Hero’s Journey Letters
Hero’s Journey Letters
Mapping Change, Writing Growth, and Discovering Self
Mapping Change, Writing Growth, and Discovering Self
Explore the transformation of a character as they embark on a hero’s journey, also known as the monomyth. You’ll:
Map out the character’s journey.
Write two powerful, voice-driven letters from the hero’s perspective—one before the journey begins, and one after it ends.
This project is about change, struggle, and self-discovery—all told in your hero’s voice.
Use the Hero’s Journey structure (see links below) to map your hero’s transformation. Identify key stages:
The Call to Adventure
Trials and Challenges
Mentors and Shadows
Death and Rebirth (internal or external)
Return with the Elixir
You may choose:
A unique, original hero (your own creation)
An existing hero from literature, myth, film, or history
Letter 1 – Before the Journey Begins
Write a letter just before the call to adventure. The hero may feel afraid, restless, uncertain, or defiant. Use concrete, sensory details to show who they are at this moment. What do they believe in? What do they fear? What do they want?
Letter 2 – After the Journey Ends
Now, write a second letter after the hero has returned. They’ve been changed—perhaps scarred, humbled, enlightened, or empowered. The tone and language should reflect that transformation. Use vivid detail to show what they’ve learned, lost, and gained.
Your hero must reference one symbolic object, image, or detail in both letters. It should appear in both, but described differently to show how the hero has changed.
Example:
Letter 1: “I carry this stone from my father’s grave—it keeps me grounded.”
Letter 2: “The stone feels lighter now. Maybe I’ve learned to carry it differently.”
Your hero’s journey may explore:
Self-discovery or identity
Disillusionment and loss of innocence
Perseverance and survival
Redemption or forgiveness
Realizations about family, power, love, or truth
✅ Hero’s Journey Map - Completed narrative arc using the monomyth format
✅ Letter 1 - From the hero before the journey begins (250–500 words)
✅ Letter 2 - From the hero at the end of the journey (250–500 words)
✅ Symbol - Included and re-described in both letters
✅ Sensory Detail - Vivid imagery that shows setting, emotion, and change
✅ Formatting - Typed, titled, and submitted via Classroom or Site
The Odyssey – Homer
The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass – Frederick Douglass
The Catcher in the Rye – J.D. Salinger
Hamlet – Shakespeare
Ulysses – James Joyce
The Lion King
The Matrix
Spider-Man
Pan’s Labyrinth
Frozen
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Avatar
Star Wars (Original Trilogy)
Band of Brothers