The Spatial World Building of the Harry Potter Universe: Transforming a Plot-Dominant Narrative to a World-Dominant Narrative

Abstract

Spatial world-building has long been overlooked as a legitimate field of literature research, primarily due to the constraints of the 20th century. However, with the advent of innovative technological forms of literary expression, spatial world-building has blossomed into a vibrant area of study for academics. At its core, world-building is the art of crafting a fictional universe that transcends its original storyline..J.K. Rowling unwittingly forged a magical realm when she published *Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone* in 1998. This article delves into the captivating spatial development of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Over the past two decades, this beloved universe has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a narrative dominated by plot to one that thrives on the richness of its world. This shift highlights how the wizarding world has captured the imagination of fans to such an extent that it has taken on a life of its own, independent of the original Harry Potter narrative. This research paper embarks on an exploration of spatial world-building by examining the shift from plot-centric storytelling to a world-centric experience. To illuminate this journey, the researcher draws on the insightful frameworks articulated by Marie-Laure Ryan in her seminal work, *Narrative as Virtual Reality: Immersion and Interactivity in Literature and Electronic Media* (2001). The study uncovers the various transformative developments that facilitate the transition from a singular plotline to a richly textured, expansive narrative landscape. By analyzing the distinctive attributes that shape these narratives, the researcher reveals the extraordinary evolution of the Harry Potter series from a linear storyline into a dynamic, multifaceted world that continues to enchant audiences within the expansive Wizarding World Universe.