Stage 6: Tests, Allies, and Enemies

And it’s within this unknown that the protagonist faces many tests and meets their allies and enemies.

1. Tests

Within the Hero’s Journey structure, this stage is a vital part of your protagonist’s journey.
Conflict is everything. Without conflict, there’s no story, no story arc, and no character exploration. So while this is a stage represented in every Hero’s Journey structure application, it’s also a necessary component to any story that you tell — using the Hero’s Journey structure or not.

Your story doesn’t merely entail a character dealing with a single conflict.

Paul has an obvious test. How does he get his daughter returned to the family home? But is that it? No. Paul has to navigate the custody court, the machinations of the legal system, and the ongoing tests to endure dealing with each one of these barriers.

2. Allies

Along with the tests that your protagonist faces, they’re going to need some help along the way. That’s where introducing allies comes into play.

Initially, both of Paul’s attorney’s seem likely allies, how reliable they are and how long they last though will be questionable. However, Paul’s family, mom, dad, and sister will prove to be reliable allies. Perhaps even Kaitrin can be viewed as an ally despite her tender age.

3. Enemies

With the mention of enemies, we come full circle within this Hero’s Journey stage. Enemies are there to test the protagonist. They offer the necessary conflict that should be present within all stories.

While allies give us — and the protagonist — hope, enemies challenge that hope and create a more enthralling plot.

It might seem obvious that Anne, Paul's wife, is an enemy. But is that it? What about the intriguing Silena character? What antagonistic role does she play? Many stories feature an antagonist but Paul has at least two: Anne and Silena, not to mention additional enemies in the village Court system and hostility that he has to face head on.

Mick, The Doctor of Digital, Smith mick.smith@wsiworld.com
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