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Flanderization and similar tropes?
Currently Working On: Incorruptible Pure Pureness
Thanks, this is pretty close!
Could also be Character Derailment. Flanderization is when one trait about a person is all they get known for/reduced to.
Note that any entries resembling the query would be deleted with extreme prejudice as Complaining. See Ruined FOREVER if you can mock your own rage with sufficient humor.
See Rule of Drama for why complicated, flawed characters with shifting motives and loyalties are generally prefered. See also Fourth Wall Myopia for the tendency of the audience to over-project onto characters who then upset them by not acting on information they don't know and doing things that some viewers have difficulty relating to.
Edited by Scorpion451
Thanks for the replies, I guess its some elements of Flanderization (as in progressively degenerative), or a combination of Character Derailment and Idiot Ball/Conflict Ball (both of which become permanent).
Note: Query wasn't intended as a complaint or venting, neither as an I-Can-Do-Better-In-My-Sleep. I honestl wanted to know if this is something that is only "irritating" to me, or others also found versions of this occuring and maybe named them (apparently yes). But if its against TOS or something then apologies, feel free to delete.
If you're looking for audience reactions, check Seasonal Rot or They Changed It, Now It Sucks!
Oo oo ah ah
I'm re-watching BSG currently. Even though I knew it wass coming, I again got crazy frustrated by some of the characters who start out as competent and then lose 10 IQ points per episode, ending up as whiny idiots who shift their loyalties every five minutes. I found similar decay of characters in The Expanse, ST:Disco, Fringe, etc (degrees may vary). No clear motivation/drive, just doing a random, detrimental thing, shouting, regretting, apologizing, then immediately doing this all over again, only faster and more stupid.
In a sitcom I think its okay to turn your main cast into caricatures (Joey from Friends as prime example), but in a drama IMO its just an easy out to suddenly create tension.
Am I alone on this, and if not, is there a name for it?