What are the features of a story of initiation?

A typical story of initiation follows a character through
specific aspects of the phases of their life. Typically, these events signify rites of
passage from childhood to adolescence to adulthood.

There
are four phases of the typical initiation associated with the pasing from one stage into
the next.

First, one must discover and realize that evil
exists. Second, is the loss of innocence. Third, one must become an active person in a
society. Lastly, is self-realization.

Typically, stories of
initiation are journey stories. The movement of the protagonist from innocent to
experienced to mature is an important aspect of the initiation story. One must pass
through all of the stages to insure proper initiation into the world and ones
self.

Above all other aspects is the journey that the
character takes in their mind. Regardless of what challenges one faces, he/she must grow
mentally/spiritually to insure that they reach true maturity.