The character arc that Woody follows in the first film of the Toy Story franchise is an age-old monomyth, commonly referred to as the hero’s journey. Vogler's (2017) explains how Joseph Campbell coined the term based on his research of ancient heroic myths and stories. His research is often the basis for analyzing this trope in modern narratives and cinema. Breaking down the fundamental elements present in the three-act hero’s journey structure of stories is vital to analyzing the transformation that Woody undergoes as the film’s protagonist.
Woody as the unofficial leader of all Andy’s toys and later, the co-leader alongside Buzz, fully embodies the role of the hero. Even Pixar’s official website refers to Woody as an “affable hero,” (Pixar, n.d.) and the heroism of the sheriff doll is perpetuated by the status other toys give Woody by seeking his guidance (Meinel, 2016, p. 65). Campbell’s (2008) framework on the hero’s journey is clearly identifiable in Toy Story. The film begins by establishing the daily routine life of Andy’s toys, their interrelationships, and sets the tone for the film by creating anxiety over new toys and obsolescence. With the introduction of Buzz, his power and influence over the other toys dissipates.
Woody begins to portray anti-hero characteristics towards Buzz Lightyear, the space-ranger action figure. This antagonistic behavior leads to Buzz becoming separated from the toys and thus Woody is called to adventure so that he can redeem himself by saving Buzz. Through a series of tests they arrive at Pizza Planet, where they meet the little green aliens and this can be identified as the “whale’s belly” The duo find themselves in Andy’s neighbor Sid’s possession and this is when the film climaxes and the characters engage in a heart to heart. The hero overcomes his pride (hubris) and learns his lesson/revelation. They finally change and learn to respect each other to successfully escape Sid's house and return home safely.
In Toy Story 2, when Woody needs rescuing the other toys turn to Buzz to carry out the mission. Both of the white, male toys have been the central protagonists that go on their journey and return transformed. Existing scholarship on monomyths in animation also suggest that Pixar continues to manifest this trope and it stands as a popular narrative technique in animation and filmmaking (Vogler, 2017; Prokhorov, 2021).
Image Credits:
1. Screenshot: Toy Story film/ Disney Plus. Copyright Pixar
2. The Hero's Journey -- Sahil Bloom on X
3. Screenshot: Toy Story 2 film/ Disney Plus. Copyright Pixar.