"The Ordinary World" is the first step in the Hero's Journey, a narrative framework popularized by Joseph Campbell in his work "The Hero with a Thousand Faces." This stage establishes the hero's normal life before the adventure begins, providing a contrast that highlights the importance of the journey ahead.
In "The Ordinary World," the audience is introduced to the protagonist's everyday environment, social status, and personal struggles. This setting serves not only to familiarize the audience with the hero's baseline existence but also to illustrate their vulnerabilities and what they lack—making them relatable and creating a sense of anticipation for the change that will come.
For example, in stories like "The Hobbit," Bilbo Baggins is presented in his comfortable Shire home, illustrating his mundane, unadventurous life as a hobbit who enjoys peace and routine (Campbell, 1949). This ordinary world context is critical as it sets up the character’s journey from the comfort of familiarity to the unknown challenges that lie ahead. The stark contrast between the ordinary world and the extraordinary challenges that the hero will face plays a significant motivational role, enabling the audience to invest emotionally in the hero's transformation (Campbell, 1949).
In summary, "The Ordinary World" establishes crucial context for the hero's motivations and the eventual necessity of their journey, effectively setting the stage for the adventure and growth to follow (Campbell, 1949).
Reference: Campbell, J. (1949). The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Princeton University Press.