There are two basic themes for the killing of anonymous and expendable antagonists: "silencing the sentry" and "hero versus throngs." There are other common means of fatal misfortune, such as "killed for failure" or "sacrificed for a test" but they do not set the standard.
"Silencing the sentry" is a slowly paced action theme that stirs anticipation. The guards are armed (or otherwise supposedly dangerous) yet easily destroyed without a fight. The helplessness of the victim and the utter dominance of the assailant are essential. The very appeal of the theme is the predator-prey relationship made ironic in that the prey supposes itself predator.
An alarm is sounded and the "hero versus throngs" begins. Droves of cannon-fodder converge on a protagonist only to be slaughtered. More victims keep coming. This theme typically follows the "silencing the sentry" as a climax. The stark irony maintains its appeal but frantically: the one or few should be helpless yet the supposedly overwhelming many prove useless.
Heroes are exceptional. The anonymous many are common. The classic "silencing the sentry" and "hero versus throngs" are all about excellence versus mediocrity. It is right that we should cheer the hero. It is amusing to witness the inglorious fate of the anonymous many. I love the villainous cannon-fodder for making my heroes look so good. The fictional deaths of the expendable many are not in vain.
In ancient times, a hero was favored by the gods. They are supposed to do amazing things. The anonymous many simply do not have a chance against such...
ReplyDeleteIndeed. In both reality and fiction the many who do nothing live and die unceremoniously. The few who make something of themselves distinguish themselves accordingly.
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