1. SET-UP: Who's the Hero? Initial development. Where are we? What's the story about? THE HERO IS INTRODUCED IN HIS ORDINARY WORLD (before the adventure begins.)

2. POINT OF ATTACK: What's their Problem? The Hero finds or defines The Problem; this completes the First Act. Introduction to all the major issues and elements of the story. THE CALL TO ADVENTURE; THE HERO IS RELUCTANT AT FIRST; THE HERO IS ENCOURAGED BY A WISE OLDER ENTITY (the MENTOR.)

3. THE INITIAL STRUGGLE: The Hero Begins to Deal With His Problem(s). The Journey/Adventure begins. THE HERO PASSES THE FIRST THRESHOLD. Point of no return.

4. COMPLICATIONS: The Hero Faces His First Real Enemy or Challange. He wobbles, but comes through. It's "Early Act II Jeopardy," his first real test, and he passes, perhaps barely, perhaps with help. THE HERO ENCOUNTERS TESTS, ENEMIES, ALLIES.

5. VALIANT ATTEMPTS: The Hero Stumbles. Maybe the Bad Guys win one; the Final Outcome is in doubt. "Late Act II Jeopardy." A Bigger Enemy, maybe Fate, or his Fatal Flaw. Big enough to be really scary. THE HERO APPROACHES THE HEART OF THE ENEMY'S FORTRESS; THE HERO ENDURES THE SUPREME ORDEAL. He struggles, suffers, loses, touches bottom.

6. MAJOR CRISIS: The Hero Proves Himself Again. "Early Resolution." The Hero fights back, and starts to win again. Some things are resolved (love, family, etc.) Bonds are made or admitted to. THE HERO SEIZES THE SWORD, THE REWARD; THE HERO BEGINS ON THE ROAD BACK, often CHASED by the Bad Guys.