plot armor

American  

[plot ahr-mer] / ˈplɒt ˌɑr mər /

especially British, plot armour

noun

1. a character’s indispensability to the plot of a novel, game, movie, etc., making the character impossible to kill or eliminate.

   Without the constant protection of plot armor, our trusty Z warriors would’ve been dead long ago.

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Etymology

Origin of plot armor

First recorded in 2005–10

Example Sentences

He’s a Stark, and his proximity to the other main characters might give him plot armor so he isn’t killed off.

From The Verge • Apr. 30, 2019

The plot armor is down and the plot trap is set.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2019

But there’s still one suit of plot armor left, and it’s the biggest and clankiest of all.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2019

I really hope for the final season, the plot armor drops.

From The Verge • Aug. 28, 2017

The amount of plot armor being slathered onto Maeve makes me want to roll my eyes - she's turning into an Android Mary Sue.

From New York Times • Nov. 28, 2016