Stories that carry readers into unfamiliar worlds—whether magical or metaphorical—often follow the Voyage and Return plot structure. In these tales, a hero leaves home, faces strange and unexpected challenges, and returns transformed. This structure offers a powerful lens for teaching personal growth, imagination, and problem-solving.
In these new lands, logic and common sense often fall away. The hero must rely on allies for guidance, though these helpers are frequently tricksters who lead the character into deeper trouble.
Voyage and Return is especially common in children’s literature. It helps students confront and explore fears—like being alone in the dark, braving storms, or venturing into unfamiliar places—and shows how stories can guide them back to safety and confidence
Project Overview: Voyage and Return Plot Organizer
Students will create a staggered flip organizer that explores the elements of the voyage and return plot structure. The organizer includes:
- a dedicated section to explain key components of the plot
- a page for listing examples from literature, film, or pop culture that fit the structure
- a “Digging Deeper” reflection prompt, asking students to compare and contrast the voyage and return plot with the quest plot
- three outline pages for guided practice and deeper understanding
Voyage and Return Plot Description
What Makes a Hero? — TED-Ed (Matthew Winkler)
This animated video walks students through the universal stages of the hero’s journey—an archetype that fits perfectly with Voyage and Return plot structures. From Harry Potter to Frodo Baggins, it shows how everyday people and famous characters share a narrative rhythm that includes leaving home, facing trials, and returning changed.
The Hero’s Journey — theherocc
This video uses iconic film clips—from Harry Potter and Star Wars to The Wizard of Oz—to illustrate the timeless Voyage and Return arc. It highlights how heroes leave the familiar, face personal trials, and ultimately return transformed, emphasizing courage, self-discovery, and the pull of home.
Voyage and Return Examples
Alice in Wonderland
Alice falls down a rabbit hole into a strange and surreal world, encountering bizarre characters and situations, before returning home with a new appreciation for the world around her.
Where the Wild Things Are
Max travels to a fantasy world inhabited by wild creatures but eventually returns home to find comfort and security with his family.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Goldilocks ventures into the bears’ home, causing mischief and disruption, before fleeing back to her own home.
Peter Rabbit
Peter Rabbit goes on an adventure in Mr. McGregor’s garden but eventually returns home to his family.
Cast Away
Chuck Noland is stranded on a deserted island, where he learns to survive and adapt to his new environment, before being rescued and returning home.
The Hobbit
Bilbo Baggins goes on an adventure to help a group of dwarves reclaim their lost treasure but eventually returns home with newfound courage and wisdom.
Gulliver’s Travels
Lemuel Gulliver travels to several fantastical lands, encountering strange and unique creatures, before returning home with a new appreciation for his own life.
Chronicles of Narnia [The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe]
The Pevensie siblings travel to the magical land of Narnia, encountering talking animals and magical creatures, before returning home with a new sense of courage and determination.
Finding Nemo
Marlin travels through the ocean to rescue his son Nemo, encountering many dangers and obstacles along the way, before returning home with a new appreciation for his son’s independence and bravery.
The Wizard of Oz
Dorothy is transported to the magical land of Oz, where she meets new friends and faces many challenges, before returning home with a new appreciation for her family and friends.
Back to the Future
Marty McFly travels through time to the past and future, encountering many adventures and obstacles, before returning home with a new understanding of the importance of family and relationships.
The Tragic Myth of Orpheus and Eurydice — TED-Ed (Brendan Pelsue)
This animated retelling of a classic myth follows Orpheus as he journeys into the underworld to rescue his beloved Eurydice. Along the way, he faces daunting trials—but a single moment of doubt changes everything. It’s a haunting example of how the Voyage and Return plot structure can end in heartbreak.
In each of these stories, the protagonist embarks on a journey to a new and unfamiliar world. The character experiences many challenges and adventures before eventually returning home with newfound knowledge or understanding.
Jump to the plot you are interested in using these links.
