The Ordeal

The central life or death crisis where the hero faces their greatest fear. The hero experiences "death" as they confront the most difficult challenge. The hero may die or witness the death of an ally or mentor or someone important. The Ordeal puts hero up against the shadow.

The Ordeal in Finding Nemo is when Marlin witnesses Nemo "die." Marlin watched Darla as she shaked the bag his son was in. Once Dr. Sherman realized that Nemo was "dead" he was going to throw him in the trash. Marlin knowng he can't do anything, leaves realizing he travled as far as he did to find his son "dead."