normalworld

Normalworld is a term used in contemporary fiction, media studies, and game design to describe the ordinary, everyday reality that characters inhabit before, during, or after encounters with extraordinary elements. The term is not tied to a single canonical source, but is used descriptively to contrast with realms of fantasy, dream, or virtual space.

In literature and film, normalworld often serves as a baseline against which the "other world"—such as a magical realm, parallel universe, or dreamscape—is defined. The narrative arc may begin in the normalworld, transition to an extraordinary setting, and return, highlighting themes of identity, social norms, and resilience.

In games and interactive media, normalworld can refer to the real-world environment that players navigate when away from the game's simulated spaces, or to the non-specified layer of reality within the game.

Scholars discuss normalworld as a narrative device for grounding fantastical stories in lived experience, and as a tool to explore issues of power, class, and everyday life. Critics note that the term is loosely defined and culturally contingent, with its meaning varying across genres and media contexts.

See also: base reality, liminal space, world-building.