The Hero's Journey is the template upon which the cast majority of successful screenplays are built upon. Films as diverse as Gladiator (2000), Million Dollar Baby (2004), Raging Bull (1980) and Scarface (1983) were all constructed around the Hero's Journey Template.

The Hero's Journey takes the character through the Character Arc.

There are four significant stages of the Character Arc: overcoming the refusal, the transformation (road of trials), the rebirth through death and the apotheosis.

Characterization differs from the Character Arc in that it develops the hero as character.

There are a number of standard techniques used to do this. The sum of these techniques builds strong character. Often, screenwriters develop sequences for a specific set of these techniques.

For example, the hero's status, true nature and capabilities. In Gladiator (2000), we discover that Maximus is an excellent swordsman and fighter in battle (capabilities). Maximus takes time to feel the tall grass and cares about his men (true nature). His men look at him and almost bow with awe and respect (status).

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