Plot Armor: A Brief Analysis

Plot armor is a term that is commonly used in the world of literature, movies, and TV shows. It refers to a plot device wherein a character or entity repeatedly avoids harm or misfortune, due to their importance to the story’s continued plot. In other words, it is the act of safeguarding a character’s life and health because they are essential to the story.

The term “plot armor” is often used as a derogatory term, especially when a character’s survival is inexplicable. However, novice viewers often confuse plot armor with more justified survival explanations. It is important to note that plot armor is not always cheap; it can serve a purpose.

The concept of plot armor comes from the idea of the “hero’s journey.” In this framework, the protagonist is the hero who must overcome a series of challenges to achieve their goal. The hero is often the most important character in the story, and their survival is crucial to the plot. As a result, the hero is often protected from harm by the writer.

While plot armor can be a useful tool for writers, it can also be a hindrance to the story. If a character never faces any real danger, there is no tension or suspense in the story. The audience knows that the character will always come out unscathed, which can make the story predictable and dull.

Plot armor is a plot device that is used to protect a character’s life and health because they are essential to the story. While it can be a useful tool for writers, it can also be a hindrance to the story if not used wisely. As a reader or viewer, it is important to be aware of the concept of plot armor and to recognize when it is beig used in a story.

What Exactly Is Plot Armor?

Plot armor is a term often used in fiction, particularly in TV shows, movies, and books, which refers to a plot device used to protect a character from harm or misfortune. This device is often used to ensure that a character, who is essential to the story’s plot, remains alive and well, despite being in dangerous situations that woud otherwise cause their demise. The term “plot armor” comes from the idea that this device creates an invisible shield around the character, which protects them from harm, much like armor. This allows the character to survive and continue to play a significant role in the story, even when the odds are against them. While plot armor can be an effective storytelling tool, it can also be seen as a sign of lazy writing, as it removes the tension and suspense that comes from seeing a character face real danger and overcome it through their own efforts and abilities.

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What Is An Example Of Plot Armor?

Plot armor is a term used to describe a situation in a story where a character is able to survive seemingly impossible situations due to the protection of the plot. An example of plot armor is when a character survives a dangerous situation without any logical explanation or justification. For instance, in a TV show, a protagonist could escape from a seemingly impossible scenario, such as a building explosion, without any injuries or consequences. There is no explanation or justification for the character’s survival, oher than the fact that they are a main character and the plot requires them to continue the story. This is often seen as a lazy writing technique and can decrease the believability of the story.

What Is Plot Armor In Anime?

Plot armor in anime refers to the phenomenon whre a main character is protected from harm by the fact that they are crucial to the storyline. Essentially, the character’s survival is guaranteed because the plot requires them to stay alive. This can be frustrating for viewers who want to see the characters face real danger and consequences, but it is a common trope in anime and other forms of storytelling. Some examples of plot armor in anime include characters who are inexplicably able to survive attacks that should have killed them, or who are miraculously healed from injuries that would have been fatal for anyone else. Despite its flaws, plot armor can be an effective way to keep viewers invested in a story and ensure that key characters remain a part of it.

What Is Plot Armor In Naruto?

Plot armor is a common trope in storytelling where a character is protected from harm or death due to their significance to the plot. In the case of Naruto, plot armor is used to protect certain characters from death in order to ensure that they can carry out their important roles in the story. For example, the main character Naruto himself has plot armor as he is the central figure in the storyline, and his death would significantly alter the direction and outcome of the plot. Other characters, such as Sasuke and Kakashi, also have plot armor due to their importance to the overarching narrative. While plot armor can sometimes be seen as a cheap device to protect characters from danger, it can also serve a purpose in allowing the story to unfold as intended by the creator.

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Conclusion

Plot armor is a commonly used plot device in fiction, wherein a character is protected from harm or death due to their importance to the storyline. It is often seen as a cheap way to keep a character alive, but it can serve a purpose in some cases. Plot armor can be a result of a character’s popularity among the audience or their vital role in the story. While some viewers may confuse it with justified survival explanations, it is important to recognize when a character’s safety is beng overly protected by the writer. Ultimately, the use of plot armor can affect the believability and impact of a story, and it is up to the writer to use it carefully and effectively.

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William Armstrong

William Armstrong is a senior editor with H-O-M-E.org, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has also worked as a radio reporter and holds a degree from Moody College of Communication. William was born in Denton, TX and currently resides in Austin.