Starts out low and then increases. Mundane Fantasy is set in our world, a real world where magic does not exist. But as the story progresses the protagonist discovers the secret that is magic. While most of the other real world characters won't believe in magic, or even know of its existence, magic is nonetheless an important part of the world.

High. When fantasy is introduced to our mundane world there are plenty of opportunities for social implications. Indeed, Mundane Fantasy has the unique opportunity to explore contemporary issues (politics, sexuality, etc.). The idea of home is one that Mundane Fantasy returns to often. The idea of home, the desire to belong, and the question of whether a person can ever return home is a natural question for protagonists hailing from the mundane world who are thrown into the secret world of magic. Mundane Fantasy stories frequently explores ideas of dichotomy, especially between value systems..

Variable. How well characters are developed varies greatly within this sub-genre. It is worth a mention that protagonists of Mundane Fantasy tend to have a similar arc. They tend to be courageous individuals and experience some kind of loss or otherwise painful experience. However, they do not necessarily start off as the brave hero. Protagonists must discover their courage and part of this discovery is seeking out the unknown (the secret, magical or supernatural world within the mundane world). Different authors will find different ways of achieving this arc, and some do so in a more complex and psychologically rich way than others. Characters are also contemporary, which means that readers will have an easier time identifying with them. Sure, ancient and wise wizards with floppy hats are awesome, but how well can readers really get to know a character so outside of their own experiences?

Moderate. Mundane Fantasy, in a very basic sense, asks a simple “What if?” that drives the story's plot. What if this mundane world were not so mundane, what if there were something else? In Mundane Fantasy there is something hidden and for the most part it must remain hidden. Expect the high point of the plot to be a big reveal.

Variable. Some of these stories will be about epic battles with mundane and magical realms at stake. Some will have a smaller scope and may not have any physical battles anyway.