Intuitive Screenwriting

An Archetypal Matrix Behind the Hero’s Journey

Intuitive Screenwriting is a unique system that unveils the secret matrix behind story structure — because it’s not just a method of writing, it’s an archetypal blueprint of the human psyche.

Based on an original archetypal wheel developed by the author, this system guides writers into the infinite creative field of the collective unconscious. It is both a tool and a map — showing how inner transformation becomes story.

The wheel charts the evolution of the hero (and the story itself) through 12 Jungian archetypes — psychological energies or mythic planets — each representing a distinct phase of transformation. Moving counterclockwise, these archetypes shape 12 turning points in the narrative, echoing the organic rhythm of a full-length film.

But unlike traditional linear models, this structure is not one-directional — and its turning points are never singular. Each phase contains an internal conflict: a polarity between two opposing archetypes on the wheel — including their Shadows — engaged in a constant dialogue.
These dynamic tensions form the emotional heartbeat of the story. Plot, character, structure, genre, and theme — all are expressions of the same archetypal forces in motion. And because every story follows the movement of the psyche, this system applies across genres, formats, and cultures.

In some places, this wheel aligns with the Hero’s Journey. In others, it diverges — offering a more precise map, rooted in the deep architecture of the mind. Most structural theories define the beginning and end of a story well — but often leave the middle vague. Here, the middle is clarified and made powerful — because the journey through is what transforms both the hero and the writer.

The Ana Lasić Archetypal Wheel

The Ana Lasić Story Template

Themes inside the Hero’s progresion:

Each of the 12 archetypal steps reveals a conflict between two opposing archetypes (as positioned on the wheel), including their Shadow aspects. These inner tensions guide the evolution of your hero.

1. Warrior → Fool
Theme: Battlefield
→ Pain caused by the wrong identity vs. all possible identities. Conflict.

2. Creator → Orphan
Theme: Heart’s Desire
→ Hero’s heart vs. non-authentic relationships.

3. Explorer → Magician
Theme: A Better Life is Possible
→ Wrong belief vs. new vision.

4. Lover → Caregiver
Theme: Love Introduced
→ Love triggers fear (overprotectiveness).

5. Sage → Destroyer
Theme: Reasons Behind Suffering
→ Healing provokes self-destructiveness.

6. Ruler → Innocent
Theme: Wish Fulfilled
→ Controlling the outside world vs. the soul’s real purpose.

7. Fool → Warrior
Theme: Double Identity – Fool and Games Upside Down (Inside Out)
→ Right (new) and wrong (old) identity meet; the hero is fooled by fools.

8. Orphan → Creator
Theme: Problems in (Criss-Cross) Relationships
→ Fairness between relationships and the hero’s heart. Freedom. Cheating.

9. Magician → Explorer
Theme: Truth is Known
→ Right belonging changes the hero’s belief structure.

10. Caregiver → Lover
Theme: Final Separation
→ Growing up. Vulnerability leads to love.

11. Destroyer → Sage
Theme: Kill or Heal (Change or Die)
→ Facing the biggest enemy (fear) brings healing.

12. Innocent → Ruler
Theme: Live and Share
→ Controlling the inner world. Compassion is the right way to rule and influence.

The Ana Lasić Story Template

Themes inside the Hero’s progression through 12 archetypal steps
Within each step in your story, there are two forces that are in conflict with each other. Which force will win within your hero?