"Walter Mitty" is a fictional character created by author James Thurber in his 1939 short story "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." The story follows Mitty, a mild-mannered man who escapes his mundane life through vivid daydreams where he imagines himself as a hero in various adventurous scenarios. In 2013, the character was adapted into a film directed by Ben Stiller, who also stars as Mitty. The movie expands on the original story, showcasing Mitty's journey of self-discovery as he embarks on a real-life adventure that mirrors his imaginative escapades.