Fullmetal Alchemist follows the Heroine’s Journey instead of the Hero’s Journey

Fullmetal Alchemist excels in depicting the Heroine’s Journey for Edward and Alphonse Elric, emphasizing change and the support of friends. The series follows the story structure of the Heroine’s Journey, as outlined by Maureen Murdock, rather than the traditional Hero’s Journey. While the Hero’s Journey typically features a male protagonist facing external threats, the Heroine’s Journey focuses on the internal transformation of the protagonist and the importance of their support network.

The journey begins with Edward and Alphonse living in a seemingly perfect world with their mother, Trisha. However, Trisha’s death shatters their illusion of a flawless existence, leading to Edward’s realization of the world’s toxic nature. Unlike the Hero’s Journey, Edward doesn’t receive a formal “Call to Adventure” or the option to refuse it. Instead, the disruption of their lives becomes the catalyst for their transformation and the need to adapt to change.

Edward’s awakening and descent into the world of alchemy reflect key plot points of the Heroine’s Journey. His failed attempt to resurrect his mother and the introduction of Izumi Curtis as his mentor represent the protagonist’s need for change and the guidance received from a wise figure. Notably, the mentor in the Heroine’s Journey often remains alive and becomes part of the protagonist’s support system, distinguishing it from the Hero’s Journey.

As the story progresses, Edward faces trials and grows more comfortable in his role as a State Alchemist. However, during the climax, when Father reveals himself and chaos ensues, the heroes reach a point of despair, similar to the “All is Lost” stage. The Heroine’s Journey requires the protagonist to reflect on their failures and rally their allies to achieve their goals.

In the final confrontation with Father, Edward and his friends work together, utilizing their strengths and what they’ve learned from Edward’s journey. This collaborative effort showcases the support and rebirth phase of the Heroine’s Journey. As Alphonse sacrifices himself and Edward overcomes the final threat with a new skill, Edward undergoes a personal transformation. He accepts his loss of alchemy, acknowledges the changes within himself and the world, and returns with a new perspective.

While the Heroine’s Journey is less common in shonen anime, Fullmetal Alchemist exemplifies its narrative flow. Other series like Bleach with Ichigo Kurosaki also exhibit elements of the Heroine’s Journey. These narratives demonstrate the significance of structured storytelling and the power of internal transformation and support in crafting a compelling and successful story.

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Edward, Alphonse, Mustang, Winry, Bradley, Nina