How do 'transported into another world' Western novels usually start?

Many of these novels start with a sense of dislocation or a sudden change in the character's situation. In 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz', a tornado sweeps Dorothy away from her home and deposits her in Oz. In 'Outlander', Claire touches a standing stone and is flung back in time to 18th - century Scotland. So, it could be a natural disaster, a magical encounter or a simple accident that sets the stage for the transportation to another world.

Often, they start with the protagonist being in an ordinary situation in our world, like a normal day at school or work. Then suddenly, something extraordinary happens that transports them to another world. For example, in 'Sword Art Online', the players log into a new VR game and find themselves trapped in the game world which is like another world.

Some might consider 'Peter Pan' in this category. Wendy and her brothers are transported to Neverland, a world full of pirates, fairies, and the boy who never grows up. Also, 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' is a classic. Dorothy is swept away by a tornado to the magical land of Oz, where she meets all sorts of strange and wonderful characters on her quest to get home.

One popular one is 'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis. It transports readers to the magical world of Narnia through a wardrobe. Another is 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' which takes Alice to a strange and fantastical world. And 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien can also be considered in a way, as it takes characters into the epic world of Middle - earth.

Often, they start with some sort of accident or unexpected event. For example, in 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland', Alice falls down a rabbit hole. In 'The Chronicles of Narnia', the children stumble upon the wardrobe. It's a common way to get the human characters into the other world suddenly.

They can start by observing the new world's culture. Just like when we travel to a new place in our world, the OC can watch how the people interact, what their values are. For example, if the new world values honor above all else, the OC can try to uphold that in their actions.

One popular 'transported to another world novel' is 'Sword Art Online'. In this story, players get trapped in a virtual world. Another is 'Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World' where the protagonist keeps getting sent back in time in the new world he is transported to. 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime' is also well - liked. The main character is reincarnated as a slime in a different world and has to build his own existence there.

One popular 'female transported to another world' novel is 'Ascendance of a Bookworm'. In this story, a female bookworm is reborn into a world where books are scarce. It's a great read as it shows her struggle and determination to create books in a world that doesn't value them much at first. Another is 'The Saint's Magic Power is Omnipotent'. The female lead is summoned to another world as a saint but is initially ignored. However, she uses her magic power in unique ways and grows into a powerful and respected figure. There's also 'My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!'. The female character finds herself in the world of an otome game as the villainess and has to find a way to change her fate.

The escapism factor. People can get away from their daily routines and enter a whole new world full of magic, adventure, and the unknown. It's like a mental vacation.

One common theme is self - discovery. The protagonist is often thrown into a new and strange world, and through their experiences there, they learn more about themselves. Another theme is power - growth. In the new world, they usually start from scratch and gradually gain power, whether it's magic or combat skills. And there is also the theme of forming relationships. They meet various characters in the new world and form friendships, alliances or even romances.