The problem with humans is that they are everywhere, even in places where they have no right to be. In galaxies far away there will be aliens, and there will be humans. In fantasy worlds populated by ogres, elves, and dragons, you will find humans. In all manner of fictional setting, despite all reason for the contrary, humans will exist. It turns out that both worldbuilders and audiences like humans. It gives them something to relate to. So how do worldbuilders solve for the problem of having humans in a setting where the existence of humans is a tad eye-raising? Worldbuilders will often seek some form of explanation for this scenario. Some worldbuilders will solve this dilemma by simply not including humans and instead having aliens or creatures that exhibit human-like characteristics. Others include a species that is not ‘human’ but looks like a human, talks like a human, and is absolutely indistinguishable from humans, but again, isn’t a human. Others simply ignore the problem. Audiences have become accustomed to humans in places where humans should not be.

Solutions: