Subverting the Hero's Journey...

@Nomophilos Isn't that pretty much the storyline to the first Assassin's Creed? (And by extension, the novel "Alamut")

From the top of my head, I can think of 3 classic story types that all subvert the hero's journey. They all have an unhappy ending that either...

• Teaches a lesson about certain behaviour (like being greedy, short-sighted or trusting supernatural beings).
• Explains the state of something (like a character became evil or why real-life olive trees look like two people embracing each other).
• Some combination that ultimately shows how society or the world works (can't beat the system, don't trust huge corporations, some people are just evil, etc).

The ones where the protagonist either fails to learn a lesson or even undergoes negative character development often have them succumbing to some sort of temptation or making a sacrifice so huge that they stop caring about anything.

The stories where the protagonist (or the audience) learns the futility of something is similar to the common type where they give up their initial goal (like a treasure) after realizing something else (like saving their friends) is more important.

@Indiana: the problem is that stories require conflict—something in the story must be taking the protags choice away, or there is no struggle.

I think that Indiana 404 is advocating for leaving out Railroading and forces majeures from the worldbuilding, at least once in a while.

That doesn't make conflict go away, as the protagonist may still find themselves acting in opposition to rivals, enemies, perceived social rules, even nature itself. The conflicts don't come about because the world's existence hinges on the Chosen One, but because the protagonist's existence and happiness depend on their choices and the consequences of their actions. The protagonist (and the readers) may not even be correct as to who or what the real opposition is.

The result could still fit a hero's journey, but it could also turn out to be the making of some other story's villain, mentor, threshold guardian, etc.

guys....you know you are repling to indiana from three years ago?.

I think he dosent even show here in forum anymore.

Various people do seem to be interested in discussing the question, nonetheless. A necro is acceptable as long as new comments and ideas are being shared.

Maybe but a) we should at least understand is a necro and b) I don think this for worldbulding, is about writing not about the world.