Introduction

The Monomyth is a Journey, that’s why we usually refer to it as the Hero’s Journey.

As a Journey, the story is focused on external events.

On the other hand, a Transformation is not a journey.

It is an experience and it is focused on internal events.

Now, let’s look at how these two relate and how they evoke meaning and bring Power to your Story Design.

Journey

As an externally-focused complication, the Journey takes the Protagonist through a string of events, people, and places.

This ever-changing and expanding coloring of texture, the Journey Story Model brings power and vitality and richness.

Never forget this Story Model is focused on the external world of your Characters, not the internal one.

Transformation

As an internally-focused complication, the Transformation takes the Protagonist through a string of revelations until she comes to one final concluding Epiphany.

This dynamic and constricting texture brings meaning and purpose.

Whereas the Journey expands your story to symbol, the Transformation constricts your story from symbol to Spirituality.

At its deepest roots, Spirituality is simply Psychology because it heals, soothes, and brings balance.

Never forget this Power Tool is focused on the internal world of your Characters, not the external one.

Crossroads

I know, I know..

What does this have to do with your Story Design?

Everything.

Your story is actually Two Stories in one, did you know that?

This is because stories symbolize life and your life is a layer of meaning, from the internal one to the external one.

You have two stories, one is external and the other is internal.

• The external one is called your Want.
• The internal one is called your Need.

Want (External)

As a WANT, this is a public burden the Protagonist deals with and must change in the same manner, outside of herself.

When you work on Story Design, remember that your Protagonist’s WANT is external and is solved through the PLOT (A Story, Spine, etc.).

💡 NOTE: The problem with your Protagonist is her NEED, not her WANT. After resolving her need, she can easily resolve her want.

Need (Internal)

As a NEED, this is either a personal or private burden the Protagonist deals with and must change in the same manner, within herself.

When you work on Story Design, remember that your Protagonist’s NEED is internal and is solved through the SUB-PLOT (B Story, Love Story, Heart Story, etc.).

💡 NOTE: The problems with your Protagonist is her NEED, not her WANT. When she solves her need, she can easily resolve her want.

Conclusion

Isn’t this fun?

Just remember when you are deep in your Story Design, you are weaving two stories into one.

External Story

• Want – Purpose
• The Journey (Dramatic Function and Story Model)
• Physical – Story World
• Psychological – Character

Internal Story

• Need – Purpose
• The Transformation (Dramatic Function)
• Spiritual – Story World
• Mental – Character