Background of a story at the beginning of an essay about a book?

Is it necessary to say the background of a story at the beginning of a essay on a book? This is my beginning right now:

In Very Far Away From Anywhere Else by Ursula K. Le Guin, the main character, Owen, has invented a fantasy world he calls Thorn.

Can I assume the person reading my essay has read the novella? Or should I include this?

Thank you so much! If you want to read my whole essay, you can (I'm attaching it...).

In my opinion, it is good to begin with the background of a story at the beginning of a essay.
Hope that this could help :)

I would agree if you add the relevant story about the specific roles in your article. As people will be easily confused and lost direction, even stop reading further your finished works.