Crossing the Threshold and Plot Development

8th Gradeβ€’45 minutesβ€’CCSS CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.8.3

Learning Objective

I can analyze how a character's "Crossing the Threshold" moment impacts the plot.

Key Concepts

According to Joseph Campbell, effective stories share characteristics regardless of religion, race, time, or ancestry.

Dan Harmon condensed Campbell's 17 steps of the hero's journey into 8 steps, fitting it into a story circle.

In Home Alone, Kevin's 'Crossing the Threshold' moment involves him enjoying his newfound freedom but soon realizing he can't survive on his own.

Practice Questions

This lesson includes 7 practice questions to reinforce learning.

View questions preview

1. What is the 'Crossing the Threshold' moment in a story, according to the video?

2. In 'Home Alone,' what event represents Kevin's 'Crossing the Threshold'?

3. How does Kevin's behavior change after he 'Crosses the Threshold'?

...and 4 more questions

Educational Video

Home Alone and How to Write the Hero's Journey - Joseph Campbell and Dan Harmon Story Structure

Think Story

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