Christopher Vogler The Writers Journey
T h e villain might also steal back the elixir or kidnap one of the hero's friends in
retaliation. T h i s could lead to a rescue or chase, or both.
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CHASE SCENES
In many cases heroes leave the Special W o r l d only because they are running for their
lives. Chases may occur in any part of the story, but the end of Act Two is one of
the most popular places. Chases are useful for torquing up a story's energy. Audi
ences may get sleepy at this point, and you have to wake them up with some action
or conflict. In the theatre, this stage is called "racing for the curtain," a time when
you want to pick up the pace and build momentum for the finish.
Chases are a favorite element of movies, and they figure prominently in lit
erature, art, and mythology as well. T h e most famous chase in classical mythology
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