English I
The Maze Runner
Name______________________
Hour_____
Epic Hero Cycle
Fill out this chart with examples of the elements as depicted in The Maze Runner. In the
second column, find examples from another book or film that you consider to be an epic.
Place the title of your book or film in the second column.
Element
The Maze Runner
The main character is a
hero, who is often
possessed of supernatural
abilities or qualities.
The hero is charged with a
quest.
The hero is tested, often to
prove the worthiness of
himself and his quest.
The presence of numerous
mythical beings, magical
and helpful animals. The
hero is victorious over a
monster.
The hero crosses a body of
water or travels into another
world.
The cycle must reach a low
point where the hero nearly
gives up his quest or
appears defeated.
A resurrection. The hero
finds strength to continue.
Restitution. Often this
takes the form of the hero
regaining his rightful place
on the throne.
English I
The Maze Runner
Element
The hero is naïve and
inexperienced.
The hero has a strange, wise
being or person as a
mentor/sage.
The hero yearns for the
beautiful lady who is
sometimes his source of
inspiration.
The origin of the hero is
mysterious or the hero
losses his/her parents at a
young age.
The hero goes through a rite
of passage or initiation.
The hero struggles for
something valuable and
important.
The hero has a loyal band of
companions or followers.
The hero makes a stirring
speech to his or her
companions or followers.
The hero engages in a test
or contests of strength.
The hero suffers a wound,
sometimes emotional or
spiritual from which the
hero never completely
recovers.
Name______________________
Hour_____
The Maze Runner
English I
The Maze Runner
Name______________________
Hour_____
After you have completed the chart, it is time for you to create an outline proving your
example is an epic. Your outline will be evaluated based on using the correct outline
format (50%) and on your ideas (50%). There are only two complete sentences in an
outline: the thesis statement and the conclusion. Everything else is topics and phrases.
See the sample and the checklist for the correct outline format.
Outline Checklist
_______ Title is centered (your topic)
_______ Thesis Statement is labeled (left margin)
_______ Double-spaced throughout
_______ Roman numeral system used
_______ Indentations line up
_______ Capitalize first words
_______ Periods after Roman numerals / letters
_______ Topics / phrases, not sentences
_______ Conclusion statement is labeled (left margin)
_______ If A, then B; if 1, then 2
______/15
Ideas Checklist
_______ Strong topic choice
_______ Explanations prove thesis
_______ Covers all elements
_______ Uses specific examples
_______ Shows understanding of epic hero cycle
_______Original writing
_______/15 points
English I
The Maze Runner
Name______________________
Hour_____
The Epic Cycle of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Thesis Statement: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian follows the epic hero
cycle.
I.
Hero’s qualities
A. Highly intelligent
B. Sense of humor
C. Brave
II. Quest for a good education
A. Finds his mother’s name in geometry book
B. Leaves reservation
C. Attends white high school
III. Tests of the hero
A. Angers best friend
B. Deals with racism
C. Tribe ostracizes him
D. Lives in poverty
E. Death of family and friends
1. Grandmother Spirit
2. Eugene (his father’s friend)
3. Mary (his sister)
F. Alcohol/Alcoholism
1. Causes death
a. Grandmother hit by drunk driver
English I
The Maze Runner
Name______________________
Hour_____
b. Eugene shot by friend
c. Mary dies in fire
2. Alcoholic father
a. Leaves at Christmas
b. Money on alcohol, not food
IV. Helpers and Companions
A. Supportive parents
B. Gordy – homework help
C. Penelope – emotional support
D. Roger – financial & emotional support
V. Supernatural World of Reardan High School
VI. Low point
A. Grandmother’s death
B. Eugene’s death
VII.
Resurrection
A. Students protest teacher
B. Plays basketball with Rowdy
VIII.
Restitution
A. Gets good grades
B. Makes up with Rowdy
Conclusion: Junior faces his struggles bravely, just like an epic hero should.