What Characters have The Most Plot Armor? (Tier List)

Summary

In this video, the narrator explores the concept of 'plot armor' in fiction, where characters inexplicably survive dangerous situations due to narrative protection. He ranks several iconic characters from various franchises based on their plot armor, discussing figures like Harry Potter, Guts from *Berserk*, Dominic Toretto from *Fast & Furious*, and Ray Skywalker from *Star Wars*. The video humorously critiques how plot armor can make characters seem nearly invincible and examines how it shapes storytelling. It’s a fun, critical look at characters who seem protected by the very plot they inhabit.

Takeaways

• 😀 Plot armor refers to the concept of characters surviving dangerous situations due to the narrative forces of the plot rather than their own abilities or logic.
• 😀 Doomslayer from DOOM is not considered to have plot armor because he is essentially a god-like character, and his survival is expected as part of the story.
• 😀 Harry Potter’s survival is largely due to plot armor, such as being protected by the 'power of love' and being a horcrux for Voldemort, making him nearly immortal.
• 😀 Guts from *Berserk* has significant plot armor, surviving multiple life-threatening situations that would have killed anyone else, often due to fate or the universe's protection.
• 😀 Dominic Toretto from *Fast and Furious* is portrayed as having almost god-like plot armor, performing feats that defy physics and logic, which are attributed to family and sheer narrative protection.
• 😀 Rick Grimes from *The Walking Dead* is considered to have plot armor due to his miraculous survival, including surviving an impalement and an explosion.
• 😀 Jon Snow from *Game of Thrones* is another character with substantial plot armor, especially with his resurrection and survival in battles that should have logically killed him.
• 😀 Isaac Clarke from *Dead Space* survives through plot armor in multiple instances, such as having a psychic seal that protects him from the Marker’s influence.
• 😀 As Ketchum from *Pokémon* is one of the most absurd examples of plot armor, surviving against powerful entities, including time-bending Pokémon gods and explosions.
• 😀 Characters like Batman, Master Chief, and Ray Skywalker are shown to have three plates of plot armor, meaning they have nearly divine levels of narrative protection to ensure their survival and success in impossible situations.

Q & A

What is plot armor, and how does it manifest in fiction?

Plot armor refers to a narrative device in which a character survives situations that would otherwise result in their death, due to the needs of the plot. It often involves inexplicable or overly convenient means of survival, such as improbable healing factors, near-impossible feats, or divine intervention.

Why doesn't Doomslayer from *DOOM* qualify for the plot armor category?

Doomslayer is not considered to have plot armor because his strength and survival abilities are intrinsic to his character. He's not protected by the plot; rather, he is the driving force of the story itself, essentially being a god in his universe.

How does Harry Potter demonstrate plot armor in his story?

Harry Potter exhibits plot armor through his near-constant survival in dangerous situations, often due to narrative devices like the power of love, his status as a Horcrux, and the protective effects of the plot. These elements shield him from harm even when facing far more powerful enemies.

How does Guts from *Berserk* survive seemingly impossible odds?

Guts’ survival is often attributed to 'fate' itself, which seems to protect him throughout his journey. His struggles are significant, but he continues to survive dangerous situations, many of which should have killed him, as part of his role within the plot of *Berserk*.

What makes Dominic Toretto from *Fast & Furious* a character with significant plot armor?

Dominic Toretto is presented with near-superhuman feats in the *Fast & Furious* movies, such as surviving physics-defying actions and combat situations that defy logic. His protection seems less about skill or ability and more about the plot's need to keep him alive for the story's progression.

Why is Rick Grimes from *The Walking Dead* considered to have plot armor?

Rick Grimes survives numerous deadly encounters, including being impaled and blown up, largely due to plot armor. His survival is often tied to narrative necessity rather than logical outcomes, and there are hints that he might have immunity to the zombie virus due to his coma at the time of the outbreak.

How does Jon Snow from *Game of Thrones* fit the plot armor category?

Jon Snow’s plot armor is demonstrated through his miraculous resurrection and survival in battles where his death would have been more realistic. His plot protection is tied to his importance in the overall narrative, as well as the mystical resurrection by the Red Priestess.

How does Isaac Clarke from *Dead Space* survive against overwhelming odds?

Isaac Clarke survives because of plot armor that protects him from the mental breakdown caused by the Marker. His psionic resistance, along with equipment like the RIG suit, ensures his survival in situations that would have killed others, and the plot dictates his role in saving humanity.

What is the relationship between Ray Skywalker and plot armor in *Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker*?

Ray Skywalker has significant plot armor, particularly evident in her sudden rise to unparalleled power. Her survival in various situations and ability to win a duel against Kylo Ren, despite not having the same experience or training, is due to narrative convenience and her status as the most powerful Force user ever.

How does Batman’s plot armor work, and how is it unique in the context of his universe?

Batman’s plot armor is almost legendary, as he survives extreme situations that defy logic, including battles against gods and surviving impossible feats. His preparation and ingenuity are often explained by plot armor, with many comics attributing his survival to his prep time and seemingly supernatural luck.