QUEST PATTERN
Quest: A quest is a journey undertaken by a hero to achieve a goal. What happens when
the hero moves towards his quest makes up the plot in mythology and literature. In pursuit
of the quest, great exertion is required on the part of the hero; this involves overcoming
many obstacles and travelling away from home.
Internal and External journey: The external journey is the trip the hero takes while
seeking his goal (or going on his quest). This external journey is paralleled with an internal
journey in which the hero grows as a person because of the quest.
The hero is someone of unusual birth or upbringing. This fact contributes to his need to go
on a quest. The quest of literary heroes follows a pattern, as follows:
1. Significant goal (the quest):
2. Journey begins
3. Adventures occur
• Obstacles, sudden attacks, unexpected disasters
4. Betrayal by friends
5. Difficult Dilemmas (decisions):
6. Need for restraint, moderation, common sense:
7. Rebirth:
8. Search for “home” (security, identity, relationship):
9. Restoration of order, reunion with loved ones:
By the end of the story, it is evident that the actual, external journey taken by the hero
resulted in an internal journey for him as well. It is evident that the hero has grown as a
person in an emotional and intellectual way.