Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer as a Classic Hero

I have been going through my notes and files and came across this gem– a handout from Howard Suber’s UCLA class on character and structure.  And since it fits a holiday theme I thought I would share it.

Here’s all you need to know about writing Mythic Heroes, Power of Imagination Heroes, like the ones described by Joseph Campbell.

Rudolph the red nosed reindeer…
The Hero’s name is the first word of the story.

had a very shiny nose, and if you ever saw it you would even say it glows.
The Hero has a distinguishing flaw

All of the other reindeer…
The rest of the community

used to laugh and call him names.
The Hero is wounded

They never let poor Rudolf  join in any reindeer games.
The hero is rejected by the community

Then one foggy Christmas eve…
In a crisis situation, the “normal” characters are powerless

Santa came to say…
Aged, quasi-spiritual. mentor, recruits the reluctant Hero

Rudolph with your nose so bright…
The Hero’s weakness becomes his strength

‘Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight
The Hero leads the community out of danger

Then all the reindeer loved him, and they shouted out with glee…
The Hero is revered by the community on his return

Rudolf the red nosed reindeer, you’ll go down in history
The Hero lives in our memory

More insights in Howard Suber’s wonderful books.  Check them out HERE