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An Entity of Type : owl:Thing, within Data Space : 134.155.108.49:8890 associated with source dataset(s)

The character most likely to die in any major series, regardless of genre, is the hero's best friend, girlfriend or most beloved relative, as he or she is a prime target for the bad guys. Speaking both literally and metaphorically, the most dangerous place that one can be is also the place that seems the safest: right next to the hero. It's not just spatial, but emotional; the best friend, significant other, little sister and sidekick of the hero are all deeply at risk because that leaves them as prime targets for the villains, and their deaths act as fuel for Heroic Resolve, Unstoppable Rage or simply the sadness of losing such a beloved character. You die, the hero gets mad, kills the baddie, and everyone wins... except you. And that's assuming that he even remembers you next episode.

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  • Friendly Target
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  • The character most likely to die in any major series, regardless of genre, is the hero's best friend, girlfriend or most beloved relative, as he or she is a prime target for the bad guys. Speaking both literally and metaphorically, the most dangerous place that one can be is also the place that seems the safest: right next to the hero. It's not just spatial, but emotional; the best friend, significant other, little sister and sidekick of the hero are all deeply at risk because that leaves them as prime targets for the villains, and their deaths act as fuel for Heroic Resolve, Unstoppable Rage or simply the sadness of losing such a beloved character. You die, the hero gets mad, kills the baddie, and everyone wins... except you. And that's assuming that he even remembers you next episode.
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abstract
  • The character most likely to die in any major series, regardless of genre, is the hero's best friend, girlfriend or most beloved relative, as he or she is a prime target for the bad guys. Speaking both literally and metaphorically, the most dangerous place that one can be is also the place that seems the safest: right next to the hero. It's not just spatial, but emotional; the best friend, significant other, little sister and sidekick of the hero are all deeply at risk because that leaves them as prime targets for the villains, and their deaths act as fuel for Heroic Resolve, Unstoppable Rage or simply the sadness of losing such a beloved character. You die, the hero gets mad, kills the baddie, and everyone wins... except you. And that's assuming that he even remembers you next episode. In any case, the death of such a character is meant to sadden the audience more than any other act of evil - either a standard Kick the Dog moment or a full-on crossing of the Moral Event Horizon -- that the villain does. If not to make a Heroic Resolve, then the point is usually to encourage character development. These friends are usually universally likable, and always there for the hero. They will never betray the hero, always know what to say, and basically help the hero in any way they can, the more eagerly the better. Basically, the closer to the hero the character is shown or implied to be, and the more the audience connects with the character, the lower his life expectancy. Whether it be a Heroic Sacrifice, or simply being caught in the crossfire, these characters are easily brought down by their determination in helping their friend. Bonus points if the character, while being the hero's best friend, is also The Rival. Note that this is a character type similar to The Obi-Wan, though a friend rather than mentor. For the act of actually killing the friend, see Stuffed Into the Fridge. Similar to Obi-Wan Moment and Retirony. Often uses Sacrificial Lion. It's Not You, It's My Enemies is when the hero gets Genre Savvy and decides to cut a relationship short to avoid this. Examples of Friendly Target include:
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