new world. Also about the personality and the backstory of the hero or/and an exposition of this world. Of course the hero has to be able to make the audience relate to him by having flaws and human emotions. Then because of a new event, a message or the involvement of a herald the hero will be invited to start a journey.

Like Vogler I always thought that besides having a good story, plots and characters if you do not have an alluring title and opening image the work may not be recognized by the audience. I say this because I do choose what books I read or what movies I watch based on the title, image and synopsis. If the title sounds to boring or to childish I do not pick up the book, in the other hand if I like the title I will read the synopsis to make sure that the story will be of my liking. I know this is not a smart way to choose books or movies, but it works most of the time and many use this same method to choose movies and books.

Questions

1. How do you choose the books you read or the movies you watch?
2. Do all stories need a prologue?
3. Why a Herald usually gives the call to adventure?