What is plot armor?

Plot armor is a term commonly used in literature, film, and other forms of storytelling to describe a phenomenon where a character seems to be protected from harm or death in unrealistic or inexplicable ways. This can create a sense of artificiality and reduce the stakes in a story, as viewers or readers feel that the outcome is predetermined because the character is invincible.

Plot armor often arises when a character is essential to the plot or has a strong narrative importance. Writers may use plot armor to allow a character to survive dangerous situations in order to advance the storyline or maintain the character's prominence in the narrative. However, relying too heavily on plot armor can lead to a lack of tension, conflict, and believability in a story.

Despite its negative connotations, plot armor can also be seen as a necessary storytelling device to protect important characters and maintain the overall structure of a narrative. It is up to the writer to find a balance between protecting their characters and maintaining the integrity of the story.