Hero’s Journey 2

I will be writing about Carol from The Walking Dead and her journey. I’m sure even if you don’t watch the show you are familiar with the apocalyptic zombie theme.

1. Carol’s ordinary world happened many seasons ago where she was an abused housewife. She was incredibly meek and timid. She accepted her role and would actually defend her husband when he was physically or verbally abusive.
2. Carol’s call to adventure was essentially like all of the characters in the story, zombies are here whether you like it or not. Carol had many “calls to adventure” as the story progressed but this was everyone’s first step out of the Shire.
3. Carol’s refusal was not to get involved in any of the killing of the walkers or any scuffles with other people. She was the motherly type and stayed in the role that she was comfortable with within the group. This included the laundry and cooking.
4. Meeting with the mentor was getting a bigger role as the seasons progressed. This permission was given to her by Rick.
5. Carol’s crossing the threshold was “taking care” of her husband that had been bit by a walker. He had just laid hands on Carol and got his face pummeled by Shane, another Alpha male of the group and local hot head. By zombie law you have to destroy the brain and she does this with a pick axe.
6. Carol’s tests and allies are numerous as the series progresses. She makes several allies though keeps everyone at a certain arms length. She also learns to step toe to toe with any Alpha male or female crap that gets thrown her way.
7. Her approach to each of these was a slow journey from meek to bad ass.
8. Carol has had many ordeals, one that comes to mind is having to make the decision to shoot a little girl (I know, I know, hear me out!) The girl killed her sister and could not distinguish between walker and human. Everyone was her friend and wanted to play. Obviously someone like this does not work well with others.
9. Carol did not receive any reward for killing a little girl, though as the seasons progress she attained self confidence and purpose among the group and herself.
10. The road back has yet to be traveled for Carol or anyone for that matter. Every episode and season gets worse for Rick and the gang. It is now season 6 and they have become to question whether they have lost their own humanity and have gone too far to come back.
11. Carol has resurrected as a leader and a hero. She has left the body of abused submissive wife to zombie warrior. She is one of the most ruthless Alpha’s in the show and her lack of penis means nothing in the zombie apocalypse.
12. I have yet to see an elixir in this show or even a philosophical one at that. The show is still going strong and many things can change from now until the end.

Carol’s journey might differ from a males due to the fact as she is a chameleon. They end up living in a gated civilized community where the people don’t understand what things need to be done living outside the wall. Carol put on the persona of the happy homemaker again and this fooled the gated community, but not the group she has fought with and for. I’m not sure this could be as easily accepted for a male character because of the macho tropes.

The following clip shows the evolution of Carol. This only goes to season 4, but you do get a good idea of her trajectory.

Don’t look at the flowers!