Which Movie Character Has So Much Plot Armor It's Laughable?

When it comes to the realm of storytelling, plot armor is a phenomenon that can range from believable in the case of John Wick and James Bond, to the absurdly over-the-top in the case of characters from films such as Peter Griffin from Family Guy and Naru from Prey. This article explores the excesses of plot armor, specifically in the latter context, and the impact it has on the viewing experience.

From James Bond to John Wick

One character often cited for having excessive plot armor is John Wick, the protagonist of the John Wick film series. Despite his apparent physical limitations, John Wick is shown to recover from injuries almost instantly, making him a virtually invincible figure in the movies. His ability to survive and incapacitate numerous enemies with astonishing ease does stretch the boundaries of believability but ultimately enhances the cinematic experience by providing moments of intense action and suspense.

A similar argument can be made for James Bond, particularly in the more recent installments. Bond's ability to navigate through seemingly impossible situations with little to no physical consequence often leads to questioning the realism of the plot. These moments of plot armor, however, also contribute to the glamour and excitement of the Bond persona, sucking audiences into his world of intrigue and adventure.

The Comedic and Surreal: Peter Griffin and Naru in Prey

On the other end of the spectrum, characters like Peter Griffin from Family Guy and Naru from Prey showcase an almost boundary-pushing degree of plot armor. Naru, the protagonist of Prey, is perhaps the most extreme example of this phenomenon, as we will explore next.

Naru in Prey: An Example of Excessive Plot Armor

In Prey, Naru, the Naveda tribe leader, is subjected to a series of improbable scenarios that challenge the boundaries of credulity. Notably, she survives from a specific incident where she is knocked unconscious after falling from a tree, making a head injury from hitting a rock on the way down. Despite this, she later wakes up in a tent with no visible injuries, a testament to her seemingly invulnerability.

Improbable Survival and Immortality

Another instance of overplot armor is seen in the interactions between Naru and the Predator. The Predator's weapons, particularly the harpoon blade, are depicted as having incredible strength and sheathed with a sharp edge. However, in one encounter, the Predator slams Naru to the ground with the edge of the harpoon blade, causing no injury at all. Similarly, the Predator, with twice the strength of a full-grown grizzly, is unable to harm Naru when she uses modest physical effort to break free from his grip.

A Total Home Run in Credibility

During a crucial point in the film, the Predator accidentally stabs his own blade into a tree, swings the harpoon, and Naru blocks it with his own spear, causing the blade to cut off his arm. This, by all logic, should have been impossible, yet it only further emphasizes Naru's invulnerability. It's a display of plot armor that is almost surreal, bordering on the silly.

The Impact on the Narrative

The excessive plot armor in these characters, while providing moments of entertainment, can also lead to a frustration with the storyline. For audiences seeking a more grounded and realistic experience, characters like Naru can appear unrealistic and unrelatable. Critics point out that due to lack of character development, Naru's actions might seem disconnected from her background and resolving the conflict with the Predator becomes more of a comedic spectacle than a serious narrative arc.

However, the positive aspect of this phenomenon lies in its ability to physically test the limits of believability, making for memorable and exciting viewing experiences. Whether it's the hyperhuman feats of John Wick or the nearly impossible survival of Naru, these characters elevate the genre by defying conventional logic, capturing the imagination of audiences and making the fictional world more entertaining.

Conclusion

In the world of cinema and storytelling, plot armor can be a double-edged sword, enhancing the viewing experience while sometimes pushing the boundaries of what is believable. Whether it's the action-packed narratives of John Wick, the glamorous adventures of James Bond, the surreal comedy of Family Guy, or the over-the-top survivalist of Prey, the concept of plot armor contributes to the richness and diversity of storytelling. It's what makes our love for these films so enduring, even as we remain skeptical of their impossible scenarios.