Hello everyone! I know it has been a while since my last update, but life has gotten in the way. Regardless, I am here now and ready to go into detail about Stage Five of the Heroine’s Journey.

When we last left off, our heroine was at the beginning of Act 2. She found the strength to leave her imperfect world and embark on a journey of transformation. She faced trails and tribulations as she learned how to adjust to the new world of Act 2. Stage Five is where she, according to the book 45 Master Characters, “gains a false sense of security.” The heroine grows more confident here. She thinks she has succeeded and that her journey of transformation has completed. This perceived victory well help her later on the the story when the stakes get higher.

However, even though our heroine may be she is at the end of the road, the reader knows there is still a long path ahead thanks to clues laid out by the writer. Thanks to her more relaxed state, our heroine will often take a risk she shouldn’t, playing right into the hands of the villain.

In The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen believes she has won or, at least, is on the path to success when it is announced that there can be two victors from the same district. Believing that she does not have to kill Peeta, Katniss dedicates herself to finding him and nursing him back to health. She can return home and not have to kill the boy who saved her life.

But, like in all great stories, the villain is waiting in the wings. Our heroine still has a long way to go before she crosses the finish line.

Until next time, kill your darlings, slay your dragons, and keep writing!