Origin Story

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An origin story is an in-universe explanation for how a character became who they are and/or arrived at a specific point. This may take the form of backstory integrated into the main narrative, or it may be presented as independent story in the form of a prequel, side story, tie-in or companion piece.

Origin stories are common in superhero media as a device for explaining how characters were set upon their chosen path. For example, the origin story of Batman generally involves a young Bruce Wayne witnessing his parents' murders, an inciting incident that motivates him to become a masked crime-fighter as an adult. Another example would be Marvel's[1] Tony Stark who, after being kidnapped by a terrorist group, decided to create his alter ego Iron Man.

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  1. ^ The character appears both in Marvel comics and the MCU