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| - The heroes have struggled long and hard, but they have finally beaten everything that the Big Bad can throw at them. They have clearly defeated him. The villain, rather than trying to escape or try and take the heroes with him, graciously acknowledges their victory and yields, surrendering himself to their justice, resulting in a Twist Ending (or really, an Untwist Ending). Can happen more often in series where there is a Cardboard Prison involved. A villain who happens to Know When to Fold'Em just may do this. Can also happen when he chooses to Face Death with Dignity.
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| - The heroes have struggled long and hard, but they have finally beaten everything that the Big Bad can throw at them. They have clearly defeated him. The villain, rather than trying to escape or try and take the heroes with him, graciously acknowledges their victory and yields, surrendering himself to their justice, resulting in a Twist Ending (or really, an Untwist Ending). This is not a trick to catch the heroes off guard: the villain really chooses to lay down his sword. He might one day return to fight the heroes, but that is definitely another day. Might occur in the case of an Affably Evil or Harmless Villain, or a Magnificent Bastard. Only seen if there is limited (or even no) actual hatred between the villain and the heroes, and especially if there is even a sort of camaraderie between them, or perhaps both were trying to do the right thing. Only, the villain was simply misguided. Needless to say, the Worthy Opponent (especially in more idealistic and heroic works) is almost guaranteed to do this. It might even cause them to join your side. Can happen more often in series where there is a Cardboard Prison involved. A villain who happens to Know When to Fold'Em just may do this. Can also happen when he chooses to Face Death with Dignity. Contrast Unsportsmanlike Gloating, I Surrender, Suckers. Super-Trope to Villain's Dying Grace and Touche, which the villain is likely to say. Examples of Graceful Loser include:
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