| abstract | - This trope is a character or other idea that, in their own reality/universe, are fairly normal, if not underpowered. They'd be a Red Shirt back home, or someone fairly low key. Or maybe back home they're weak because they have to measure up to god-level opponents or Eldritch Abominations. Whatever the reason, they're not considered strong. However, due to the nature of the world they are dropped into, they are unbelievably powerful. Let's use a spaceship as the first example. Maybe you have a shield that is considered weak in your home reality? In a world that has no shield technology, you are the king of the playground. Or an FTL drive. Or better sensors. "In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king," after all. What about humans? If you have psychic powers, but so does everyone else, then you aren't that special. But what if you were dropped into a world where subterfuge and spy work were the order of the day, but no one could read minds? You're suddenly the biggest VIP on the planet. This trope is about when Power Creep, Power Seep does not come into play. To be a Normal Fish in a Tiny Pond, you don't have to be a Mary Sue, but you must be much more powerful than the locals, without gaining anything you didn't have before. Also, no attempting to Nerf powers. Compare Like a Fish Takes to Water, where the individuals transplanted have some unique gifts or knowledge. This one is just a normal guy or person in his/her universe, but is special in another. Fish Out of Water goes hand-in-hand with this trope. This is a staple of comic book alien supers. Invoked Trope for Summon Everyman Hero. See also Those Were Only Their Scouts. Contrast Outside Context Villain. Examples of Normal Fish in a Tiny Pond include:
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