Vogler 3rd Reading

Vogler, Christopher. “Book One: Mapping the Journey.” The Writer's Journey. Third. Studio City, CA: Michael Wiese Productions, 1998. 49-80.

Summary:

Threshold Guardians – They are usually not the main villain, but rather a lesser evil. Their main duty is to test the hero’s determination and ability to adapt. The Threshold Guardian is usually just a small obstacle (person or thing) that slows down the hero’s journey, but does not stop it. A successful hero will: 1.) will not be discouraged from their journey to change, 2.) will see Threshold Guardians as useful Allies, and 3.) will feel compassion for their enemies and will not destroy them.

Herald – They are the catalyst for adventure. Heralds issue challenges and announce the coming of significant change; the Call to Adventure or warn the Hero of a “new energy.”
*The Herald can come into the story at any point, but usually appears in the beginning.

Shapeshifter – They change mood or appearances, and are difficult for the hero and audience to characterize. The Shapeshifter is usually a projection of the Hero in a member of the opposite sex. Shapeshifters add doubt and suspense. They can either be helpful or hurtful; a catalyst for change, or a symbol of the psychological urge to transform.

Shadow – They are the things that we do not like about ourselves, all the dark secrets that we cannot admit, even to ourselves. However, the shadow is not all bad. Shadows usually bring out the best in the hero, by challenging the hero (i.e., by putting them in a life-threatening situation).

Ally – They are the sidekicks who do the mundane tasks. Allies usually express our underutilize parts, which would make us better friends.

Trickster – They embody the energies of mischief and desire for change, but as catalyst characters they usually affect the lives of others and remain unchanged themselves.

Reaction:
I never realized how much our brains analyze movies, even if we do not do it conscientiously. It really is important to choose the movies I watch carefully. I usually watch the murder- drug dealing movies and do not want to idolize either of those things.

Questions:
1.) Do you guys think that Allies, as sidekicks, are truly important to the progression of a story?
2.) Do you think a Shadow could be the Hero?
3.) Can a story be happy and exciting at the same time without Allies, Villains, and Threshold Guardians?
4.) If you guys were to psychoanalyze your lives, do you think you would see these characters appear?