Refusal of the Call

The next stage of the Hero's Journey is the Refusal of the Call.
This one is usually fairly obvious. The moment of "I'm not good enough" that every Hero experiences. He has received the Call to Adventure and now he must decide whether or not to accept it. There is an inevitable hesitation. The Hero reflects on the risks he runs by going on the Journey. He considers the securities at home he doesn't want to leave. He considers the stakes, the what-ifs, that are associated with the Adventure.

I think this stage is one we experience in real life fairly often. "Should I or shouldn't I?" "What are the pros and cons?" 

The important thing about the Hero is that, in order to be a Hero, he has to accept the Call. He weighs the pros and cons, thinks about the risks involved but also the good that may be achieved, and ultimately says yes. 

This "saying yes" may be spurred on by an external force--maybe the stakes are raised. Maybe his motivation for accepting the Call is increased by a tragic event. Maybe his hesitating has already had negative consequences. Maybe while he is considering whether or not to go his whole family is kidnapped or killed, giving him that extra push he needs to say yes. 

The doubts, fears, misgivings, and uncertainties that accompany the Refusal of the Call make it very relatable for the reader. In any story, the reader projects him- or herself onto the Hero. It is so easy to understand the Hero's hesitation. We all go through that. 

The relatable-ness of this stage in the Journey provides ample opportunity for the writer to expound on the Hero's flaws (which have been established in the Ordinary World), show his dependencies and securities at home, and introduce his Mentor. 

Because the Meeting with the Mentor is what comes next.