

The needs of the hero when she meets her guide or mentor can be small or large. The guide can give an object, like a ring, or just simple insight, like the way the canary’s presence gives Doris an idea and the courage to see it through. This help can also come in the form of wise advice, practical training, or even just a kind word that can give the character some self-confidence. The guide’s advice always takes away the hero’s fears and doubts and brings her strength and courage to begin her quest.
As you can see, Doris is a reluctant hero. She didn’t believe that there were such terrible creatures in the world and that the bad things that the fairies talked about could actually occur. She doubts and doesn’t want to be the one to do something about it because that meant the small fairies living in her huge home would discover it was messier than most, and that her kitchen appliances and artwork were out of date.
Doris receives adulation from fairies and bats through their laughter. This is her reward. Her honey cakes worked to bring joy and peace. Doris’s reward lies in helping the fairies see the fruits of their folly-filled labor––the witness of their first joke. This gives the fairies wisdom, and they can use it to give them courage to not fly away and be brave.