Summary[]
Plot Inducing Stupidity, or PIS, is a narrative phenomenon that occurs when usually intelligent or competent characters commit surprisingly stupid or irrational actions for the sole purpose of advancing the plot. This expedient, often criticized by the most attentive fans, can undermine the coherence of the characters and the credibility of the story as a whole. In essence, the PIS manifests itself when a character acts completely out of his usual character, his stupid actions have no other justification than to create conflict or complications in the plot, and the illogical behavior contradicts the previously established skills or intelligence of the character.
Examples:[]
- Marvel Cinematic Universe: In “Avengers: Infinity War,” Star-Lord loses emotional control and strikes Thanos, thwarting his plan to steal the Infinity Gauntlet from him. In "Iron Man 3", Tony Stark publicly challenges the Mandarin, revealing his home address.
- Anime and Manga: In "Death Note", Light Yagami kills Lind L. Tailor on live TV, thus revealing his geographic location. In "Naruto", Jiraiya decides to face Pain alone instead of calling for backup.
- In "Game of Thrones", Ned Stark reveals his suspicions about the legitimacy of Cersei's children directly to her.
- In "Star Wars: Attack of the Clones", Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker launch into a chaotic aerial chase instead of using more effective methods to locate their target.