In addition to character archetypes, archetypal plot patterns have occurred in the stories of many cultures across all time periods.

The hero’s journey, mother of all archetypes

A famous and common plot archetype is the hero’s journey. In fact, some people argue that all other plot archetypes are just variations of the hero's journey. Joseph Campbell lays out the journey of the hero or heroine in 17 steps, but what’s most important about understanding the journey is understanding the arc, or the shape, of the journey. The basic arc is as follows:

• The journey begins in the ordinary world, that is, where the hero or heroine lives.
• He or she receives a call to adventure delivered by a herald who invites the hero or heroine to a special world where he or she will gain special knowledge in order to save the ordinary world.
• Sometimes the hero or heroine refuses the call but is encouraged by a mentor to embark on the adventure.
• To enter the special world, the hero or heroine must get past the threshold guardians.
• He or she is tested by enemies who don’t want the journey to succeed, but this character does succeed because of friends made along the way.
• Once the task is completed, the hero or heroine returns to the ordinary world.

The plot of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope is a classic hero’s journey. Luke Skywalker yearns for adventure while working on his aunt and uncle’s moisture farm. He receives a call to adventure from Obi Wan and the droids after he helps R2D2 deliver Princess Leia’s message to Obi Wan. He refuses the call until his aunt and uncle are killed by Imperial stormtroopers looking for R2D2. He joins Obi Wan in the adventure to save Princess Leia and her planet from Darth Vader. He forms an alliance with Han Solo and Chewbacca and overcomes many obstacles, eventually destroying Darth Vader’s Death Star and leading the rebels to a decisive victory.