While Sh'mot is, to some extent, the story of great men in conflict, it is also a story about the importance of ordinary people and the power of their choices.
At the beginning of Parashat Mikeitz, Pharaoh dreams about the seven fat, healthy cows who are consumed by seven gaunt, unhealthy ones and the seven healthy ears of grain that are swallowed up by seven thin, scorched ears. This midrash suggests that Joseph's success in Pharaoh's court hinged not just on correctly decoding the dreams but doing so in a way that Pharaoh liked - that accorded with his ego and self-interest.
Early on in Parashat Vayeishev (Genesis 37:2), Joseph is described in grammatically anomalous fashion as "vehu na'ar et b'nei Bilhah ve'et b'nei Zilpah" - and he was a lad with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah.
Torah Commentary
Exodus: A Learning Journey
The Blessing of Jacob’s Saving Angel
Approaching Another: On Judah’s Lack of Self-Righteousness
Joseph: The (Un)Successful Interpreter
Rachel’s Daughter, Joseph