Dan Harmon Story Circle: The Definitive Guide

Dan Harmon is an American writer and producer best known for the NBC comedy Community. He also created the animated series Rick and Morty, which debuted on Adult Swim in 2013.

If you’ve ever seen Community or watched one of his interviews, you know that Dan Harmon has some pretty unique views on storytelling. He came up with a very original way of organizing narratives called the Story Circle.

In this guide, we’re going to go over what exactly the Story Circle is and who should use it.

We’ll also discuss how a similar technique called the Hero’s Journey can be useful when writing screenplays or novels.

dan harmon story circle

What Is dan harmon’s story circle?

The Dan Harmon Story Circle is a way to visualize character arcs. It’s a basic model for storytelling, one that’s been used for thousands of years and by everyone from Homer to Shakespeare to Pixar.

The idea is that there are eight steps to a story: You, Need, Go, Search, Find, Take, Return, Change. You can use it creatively, as a way to brainstorm or outline your own stories.

Or you can use it analytically, breaking down the stories you love into their component parts and finding ways to incorporate them into your own work.

Process map

Dan Harmon story circle

1. 1

   You

   Setup - status quo

2. 2

   Need

   Trigger - desire for change

3. 3

   Go

   Quest - enter unfamiliar world

4. 4

   Search

   Surprise - adapt and struggle

5. 5

   Find

   Critical choice - get what they wanted

6. 6

   Take

   Climax - pay a heavy price

7. 7

   Return

   Reversal - back to familiar world

8. 8

   Change

   Resolution - transformed

Eight beats that map a character from comfort, through change, and back changed.

Step 1: You (Zone of Comfort)

In the realm of storytelling, the initial step of the Dan Harmon Story Circle is fundamental – establishing You: a character in a zone of comfort, the status quo.

It plants the audience in the protagonist’s everyday life before the adventure begins.

We see this in movies like The Matrix, where Neo’s mundane existence is established, cementing our understanding of his need for change.

This step does more than just show routine; it establishes empathy.

We’re given a lens through which to view the character’s desires, fears, and world.

Think of Sarah Connor’s normal life before the chaos in Terminator or Frodo’s tranquil existence in The Shire in The Lord of the Rings.

We identify key elements to weave into the setup:

• The protagonist’s current situation,
• The environment or world they inhabit,
• The impending change or conflict hint.

Aligning the audience with the character’s perspective is crucial.

We aim to create a bond that carries viewers seamlessly into the ensuing journey.

By mastering this phase, we set the stage for a compelling narrative, ensuring our audience is hooked and ready for the ride.

In essence, the setup is our foundation – we build a relatable and vivid world without which the story lacks depth and engagement.

Crafting this effectively primes the narrative for the transformation that lies ahead.

Step 2: Need

After establishing the character in their zone of comfort, we reach the crucial second step of the Dan Harmon Story Circle – Need.

In this phase, the protagonist wants something. That desire (external goal, internal lack, or both) creates incompleteness in the comfort zone and gives the story its drive.

Need is not yet the leap into adventure; it’s the itch that makes crossing the threshold feel necessary. An inciting incident often crystallizes that need for the audience.

We often witness this as a want that challenges the protagonist’s everyday life.

In Finding Nemo, Marlin’s need is to get his son back after Nemo is captured — the desire that will pull him into the ocean-spanning quest.

For Neo in The Matrix, it’s the need to know what the Matrix is and why his world feels wrong — the unanswered question that makes leaving comfort possible.

These needs create curiosity that hooks viewers into the narrative, eager to discover what happens next.

Need should:

• Present a clear desire or incompleteness for the protagonist,
• Evoke emotional investment in the character’s journey.

Its role is pivotal in transforming the protagonist’s path from static to dynamic.

Recognizing the importance of this want ensures that the audience remains engaged with the character’s unfolding adventure.

The effectiveness of Need lies in making the later leap into the unfamiliar feel earned while maintaining the initial empathy established in the setup.

Crafting a compelling Need requires careful consideration of what the character lacks and why it matters.

It’s more than a plot beat – it’s the hunger that, once acknowledged, pushes the protagonist toward uncharted territories and personal growth.

This second step is both a disruption and an invitation, asking the character and the audience alike to brace for the transformative odyssey that lies ahead.

Step 3: Go

After the protagonist feels the Need, they Go — crossing into an unfamiliar situation.

This is when the journey truly begins and the character takes their first, often hesitant, steps into the new world.

Go opens the story’s chaos half of the circle: the comfort zone is left behind, and the rules change.

It’s not just about the external voyage but also about the internal struggles that start once they’re out of their depth.

In the world of filmmaking, it’s crucial that this crossing is clear – audiences need to feel that the protagonist has left the old world behind.

Think of The Lord of the Rings where the fellowship sets out from the Shire toward Mount Doom — the departure into the unfamiliar.

For Neo in The Matrix, Go is choosing the red pill and waking in the real world — the threshold crossing that follows his Need for answers.

The Go should incorporate several key elements:

• A clear departure from the zone of comfort,
• Entry into an unfamiliar situation tied to the Need,
• Early opportunities for character development and relationship dynamics.

Consider how The Matrix elevates Neo’s journey once he has crossed that threshold.

Go is where the transformation gears begin to turn – it’s exhilarating, it’s revealing, and it sets the pace for the Search that follows.

We understand that it’s not just about reaching the end but about the transformation that occurs throughout the journey.

It’s these transformative experiences that resonate with audiences and leave them yearning for more.

Step 4: Search

After the hero Goes into the unfamiliar, they Search — adapting to it, facing a road of trials.

This is the crowded middle of the circle: obstacles, false leads, allies, and enemies force the character to learn new rules and keep seeking what they Need.

Search involves two critical elements:

• Adaptation – The protagonist must change tactics and survive in the unfamiliar world.
• Ongoing struggle – Obstacles test resolve before they Find what they were after.

The function of Search is multifaceted.

It elevates the stakes and shapes the hero in profound ways.

Films like Star Wars and The Lion King showcase how a sustained stretch of trials creates unforgettable momentum.

Here’s what Search achieves:

• It introduces new layers to character arcs.
• It heightens the audience’s investment.

Search isn’t just about shocking the audience; it provides an opportunity for the protagonist to display resilience.

They might stumble and falter, yet it’s their reaction to each trial that reveals their true character.

Consider Neo’s training and encounter with the Oracle in The Matrix, illustrating the adaptation and revelations that prepare the character for what comes next.

Besides, Search serves as the engine of Act Two, ensuring that the audience remains intrigued.

Pacing is key here, as the trials should escalate to maintain a gripping narrative.

It’s not only about set pieces but also about how each obstacle integrates into the plot without disrupting the story flow.

Our challenge as filmmakers is to weave Search into our narratives elegantly.

We aim to balance discovery with struggle, creating a coherent descent into chaos that transforms the protagonist’s path.

Step 5: Find

After the Search, the protagonist reaches Step 5 – Find: they get what they wanted (or something that looks like it).

This is where the Need from Step 2 is met — but often not in the way they expected. Finding it can feel like triumph, a twist, or a bitter surprise.

Find is a defining turning point in the circle.

It marks the bottom of the descent: the goal is grasped, and the story is about to demand payment.

For filmmakers, constructing this moment requires a deep understanding of the character’s Need so that getting it feels earned and destabilizing.

In creating Find, we consider the following elements:

• The protagonist’s goals and fears,
• What “getting it” actually looks like on screen,
• How the discovery reframes the journey ahead.

This discovery fundamentally alters the protagonist’s journey.

In The Matrix, Neo’s encounter with the Oracle and the revelation that he may not be “The One” (yet) is a clear Find beat: he gets an answer about his Need, and it isn’t the comfort he hoped for.

It embodies a midpoint discovery that irrevocably changes his reality and propels the story forward.

The audience’s connection to the character is strengthened at this juncture.

We witness what the hero thought they needed — and what receiving it costs them next.

It’s not just about the discovery itself, but its ripple effect on the narrative.

By making Find credible, we ensure that the audience remains invested.

The character’s path becomes more complex, and we pave the way for Take — paying the heavy price.

These discoveries help the transition into the next phase of the Dan Harmon Story Circle, leading to growth and eventually to a transformed protagonist.

Step 6: Take

Take is where the protagonist pays a heavy price for what they Found.

It’s the costly half of getting what you want: sacrifice, loss, or a devastating consequence that makes the victory incomplete.

Here, stakes are highest, and the audience is on the edge of their seats, eager to see what the Need was worth.

In The Matrix, Neo’s stand against Agent Smith — and the apparent cost of that fight — shows Take as paying for the power and knowledge he has claimed.

In filmmaking, orchestrating such a moment demands careful planning to ensure the price feels both emotionally satisfying and narratively consistent.

Key Aspects of Take

• High stakes and a clear price,
• Ultimate test of character’s resolve,
• Significant confrontation, loss, or revelation.

Maintaining engagement through Take requires escalating the cost of what was Found.

We build tension not just through the plot but also through the character’s internal conflicts.

This is where we see whether our hero will pay up or break.

Visual storytelling plays a crucial role here as well.

Through cinematic techniques such as close-ups and pacing that mirrors the protagonist’s heartbeat, we communicate the depth of the moment.

Consider the gripping duel in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, where Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader and pays with his hand — and his sense of identity — for chasing the truth.

Crafting Take is as much about timing as it is about the narrative punch.

It’s the costly beat the circle has been building toward, and when done right, it can leave the audience breathless.

We focus on delivering that captivating experience, where every element of the filmmaking process aligns to make the price of the journey unforgettable.

Step 7: Return

As our protagonists Return, they cross back toward the familiar situation they left in Step 1.

It’s the ascent out of chaos: after paying the price in Take, they head home — or toward whatever stands in for the old world — carrying what the journey gave them.

The hero’s circumstances may look like the start of the story, but they are not the same person making the trip back.

In crafting Return, we ensure the audience feels the re-crossing of the threshold, whether the setting is literally home or a symbolic return to order.

The audience should recognize the familiar world even as the protagonist approaches it differently.

Films like The Matrix (Neo re-entering the simulated world with new purpose) and The Godfather (Michael returning to the family business transformed) exemplify powerful returns that reframe the narrative.

At this point, the hero begins to piece together the journey’s lessons.

They carry their new understanding forward, which often leads into the final demonstration of Change.

We emphasize visual storytelling to underscore the homecoming.

Key elements to focus on include:

• Dramatic shifts in character relationships,
• Visual contrasts to previous scenes in the same world,
• Altered character motivations on familiar ground.

Films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind employ these techniques artfully, bringing the protagonist back through memory and setting toward a changed reunion.

Our goal is to leave the audience reflective about the journey and ready for the final step.

As we align the various filmmaking components – screenplay, cinematography, sound design, and performance – Return becomes a poignant moment.

It’s where audiences can truly see the growth and resolve of the characters emerge on familiar turf.

Let’s not forget that Return sets the stage for Change.

It’s here that we tee up the proof that the circle has completed, preparing the audience for what is yet to come.

Step 8: Change

In the final step of the Dan Harmon Story Circle, we find Change: the protagonist has changed.

It’s here that we prove the circle — they may be back in a familiar situation (after Return), but they are not the person who left it.

This ultimate step showcases the fresh perspective or transformation earned through Need, Go, Search, Find, Take, and Return.

Although the setting can look like the beginning, the character is never quite the same.

We see a resolved narrative that aligns with the transformed characters, tying up loose ends and providing a clear contrast to Step 1: You.

Films like The Lion King effectively demonstrate this, where Simba at Pride Rock is ready to be king — the changed self completing the circle.

Critical elements of Change may include:

• Protagonists applying their newfound knowledge or skills,
• Secondary characters acknowledging the growth or change of the protagonist.

Change in film is not simply about returning home or achieving goals — Return already covered the homecoming.

It’s about illustrating growth and conveying a satisfying sense of closure to the audience.

Yet, it’s also where we leave room for potential continuations, which is particularly significant in the world of filmmaking.

Certain franchises, such as Star Wars, leverage Change not as an absolute end but as a bridge to the next cycle or sequel.

The visual components of this step are vital.

Subtle or dramatic changes in the setting or costume indicate the protagonist’s transformation.

In The Matrix, Neo’s final scene uplifts the audience with a sense of triumph and a transformed reality that stems from the protagonist’s journey.

Our journey through the Story Circle has illuminated the path that characters traverse.

Audiences can trace the character’s footsteps back to where they started but can clearly perceive the profound evolution they’ve undergone.

Change seals the narrative loop and leaves an imprint that resonates beyond the screen.

Dan Harmon Story Circle – Wrap Up

We’ve explored the transformative power of the Dan Harmon Story Circle, and how the final step, Change, brings characters full circle.

It’s this mastery of storytelling that not only completes the journey but also leaves us with characters who’ve evolved, offering a satisfying sense of closure.

As writers and creators, we understand that the art of a good story lies in its ability to reflect change and impact viewers long after the tale has been told.

By embracing this narrative tool, we can craft stories that resonate deeply with audiences, ensuring our characters’ adventures leave a lasting impression.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Dan Harmon Story Circle?

The Dan Harmon Story Circle is a narrative structure that outlines a protagonist’s journey in eight distinct steps — You, Need, Go, Search, Find, Take, Return, Change — designed to guide story development and character growth within a compelling and relatable arc.

What Is The Eighth Step Of The Story Circle Known As?

The eighth step of the Story Circle is known as Change.

It signifies that the protagonist has completed the journey altered by what they experienced.

What Does the Change Step Represent?

Change represents proof that the protagonist is no longer who they were in Step 1, even if they have returned to a familiar situation after Step 7.

How Does Change Showcase Character Growth?

Character growth is showcased through changes in the protagonist’s outlook, behavior, or circumstances that reflect the experiences and lessons learned during their journey, emphasizing personal development.

What Is The Purpose Of Visual Components In Change?

Visual components, such as alterations in setting or costume, are used to visibly indicate the protagonist’s transformation and to highlight the impact of their journey on both the character and their world.

Does Change Provide Closure For The Story?

Yes, Change ties up the circle and provides closure, while also contrasting the protagonist’s new state with the beginning of the story, illustrating their growth.

Can Change Lead To A Continuation Of The Story?

Yes, although Change seals the narrative loop and concludes the story, it leaves an imprint that can resonate beyond the current narrative, potentially allowing for future continuations.