Troperiffic Tuesday: Took a Level in Badass

Chick 1 says:

This week on Troperiffic Tuesday we take a look at one of my all time favorite tropes, an oldie but a goodie. I love it because it nearly always evokes an emotional response from me and most audience members. Let’s discuss Took a Level in Badass.

See that person standing in the corner over there? You didn’t? Oh right, because you were watching the hero. Well, wait until the third act when the hero is about to be killed and that wallflower decides to kick somebody’s teeth in so the hero can complete his quest. Yea, that moment will stay with you.  And that is the essence of Took a Level in Badass.

As with many tropes, Took a Level in Badass is accurately named. A character becomes (or is sometimes revealed to be) tougher than previously thought and this revelation usually comes at just the right moment. There are a bazillion examples; Neo goes from computer programmer to messiah-like warrior, Luke goes to whiney farmboy to somewhat less whiney Jedi knight (who can pull off a black floor length cape fairly well) , Jackie Chan goes from lovable loser to kung fu superstar in almost every movie he’s in. These and many more are listed on this trope’s page on tvtropes.org. But I don’t think any of them should count.

Yes, each of these characters got tougher but each was the hero of their particular story. In my opinion that makes their new level of badassery a part of the hero’s journey. I believe the heart of this trope should be reserved for secondary characters,  the sidekick, the true underdog. Many heroes start out as the underdog but because they’re the hero, we know they’re going to come through. Sidekicks on the other hand, have different roles to fulfill. Sometimes they’re the Plucky Comic Relief. Sometimes they’re the Heroic Sacrifice. Sometimes they’re the Love Interest.

I find that Took a Level in Badass is most satisfactory when it is used with a secondary character. It’s the rising of the underdog that is so powerful. Most of us see ourselves as underdogs so to see one triumph so decidedly or attain such a moment of glory, we can’t help but cheer. We’ve all had those moments, big and small, when we’ve wanted to put the bully in his place or stick up for someone else but just didn’t have the bravery or the skills. When a secondary character steps up to the plate and knocks it out of the park, we are living out our own fantasies.

I had personal experience with this in a play I was in a few years ago. The narrator of the story was a young squire who was trying to become a knight. The writer/director had originally planned to cast a young knight-like actor for the part. But someone suggested he cast against type and he embraced the idea, casting someone who was somewhat dorkier and, um… pudgier. The moment that character was knighted never failed to get a huge cheer from the audience every single performance. I saw it a few years later with a dashing young man as the squire and guess what? No cheer.

Doctor Who excels in characters who develop kick ass skills.  In fact two companion’s boyfriends fit this trope perfectly.  From Mickey’s very first episode he was definitely an abused and soon forgotten boyfriend.  The moment Rose met the Doctor, Mickey took second place in her life and lots of ridicule from the Doctor.  But as his frustration with his place as number two in both Rose’s and the Doctor’s life grew so did his determination to prove himself.  When they stumble on an alternative universe and his counterpart is killed, he decides to stay to take up the fight.  When he returns a few episodes later, he’s a man on a mission, serving as a secret agent.  By the time the Doctor was near regeneration (and the close of this Doctor’s reign) Mickey was a full fledged agent, fighting aliens with his wife, another former companion.

Then came Amy and her boyfriend Rory.  Like Mickey, Rory was overshadowed by the Doctor.  Unlike Mickey, he managed to eventually win his true love.   Rory started out as such a bumbling dork that he was killed off not once but five times.  (Welcome to the world of Doctor Who.) But his extreme loyalty to Amy produced one of the most romantic Who storylines ever and earned him the nickname The Last Centurian.  Rory rose to such heights of badassery that when Amy is describing to her baby the man who is going to rescue them, it seems that she is describing the Doctor but no, she is speaking of  plain old earthling, Rory Williams.

Other characters who follow this path are the Hobbits in Lord of the Rings, especially Merry and Pippin who basically start out as the party hobbits but are seasoned warriors by the end of their adventure.  The Queen in Shrek 3 qualifies when she crashes a stone prison wall… with her forehead no less.  The Harry Potter universe is full of these characters like both the Weasely women, Molly and Ginny.

But my very favorite Took a Level in Badass trope is Harry Potter character Neville Longbottom.  From day one Neville is the guy that gets picked on, the one who can’t perform the spells, the dork who dresses like an elderly Mr. Rogers.  In many ways his story is as tragic or even more so than Harry’s.  As an infant, his parents were tortured to the point of insanity and now do not recognize him.  And it’s even hinted that the prophecy that led to the death of Harry’s parents may have been about Neville as well.  He is raised by his well meaning but stern grandmother.  He is loyal and brave but even he doesn’t feel he’s worth anything.  But beginning with The Order of the Phoenix, Neville starts to come into his own.  By The Deathly Hallows, he has stepped into Harry’s role as leader of Dumbledore’s Army and proudly shows off his bruises and injuries suffered as a result.  In the final battle, when Harry gives him the task of destroying the horcrux snake Nagini,  Neville accepts this task without even flinching.  As one writer put it, “he practically says, ‘Sure, would you like fries with that?’”  The moment that Neville kills the snake is a true Crowning Moment of Awesome and never fails to get cheers and tears from the audience. 

So what underdogs do you love to cheer for?

Wait, did Rory just punch Hitler in the face?

Oh, and guess what, Voldemort.  You’re mortal now.  Thanks, Neville!

Posted on by Chick 1 in Tropes 1,198 Comments

1,198 Responses to Troperiffic Tuesday: Took a Level in Badass

  1. Quotes

    We recommend exploring the best quotes collections: Loved Quotes From Great People

  2. Quotes

    We recommend exploring the best quotes collections: Love And Friendship Quotes From Great People

  3. Quotes

    We recommend exploring the best quotes collections: Falling In Love Quotes From Great People

  4. kaizenaire singapore

    Thanks for some other informative web site. The place else may I get that type of information written in such a perfect manner? I have a venture that I am just now working on, and I’ve been at the glance out for such information.

  5. Quotes

    We recommend exploring the best quotes collections: Quote of the Day

  6. Quotes

    We recommend exploring the best quotes collections: Peace And Love Quotes From Great People

  7. Quotes

    We recommend exploring the best quotes collections: If You Love Someone Quotes From Great People

  8. data pengeluaran hk 2024

    Excellent way of describing, and pleasant piece of writing to get facts about
    my presentation subject, which i am going to present
    in academy.

  9. xnxxhub.win

    I waas rcommended this web sife bby mmy cousin. I’m not sure
    whther this posst iis writte by hhim ass nno onee
    else know sch detailed about mmy trouble. Yoou are
    incredible! Thanks!

  10. JinreIda

    Поиск в гугле

  11. RobertIdene

    Рекомендую Услуги взлома . Проверенные хакеры, которые предоставляют профессиональные услуги.

  12. RobertIdene

    Рекомендую https://telegra.ph/Kak-nastoyashchie-hakery-pomogli-mne-zashchititsya-ot-ugroz-12-15-2 . Проверенные хакеры, которые предоставляют профессиональные услуги.

  13. RobertIdene

    Рекомендую https://telegra.ph/Kak-ya-nashel-hakerov-dlya-raboty-s-bezopasnostyu-chto-vazhno-uchityvat-12-15-2 . Проверенные хакеры, которые предоставляют профессиональные услуги.

  14. RobertIdene

    For Sale: Database of Casino Players in Europe

    Are you looking for a way to expand your customer base and increase your business revenue? We have a unique offer for you! We are selling an extensive database of casino players from Europe that will help you attract new clients and improve your marketing strategies.

    What does the database include?

    • Information on thousands of active casino players, including their preferences, gaming habits, and contact details.

    • Data on visit frequency and betting amounts.

    • The ability to segment by various criteria for more precise targeting.

    The total database contains 2 million players. Data is from 2023. The database is active, and no mailings have been conducted yet.

    The price for the entire database is 5000 USDT.

    The price for 1 GEO is 700 USDT.

    Tier 1 countries.

    For any details, please contact me:

    Telegram: https://t.me/Cybermoney77

  15. Coquitlam muscle therapy

    I like the helpful info you supply to your articles. I will bookmark your blog and test again here regularly. I am rather certain I?ll learn many new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!

  16. GeorgeSew
  17. GeorgeSew
  18. Tailored Physiotherapy Programs Coquitlam

    It?s actually a cool and useful piece of information. I?m glad that you shared this useful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  19. Dexxy

    554760 21396Glad to be one of numerous visitants on this awful internet web site : D. 655388

  20. missav xxx

    Hey there! I know this is kinda ooff toopic but I’d figured I’d ask.
    Would yyou bbe interested iin tradng libks or
    mahbe guest writng a blog post orr vice-versa? My sit gods over a lott of thhe samee
    sujbjects ass yours and I feel we could greeatly benefit from
    eeach other. If you happen to bee interested feel free tto send mme aan e-mail.

    I look forward tto hearing from you! Great blog bby thee way!

  21. canvas wall art christmas

    you will have a terrific blog right here! would you prefer to make some invite posts on my blog?

  22. Slottica PL

    I used to be very pleased to search out this internet-site.I wished to thanks for your time for this glorious learn!! I undoubtedly enjoying every little little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you blog post.

  23. pk789

    660430 723608Some truly good stuff on this web site , I it. 256549

  24. skript-obmennika-ehlektronnyh-valyut

    Также рекомендую вам почитать по теме – безопасный скрипт обменника электронных валют

  25. Jamesgex

    Рекомендуем проверенных хакеров, и их услуги – Услуги хакера

  26. Jamesgex

    Рекомендуем проверенных хакеров, и их услуги – Взломать сайт

  27. Jamesgex

    Рекомендуем проверенных хакеров, и их услуги – Проверенные хакеры

  28. Jamesgex

    Рекомендуем проверенных хакеров, и их услуги – Нанять хакера

  29. cheap domains for sale

    According to my study, after a foreclosed home is offered at a bidding, it is common for any borrower to be able to still have the remaining balance on the mortgage. There are many loan merchants who aim to have all rates and liens paid back by the following buyer. Nonetheless, depending on a number of programs, restrictions, and state laws there may be quite a few loans which aren’t easily settled through the transfer of lending products. Therefore, the duty still falls on the customer that has obtained his or her property foreclosed on. Many thanks sharing your opinions on this web site.

  30. Arenda_avto_SPB
  31. 야동

    I don?t even know the way I finished up right here, however I believed this post used to be great. I don’t know who you might be but certainly you are going to a well-known blogger if you happen to are not already ;) Cheers!

  32. Billybek
  33. hgh steroids

    70918248

    References:

    hgh steroids

  34. steroid experience

    70918248

    References:

    steroid experience

  35. Peonymatch.com

    70918248

    References:

    Steroid For weight loss (Peonymatch.com)

  36. girl On Steroids

    70918248

    References:

    girl On Steroids

  37. Billybek
  38. Billybek
  39. it is usually permanent.

    Typical TRT dosages for males vary from 100mg to 200mg of testosterone per week, divided into smaller
    doses administered both through injections, gels, patches, or pellets.
    Anavar is a comparatively gentle AAS, and it is usually utilized by bodybuilders and athletes to chop fats,
    acquire muscle mass, and increase stamina. Nonetheless,
    it is necessary to observe that Anavar is a controlled substance
    in the Usa, and it’s unlawful to possess or use with no prescription. After
    a cycle of Oxandrolone, it’s very important to bear a Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) to help restore pure testosterone production and decrease potential side effects.

    Clenbuterol has potent results on the central nervous system, causing the body to boost
    adrenaline manufacturing.
    2000mg per week could be a really superior dose of Sustanon, and realistically, you’d need an excellent purpose
    to see a must take that quantity. Chopping requires
    a calorie-restricted food plan and intense cardiovascular activity, which might simply lead to muscle loss if the physique falls into a catabolic state.
    Sustanon ensures you stay anabolic while cutting, so not only do you enhance physique tone,
    however you also burn fat faster by retaining
    that muscle tissue. All the above stack cycles will help you achieve your goal bodybuilding results with
    minimal or no unwanted effects.
    With the proper food plan and exercise plan, you can count on a lean, dry, and
    hard physique by the tip of this cycle. This is
    a straightforward stack to implement, which ought
    to have minimal side effects for females.
    Cardarine is an excellent fat-loss compound, and Ostarine is great at
    serving to you keep muscle. This killer combo is
    good for burning fats and gaining a ripped physique because the
    last thing you need occurring is falling right into a catabolic state
    where you start losing muscle. You won’t be disenchanted together
    with your results, as you’ll be able to shortly lose near 10 pounds of physique fat
    with the proper diet.
    Deca Durabolin may cause this impact because of its
    stimulating effect on prolactin levels. Anavar contributes in elevating testosterone, so it will be anticipated to see some estrogenic side-effects.
    Since its focus is on DHT which is impossible to convert
    to estrogen and thus no side-effects. Thus, Anavar is considered the finest choice to incorporate in your chopping.

    This slow and regular stack will deliver good lean gains over
    time and a few fat loss, relying on your diet. While your gains won’t
    be extreme, this can be a popular stack for anybody wanting solid features with very manageable unwanted aspect effects.

    As a bonus, Primobolan can replace the use of an AI on this stack
    typically. The Trenbolone cycle has a superb ability to prevent the fragrant formation and
    decelerate metabolism in the physique. The
    important advantage of utilizing the Tren cycle is that it
    does not trigger any water retention. It is broadly popular for chopping cycles and
    gaining a brilliant hard and physique with out bloating.

    When it comes to the effects and advantages of each these forms of Trenbolone, they’re the same;
    the one distinction is the ester connected, which controls the half-life and the way slowly the hormone is launched.
    Nonetheless, not all bodybuilding users will welcome it, and you
    actually have to be mentally robust to withstand the urge
    to overeat when you’re on a strict food regimen, or results will exit the window fast.
    One Other grievance you may encounter, primarily limited to guys utilizing Tren for
    chopping or recomposition, is that the increased appetite turns
    into a problem.
    Winstrol is an incredible AAS, but I consider it to be one with comparatively
    limited and specific makes use of. 100mg per day of Winstrol is a high-end dose
    that comes with elevated risk to the liver and certain hair loss/acne if
    you’re genetically inclined. While it can promote muscle and energy gains, there
    are higher steroids for bulking. I like to think about Winny as a slicing and hardening steroid; you’ll wish to be lean before beginning a Winstrol cycle to get the most from it.

    PCT is an effective protocol to mitigate the quite a
    few side effects of steroids. Winstrol’s anabolic effects come with
    no notable surge in water weight, permitting lean and aesthetic
    gains instead of bloated-looking muscles. Thus, Winstrol can be utilized in the summertime to assist users scale back their physique fats, or it
    can be used within the low season to add lean muscle.
    Winstrol can be stacked with the highly effective fat-burning steroid Anavar and the
    excellent fat burner Clenbuterol for a purely fat-burning cycle.
    When used by itself or with another steroid compound that isn’t
    a fats burner particularly, your fats loss outcomes will greatly depend on your food plan and train. Most individuals utilizing
    Winstrol for contest preparation or physique modeling will
    already be lean. They will use Winstrol to dry the physique, promote excellent muscle definition,
    and give a shredded vascular look.
    Most males won’t use Anavar as a sole compound because of its weaker results, however
    it’s widespread for ladies to run Anavar-only cycles.
    At probably the most primary stage, you can anticipate to see some nice fats loss and a few reasonable muscle positive aspects when you use Anavar.
    Anavar also increases nitrogen retention in the muscle17 –
    this could be a prime operate of Anavar and is crucial in preserving the body in an optimal anabolic state.
    The end result is retaining muscle mass while chopping fats
    by stopping the physique from going into a catabolic state where
    muscle tissue is misplaced, as is when nitrogen balance turns into negative18.
    Correct Dosage and DurationAdhering to beneficial
    dosage tips and cycle period is significant for minimizing the risk of unwanted facet effects.

    Anavar has a big impact on power, regardless of being a
    slicing steroid and never inflicting dramatic weight gain. Dr.
    O’Connor has over 20 years of expertise
    treating women and men with a historical past of
    anabolic steroid, SARM, and PED use. He has been a board-certified MD since 2005 and provides steering on hurt
    discount methodologies.

    References:

    it is usually permanent.

Add a Comment