Understanding & Avoiding Plot Armor: A Deep Dive
Ever found yourself watching a show or reading a book, where the hero miraculously survives a seemingly impossible situation? That, in a nutshell, is the essence of "plot armor," a literary device that, while often necessary, can also be a source of frustration for many viewers and readers.
Plot armor, in its simplest form, is a plot device that shields a character from harm due to their importance to the story. This can manifest in various ways, from a character narrowly escaping death to surviving seemingly fatal injuries. The primary function of plot armor is to keep the protagonist alive and driving the narrative forward. Without it, many stories would end prematurely, and the intended emotional impact might be lost.
To understand plot armor further, let's delve into the specifics. Its origins can be traced back to the very roots of storytelling, where the hero's journey, as described by Joseph Campbell, always necessitates survival through trials. While the term itself is relatively modern, the concept has existed for as long as stories have been told. One can see early examples of it in ancient myths and legends, where heroes are often granted divine protection or possess extraordinary abilities that ensure their survival.
The application of plot armor has evolved over time. In some cases, it's a subtle device that protects the protagonist. In others, its more overt. Consider the popular anime series "5D's," where the character Yusei receives significant plot armor simply because he's the last member of his team, and his defeat would mean their elimination from the competition. The audience understands that Yusei, therefore, has a significantly higher chance of winning than his companions, who bear the brunt of the losses.
The usage of plot armor in stories such as "Supernatural" has also generated considerable debate. Characters like Sam and Dean Winchester, who frequently return from the dead and are resistant to the more mundane aspects of human life like illness and cavities, frequently use plot armor. These instances highlight the inherent tension between the desire to maintain narrative momentum and the need for a believable narrative.
Heres a look at some data on the phenomenon of Plot Armor:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | A plot device that protects a fictional character from harm or misfortune due to their importance to the plot. |
| Synonyms | Narrative protection, story protection, narrative invincibility. |
| Purpose | To keep main characters alive to advance the plot, heighten tension, and maintain audience investment. |
| Characteristics | Often involves unrealistic or improbable scenarios where characters survive situations that would logically be fatal. |
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| Common in | Action movies, superhero narratives, anime, manga, and many television series. |
| Criticism | Can be seen as a lazy writing tool, undermining the stakes, and making the story less believable. |
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| Impact on Storytelling |
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| Usage Considerations |
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| Examples in Different Media |
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| How to Avoid Overuse |
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The prevalence of plot armor is particularly noticeable in the anime community, where it is a frequent topic of discussion. Anime and manga often feature characters surviving or avoiding danger without logical explanation, like in popular series such as "Fairy Tail," "One Piece," and "Black Lagoon." The audience often considers this unrealistic survival as a plot convenience.
However, it is important to highlight that plot armor is a literary tool. Its purpose is to protect characters from fatal situations to heighten tension and suspense. When it is well-executed, it can add a sense of excitement and triumph to a story, particularly in action or adventure genres. However, when used poorly, plot armor can undermine the stakes. Characters might have implausible escapes or miraculous recoveries which may make the audience lose interest.
The term "plot armor" itself often carries a derogatory connotation, frequently implying that the narrative relies too heavily on deus ex machina, where an improbable event saves the characters from an impossible situation. This criticism is valid when plot armor undermines the sense of danger or reduces the significance of a story's events. In essence, plot armor is bad when a story tries to tell you that the danger is meaningful and important to the story. The sense of risk in the story is diminished when it becomes obvious that the main character will survive.
The negative perceptions surrounding plot armor are reflected in how fans and critics discuss it online. The expression is popular, usually describing the obvious effort on the part of the writers to magically save the main character from situations of certain demise. This effort often leaves the audience feeling as if they arent actually experiencing what the story is telling them.
Despite the criticisms, the existence of plot armor is almost inevitable, particularly in the case of main characters. Many fans will know that Harry Potter will live to the end, but in nearly every book, J.K. Rowling puts him in a situation that would have 100% meant death for a normal person. The question is, how can the writer avoid making the plot armor feel obvious or detrimental to the story?
The key to using plot armor effectively lies in its judicious implementation. While it is generally best to avoid the overt use of plot armor, there are ways to make it more palatable to the audience. One approach is to provide a logical explanation for the character's survival, however improbable it may seem. Another is to ensure that the character's survival comes at a significant cost, whether it be physical, emotional, or otherwise. This can help to maintain the stakes while allowing the protagonist to survive.
For instance, a character could survive a deadly attack, but they could sustain lasting injuries or suffer trauma. In this way, the story can maintain the characters importance while acknowledging the severity of the situation and the toll it takes on them. By contrast, a character surviving without any consequences feels artificial.
Furthermore, plot armor is less noticeable in stories that don't prioritize physical danger as the primary source of conflict. Many stories never put on the pretense of physical danger as the primary stakes in the first place. When the story is not attempting to trick the audience into believing there is danger, plot armor is hardly noticed.
There is also a distinction between plot armor and other narrative devices used to protect characters. For instance, the character may survive thanks to a superpower, or perhaps the character has a unique ability. This is not plot armor, but part of their inherent character traits and abilities. In these cases, their survival is not an example of the writers trying to artificially save the characters but rather a logical outcome based on their established powers.
However, there are instances where plot armor is unavoidable. In some cases, the nature of the narrative or the story's target audience requires that the main character survives. In many family-friendly stories, the protagonist may be required to survive for the sake of the story and the overall tone. Writers can mitigate some of the issues by emphasizing the emotional impact of the incident. Writers might show the fear, confusion, or the relief of the character.
Plot armor also has roots in the broader context of storytelling. It is often used as a metaphor for the protagonist's resilience, determination, and the ability to overcome adversity. When used in this way, plot armor becomes a symbol of the human spirit's ability to endure even the most difficult challenges. However, it is important to remember that this aspect is always secondary to the primary role of plot armor which is to keep the story moving forward.
The presence of plot armor doesnt always mean that the story is bad. In many cases, its a necessary tool that helps the writers maintain their vision. Its use can be a matter of taste and its perception differs widely among the audience. But with the proper use of it, a writer can elevate a good story to a masterpiece.
