Reading Reflection #4

The reading introduced the elements of the ordinary world and the call to adventure. Typically in the ordinary world is when the hero is first introduced to the audience. In addition to introducing the hero, writers also use the ordinary world to set the tone and an atmosphere. The ordinary world is used as a baseline for which the special world can be compared. The call to adventure is mainly used as a means to get the story rolling. It can take the form of a message or simply a need for change.

Vogler does a good job in breaking down several of the key elements that we often overlook in stories that are essential. One such example is the importance of making the ordinary world as different as possible from the special world so the we are able to experience what a dramatic change has taken place. Additionally, Vogler emphasizes that when characters make their first appearance that we must take note of what the character is doing the first time we see him as this may give us a deeper insight into the character or may even foreshadow a future event.

When I think of a hero, I often portray him as having an ability that others don't. However, Vogler focuses on the hero's lacking of a quality which then creates a need for the hero to fill in the missing piece. Similarly, he discusses one of the oldest ideas, the tragic flaw. He stated that every well-rounded her has a tragic flaw that makes him human and real.


Questions:

1. How do you know if a prologue is needed?

2. What is the difference between a backstory and exposition?

3. What is reconnaissance?