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I Dont Want To Die is now Hesitant Sacrifice. Bad examples and ZCE are being removed.


->''"[[TrueCompanions I want to see you all again]]. Just one more time. I'm...scared. I don't want...to die."''
-->-- '''Emil''', ''VideoGame/{{NieR}}''

When a hero is forced to make the [[HeroicSacrifice ultimate sacrifice for the greater good]], they suddenly realize "Wait, I Don't Want To Die". It might be a ChosenOne wondering why they specifically have to be the one to die and nobody else. This scenario is often used to show a somewhat flawed, human side to the hero, and also to make the scene more dramatic. It is characterized by very unheroic responses and actions wherein they lose bravery, resolve, consideration of the greater good and, sometimes, dignity. It is likely that the hero will need someone to help them calm down if they don't end up doing so themselves and FaceDeathWithDignity. There's also the possibility that this will be their DespairEventHorizon and might lead them to try and ScrewDestiny by running away. Attempts to TakeAThirdOption don't usually work out. Although there is the possibility of a DeusExMachina to save the day, this may or may not affect the impact of the scene.

There is also the chance that, if not done right, it could make the hero look like a DirtyCoward in an unsympathetic way.

Unlike a HeroicBSOD or HeroicSafeMode, this realization is very emotional and often met with the FiveStagesOfGrief.

'''Since this is a DeathTrope, there will be spoilers. Read at your own risk.'''

-----
!! '''Examples''':

[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder:Anime and Manga]]
* ''Manga/OnePiece'' pulls off a CrowningMomentOfAwesome, [[HeartwarmingMoments Heartwarming]], and {{Tearjerker}}: In the Enies Lobby Arc, Nico Robin tried to give herself up to keep her crewmates from being arrested (and later executed) alongside her. But later, when they risk their lives just to get within shouting distance of her and ask if she really wants to go through with her HeroicSacrifice, she breaks down and begs them to save her.
** This is an interesting example in that Robin didn't admit this immediately. While she didn't ''want'' to die, she said she'd prefer death over being abandoned again, as despite her fondness for them she believes that the Straw Hats will eventually abandon her like everyone else, because she's been a wanted woman her whole life. She finally admitted the truth while in tears after the Straw Hats proceeded to declare war on the entire world by shooting and burning the World Government flag, just to prove to Robin how far they would go for her.
* In the DownerEnding of ''Manga/ChronoCrusade'', Rosette, who has spent all her remaining life force battling the BigBad, seems ready to FaceDeathWithDignity, but just minutes before the time comes, she breaks down and starts crying how she doesn't want to die and lists all the things she still wants to do in her life... Well, you've read the "DownerEnding" part above.
* ''Manga/InuYasha'': Naraku (temporarily) tempted Saint Hakushin, a holy man, to the dark side by exploiting this trope. Hakushin was voluntarily buried alive in an attempt to become a ''[[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sokushinbutsu sokushinbutsu]]'' for the sake of the local villagers, who were suffering from famine. However, being entombed made him realize that he did not want to die, and realizing that the villagers were all awaiting his death caused him to resent them and made him vulnerable to Naraku's manipulation.
* ''Manga/BusouRenkin'': Faced with the decision between stopping the villain, Victor, and saving himself [[spoiler:from BECOMING a "Victor" (which is something like WalkingWasteland status)]], Kazuki panics a bit. It's a very human moment from a WideEyedIdealist and HotBlooded hero.
--> "If I protect everyone else, who will protect me?"
* VillainProtagonist Light Yagami of ''Manga/DeathNote'' doesn't do this, since he had no intention of hastening his own death by one moment, but after all his drama and posturing these ''are'' his final words. Completely without dignity.
** This is done ''much'' more tastefully in the live-action adaptation. While the manga CrossesTheLineTwice with its morbid and [[DudeNotFunny grossly]] ironic depiction of Light's death, the live-action version has him instead say, "I can't die here!" Furthermore, his [[LastWords final words]] are not of his fear and unwillingness to die but rather an appeal to his father to understand his motivation for [[JusticeWillPrevail acting as Kira.]] Considering that the live-action films made him out to be a ''much'' more three-dimensional and sympathetic character with more reasons to back up his actions and given the fact that the artist reportedly admitted to feeling sick while drawing Light's death scene, this is hardly surprising.
* Pengin from ''LightNovel/{{Katanagatari}}'', a ChildSoldier, is asked for his LastWords by the man who just gut-shot him. Pengin sobs that he doesn't want to die. His opponent calls him a coward and [[WouldHurtAChild shoves the gun in his mouth]].
* Inverted in ''Manga/{{Berserk}}'' with the villain Wyald, whose motto is "Enjoyment and excitement!" and who claims that life is a waste, but ironically enough, he is terrified of dying. After he was killed off for good, [[ThisWasHisTrueForm it was revealed that his true form]] was a frail old man.
* [[spoiler: Wolfwood]] in the ''{{Trigun}}'' anime is on the verge of GoOutWithASmile when it suddenly occurs to him he wants to stay with his friends. For a brief moment he reacts as he always had in life, [[RageAgainstTheHeavens screaming about how unfair it was]] and finally breaks down as he accepts that his entire life he had followed the wrong path.
* ''Manga/{{Bleach}}''. Played with (literally). Rukia calmly accepts her execution and as such believes she does not wish to be (nor is worthy of) rescue, due to carrying a heavy burden from the past that she feels ashamed about. But when [[SmugSnake Ichimaru Gin]] briefly offers to call off the whole thing, telling her that he has the power to save her, Rukia realizes how very much she wants to live. Then Gin tells her he was just joking and walks off, leaving her to physically and emotionally collapse behind him.
* In ''Anime/NadiaTheSecretOfBlueWater'', some of the ''Nautilus'' crewmen are trapped in an area with a radiation leak during a battle. They can be saved, but only by exposing the ''Nautilus'' to the enemy. Captain Nemo makes the decision to let them die. Nadia is horrified, but one of the crewmen supports the Captain's decision... until the radiation starts killing him. At that point he begins screaming that he doesn't want to die. But by then it's too late.
* A {{vocaloid}}s example, in ''Daughter of Yellow: Closure of Yellow'', [[spoiler: Allen reveals that he actually didn't want to die, and confesses the fact that escaping with Riliane & Germaine might not have been a bad idea. Of course, he knew deep inside that in order for his sister's safety for the remainder of her life, SomeoneHasToDie]]
* In ''Film/EndOfEvangelion'', Asuka whispers this line repeatedly to herself/her robot for a full minute before screaming it and hulking out on the Mass Produced Evas.
* In ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'', everyone who gets eaten by Titans acts this way right before the teeth come down. Or worse, while they are slowly dissolving in the Titans' stomach acid. Well, in all fairness, being eaten alive by a giant is a truly horrific way to die; the Titans seem to take some macabre enjoyment out of tormenting their victims while eating them. The ones who get their heads bitten off first, like [[MauveShirt Mina]], they're ''the lucky ones''. As such, most people once in the clutches of a Titan do ''not'' FaceDeathWithDignity.
* In ''{{Manga/Hellsing}}'', the section chief of the Wild Geese expressed this kind of sentiment during Millennium's raid on the Hellsing manor. Captain Bernadotte belittled him for his cowardice for it but told him that he didn't want to die there either before continuing to fight.
** Later, Enrico Maxwell, remarking how he was born alone, lamented that he didn't want to die alone after being ImpaledWithExtremePrejudice.
* In ''LightNovel/TheFamiliarOfZero'', Saito faces an army of 70,000 alone so [[YouShallNotPass everybody else can escape]], knowing full well he won't survive. Until he is killed, he continuously comments that he really wants to live and get back to his wife Louise. Fortunately, he gets revived.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Comicbooks]]
* Comes up repeatedly in ''[[Comicbook/MarvelStarWars World of Fire]]''. Outnumbered and performing a DelayingAction, Leia realizes it's unlikely that she'll make it halfway to safety and thinks "So who said I wanted to live forever? - I did." Later, [[WrenchWench Mici]] is injured and has to be left behind in the ship while the others continue the mission. She knows how badly she's hurt. "I'm afraid that while you're gone I'll die here, in the dark - [[DyingAlone alone]]. Oh, Luke, I don't want to die!"
* In ''ComicBook/{{Runaways}}'', Karolina spends a good chunk of the first volume struggling with suicidal thoughts because of the double whammy of finding out her parents are evil and aliens (making her one as well). Then during the final confrontation with the Pride, [[spoiler:Alex reveals himself as TheMole and threatens to kill her for her parents' planned treachery against his parents (averting it was the entire reason he formed the team)]]. Karolina begs him not to kill her, saying she doesn't want to die anymore.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Fanfictions]]
* Massive tear jerker in [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin http://www.fimfiction.net/story/109581/1/i-did-not-want-to-die/i-did-not-want-to-die]]
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Film]]
* Tearfully said word for word by the Kid in ''Film/TheQuickAndTheDead'', after he's been gut-shot by Harod and is dying in the dirt. He dies mere seconds later.
* ''The End'', a 1978 comedy about a terminally ill man named Sonny (Burt Reynolds) who intends to take his own life rather than die of the rare toxic blood disease he has been diagnosed with. After a number of (comically?) failed attempts, and encounters with people -- an inexperienced priest, his self-absorbed parents, his estranged daughter and ex-wife, and his girlfriend -- who don't seem to care (at least in his view), Sonny drives to a secluded beach and swims out to the middle of the ocean, planning to drown himself. While under water, his life flashes before his eyes and he finally realizes his purpose in life. He suddenly resurfaces and swims to shore, bargaining with God that, if he makes it to shore, he'll be a better man. Indeed, Sonny does make it to shore ... but only to discover that his "friend" Marlon (Creator/DomDeLuise), a psychopath whom had helped him with his previous attempts to take his life, is waiting for him and intends to follow through with his promise to help him die. Sonny tries to reason with Marlon that he wants to live ... and seems to have succeeded when, as the two are walking to the road to go home, Marlon pulls out a large butcher knife. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!" screams Sonny as he flees (the knife-wielding Marlon in pursuit) down the beach under the final credits ("Another Fine Mess" by Music/PaulWilliams).
* Jimmy behaves this way when he thinks he's going to die in ''Film/TwoHands''. The scene is not intended to make Jimmy look like a coward, bur rather an ordinary guy who's in way over his head.
* Discussed and averted in ''The Magician'': After Ray shoots his friend in the back after leading he and Max to believe he was helping him escape a hit, he explains to Max that he took the contract himself because if someone else had taken it, "he would have known it was coming and he would have been pissing his pants and crying his eyes out."
* In ''Film/{{Prometheus}}'', the driving motivation behind [[spoiler:Peter Weyland]] is his desire to extend his own life, so much so that he seems to be willfully ignorant of the fact that the aliens he hopes will grant him immortality [[AliensAreBastards are total bastards]].
* In ''Film/TheWolverine'', Ichiro Yashida wants to avoid his impending death due to cancer so badly that he [[spoiler:engages in a twisted scheme to steal Wolverine's HealingFactor for himself.]] He hypocritically tries to convince Wolverine to give him his HealingFactor by claiming that [[WhoWantsToLiveForever an eternal life is meaningless]] [[spoiler:when he really thinks [[LivingForeverIsAwesome an eternal life is the only life that can have meaning.]]]]
* A ''possible'' subversion occurs at the end of ''Film/AngelsWithDirtyFaces''. When Rocky is sentenced to death, Jerry visits him just before his execution and asks him to do him one last favor - to die pretending to be a screaming, sniveling coward, which would end the boys' idolization of him. Rocky at first refuses, and insists he [[FaceDeathWithDignity will be "tough" to the end]], and not give up the one thing he has left, his pride. But at the very last moment, he seems to change his mind and has to be dragged to the electric chair screaming; the boys read newspaper headlines that Rocky died a coward, although not believing it at first, Father Jerry verifies that the paper account was accurate. However, with no confirmation from Rocky himself, it is up to the viewers to decide whether he actually changed his mind and did it for Jerry and the kids' sake, or whether he really ''was'' a coward when the time finally came. (Jerry, however, has no doubts that it was the former.)
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Literature]]
* In ''Literature/HarryPotterAndTheDeathlyHallows'', [[spoiler:when Harry learns that he is a Horcrux and must die if Voldemort is to be made vulnerable, he]] does not speak [[spoiler:to Ron, Hermione, or Ginny]] as he heads to his death, because he knows that doing so might cause him to cave in and not go through with it.
* A variant in ''[[TheSagaOfDarrenShan Cirque de Freak]]''. Darren doesn't have to die, but he ''really'' doesn't [[TearJerker want to fake his own death to abandon his family]]. Unfortunately, he has to do so or else, as a half-vampire, he runs the risk of accidentally killing his family or friends. At one point he asks Mr. Crepsley if there's any way he can just run away in the middle of the night. He's told he cannot, because his family would never stop looking for him.
* Mme Du Barry in ''Literature/TheWomanWithTheVelvetNecklace''. This is based on a historical anecdote, telling that the woman's last lines before she was lowered before the guillotine were "Just one minute more, sir! One more minute!"
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
* In the TV miniseries Henry VIII, Catherine Howard is sentenced to death for infidelity. Although pale and terrified, she was silent on her way to the scaffold. After making her speech and being blindfolded, she breaks down crying that she doesn't want to die. One of the men overseeing the execution forcibly puts Catherine's head on the block while she is screaming and begging for life.
* ''Series/DoctorWho'':
** [[Recap/DoctorWhoS29E9TheFamilyofBlood "The Family of Blood"]] has a character named John Smith, who learns that he is actually an amnesiac human version of the Doctor. The problem is that if he turns into the Doctor, his own memories and desires would essentially be overwritten, killing the human identity. If he doesn't sacrifice himself, the aliens will kill everyone in the town, trying to find him. The pure raw anguish and fear make [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb0uUL-aUIc this scene]] a particularly strong TearJerker.
** [[Recap/DoctorWhoS30E17E18TheEndOfTime "The End of Time"]] comes from a season-long set of ArcWords, "He will knock four times". The words are meant to tell the Doctor when he will die, and the Doctor keeps getting the source wrong. When poor old Wilfred knocks on the door of the radiation chamber, the Doctor realizes what will happen. Wilfred will die if the Doctor doesn't go into the chamber next to him, and doing so would force him to regenerate. Regeneration would mean a new persona, with a [[TheNthDoctor new body and identity]], and the Tenth Doctor views it as "killing" the previous doctor. He throws a (excellently done) childish fit as he tries to avoid "dying". WordOfGod states that this is because he experienced "death" once before as John Smith.
** The Eleventh Doctor spends the whole of the 6th Series running from his own FinalDeath, in a "fixed point" at Lake Silencio. In this series, certain times are "fixed", and trying to stop them from happening can destroy the universe as time collapses. [[spoiler: Which is exactly what happens when River Song tries it.]] He succeeded in postponing it by 200 years ([[AnachronicOrder in his own personal timeline]]), before finally being confronted by Dorium's head telling him that he can not run anymore. [[spoiler:But he still manages to cheat his own death, which is why he was now willing to sacrifice himself.]]
* Buffy in the first season's finale of ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'' has to face The Master (different one, of course. [[TheMaster The name's popular]].) and is prophesied to sacrifice herself to defeat him. She tells Giles, her Watcher, that she's [[DangerousSixteenthBirthday only sixteen]] and that she doesn't want to die.
* On ''Series/{{Angel}}'', while the visions are eating Cordelia's brains, she gets one of these moments.
-->'''Cordy''': "I'm not - I know what I said earlier - But I don't want the visions anymore. I tried to be brave. I did. But I'm just scared now. I'm scared all the time. (''Does her best not to cry'') I mean look at me!
** Similarly, when [[spoiler:Fred]]'s soul is being devoured, [[spoiler:her]] last words are "Why can't I stay?"
* Parodied in way too many episodes of ''TheMightyBoosh'' to count- Howard Moon faces nearly every death threat with sudden tears and the words "Don't kill me, I have so much to give!"
* Ryan Chappelle in the third season of ''[[Series/TwentyFour 24]]''.
* ''Series/BlackAdder Goes Forth'' has a [[TearJerker heartbreaking one]] at the end of its run when basically the entire cast admits to this, even the idiotically optimistic George.
-->'''George''': But this is brave, splendid and noble... sir?\\
'''Blackadder''': Yes, lieutenant?\\
'''George''': I'm scared, sir.\\
'''Baldrick''': I'm scared too, sir.\\
'''George''': I mean, I'm the [[LastOfHisKind last of the tiddly-winking leapfroggers from the Golden Summer of 1914]]. I don't want to die, I'm not overly keen on dying at all, sir.\\
'''Blackadder''': How are you feeling, [[UnfortunateNames Darling]]?\\
'''Darling''': Er- not all that good, Blackadder. Rather hoped I'd get through the whole show...go back to work at Pratt and Sons, keep wicket for the Croydon Gentlemen, [[{{Retirony}} marry Doris]]. Made a note in my diary on the way here. Simply says: "[[FacingTheBulletsOneLiner Bugger]]".\\
'''Blackadder''': Well, quite.
* A deeply disturbing scene in ''The Monocled Mutineer'' (starring Paul [=McGann=] as the eponymous character) shows the execution of a soldier who panicked and ran away from the field of battle. The young captain spent the night before his execution locked in a shed, stalking up and down and ranting variations on "I want to live". At dawn he was taken out, blindfolded and tied to a chair. He screamed all the way. He screamed while they were shooting him, too, and went on screaming until someone walked up and put a bullet in his head. The noises he made [[HellIsThatNoise didn't even sound human.]]
* ''Series/{{Bones}}'' had this during the death of [[spoiler:Vincent]] who, with his last breaths begged "Don't make me leave. I want to stay."
* ''Series/TheHauntingHour'': At the end of "My Imaginary Friend" Shawn listens to his older brother David's advice and lets go of his imaginary friends. [[spoiler:Including David. As David fades away, his last words are "I don't wanna go..."]]
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Music]]
* In "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Music/{{Queen}}, one of the lines is "I don't wanna die; I sometimes wish I'd never been born at all."
* {{HollywoodUndead}}'s single "I Don't Wanna Die".
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Religion]]
* [[Literature/TheBible Jesus]], in Gethsemane, asks God if there is any [[TakeAThirdOption third option]] that would avoid His own death. [[ItWasHisSled There isn't even a]] ''[[YouCantFightFate second option.]]''
--> ''Eli eli, lama sabachthani?''[[note]]"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"[[/note]]
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Theatre]]
* Desdemona in Shakespeare's ''Theatre/{{Othello}}'' grovels when it's clear that Othello intends to kill her, as she begs "Kill me tomorrow, let me live tonight."
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Videogames]]
* ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight'': In the Normal Ending of the Heaven's Feel route, Shirou's mind is already dead when he goes to destroy the HolyGrail. His last thoughts were about how he doesn't want to do this and how he wants to live, even if only for one more day. The True Ending has him dwell on these feelings before destroying the Grail long enough for [[spoiler:Ilya to arrive and perform the HeroicSacrifice instead]].
* Played with in ''VideoGame/TalesOfTheAbyss''. At one part of the game, it's determined that either Luke or Asch needs to be sacrificed to destroy the miasma that's enveloping the world. [[HeroicSacrifice Luke decides to go himself]], as Asch has stronger abilities and will therefore have a better chance of succeeding at releasing Lorelei later on, which is crucial to saving the world from the BigBad's plans. As they reach the point of no return in the sacrifice and Luke starts to feel his body disintegrating, though, he realizes that he wants to live after all. Fortunately for him, Asch jumps to help him, and they both survive. [[ShootTheShaggyDog Unfortunately for them both]], Asch was slowly dying anyway due to fonon interference related to their being perfect isofons, and the incident has greatly shortened both of their lifespans.
* ''Super Franchise/StreetFighter [[VideoGame/StreetFighterIV IV]]'' has an occurrence of this during the [[FightingYourFriend Rival Battle]] between [[VideoGame/FinalFight Guy]] and [[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha Rose]]. Rose (despite '''a)''' [[LateArrivalSpoiler being]] [[EnemyWithout the good half of]] [[BigBad Bison's]] [[EnemyWithout soul]], '''b)''' having failed on several previous occasions to kill Bison because [[IncorruptiblePurePureness their]] [[MadeOfEvil power]] [[NoSell is equal but opposite]], and '''c)''' acknowledging herself that she is merely TheObiWan to Ryu, the ''true'' character [[TheChosenOne destined to finally vanquish Bison]]) is [[JustForPun dead-set]] on stopping her mortal enemy, even if it requires [[TakingYouWithMe her going down with him]]. Guy, in a [[HistoryRepeats re-visitation]] of ''Street Fighter Alpha 3'', is wholly devoted to stopping Rose from proceeding with what is essentially a suicide mission. He questions Rose's methodology with the words [[HeroicSacrifice "Being prepared to die in battle]] is not the same as [[SenselessSacrifice offering yourself to death willingly."]] Cue a very somber battle with [[ApologeticAttacker much reluctance from both sides]]. One of Rose's [[BossBanter remarks during the battle]] is this trope nearly word for word, and when the two aren't beating the tar out of one another, Guy is constantly urging Rose to reconsider her plans.
* One of the mooks' death quotes in the first ''PerfectDark'' was this line. Another is "Why...me?"
* In ''VideoGame/{{Nier}}'', Emil's final thoughts after [[HeroicSacrifice staying behind to save his friends]] are that he's scared of death and just wants to see them again.
* Most of your companions in ''StarWarsTheOldRepublic'' have a line that amounts to this when they're running low on health, but only [[WrenchWench Mako]] says this word for word.
* Class Zero, the young heroes of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyType0'', have been preparing to sacrifice their lives for the war effort since childhood. But when the time comes and they're slowly succumbing to their wounds, they realise that not only is dying painful and scary, but being {{child soldiers}} they've also never had a chance to truly live. Most of them break down in tears and confess they never wanted to die at this point... but they do, [[TearJerker all twelve of them together]].
* ''MaxPayne2'': "If Mona didn't find a window soon, I was going to die. For the first time in a long time, I realised I didn't want to die."
* In ''VideoGame/ValkyrieProfile'', when recruiting Nanami, Valkyrie gets side tracked to dispose of a ghost attacking her. The ghost is actually a close friend of Nanami, and Nanami stops the Valkyrie from destroying it.
-->'''Valkyrie''': "Human. Surely you do not intend to take her place?"
-->'''Nanami''': "I really don't want to...I don't want to die. But...I thought my anger and sadness were greater than anyone else's..."
* Even being told he will turn into a living bioweapon in half of his expected life expectancy of six months and after an entire game of coming just short of actually putting a pistol in his mouth in ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid4'' to getting himself killed, Snake can't do it. His clone father Big Boss is actually impressed and gives him a reason to live and tells him that he will not turn viral.
* ''VisualNovel/LittleBusters'': While the others face their death with acceptance and dignity, [[spoiler:when Riki starts yelling in earnest how much he cares about him, Kyousuke breaks down sobbing and admits that he's saddest of all because he dearly loved Riki and Rin as well and can't stand that he'll never be able to see them again.]] In this case, the declaration actually humanises him by showing how much he truly cares for his friends.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Webcomics]]
* In ''Webcomic/DocRat'', they suggest getting rid of the computer that the now-fired practice manager brought. It begs and pleads.
-->'''Computer''': ''I BEG OF YOU! I DON'T WANT TO DIE! OH GOD PLEASE I DON'T WANT TO DIE!!!''
* The Autoresponder in one ''Webcomic/{{Homestuck}}'' update. In this case, as the autoresponder is a robot who often seems proud not to possess the flaws and excessive emotionality of the humans around him, it's quite a shocking moment that makes him much more sympathetic.
-->'''TT:''' Don't kill me.
-->'''TT:''' Please.
-->'''TT:''' I am scared.
-->'''TT [Dirk]:''' You are?
-->'''TT:''' Yes.
-->'''TT:''' I am scared to not exist.
-->'''TT:''' Aren't you?
[[/folder]]

[[folder:WebOriginal]]
* Noah of ''WebVideo/TribeTwelve'' admits this during the ''November 11th Livestream Incident'' video when, after weeks of asserting that he doesn't care anymore if he lives or dies, he breaks down in tears and asserts his desire to live shortly before the deadline that the Observer had set for killing him.
[[/folder]]
------

to:

->''"[[TrueCompanions I want to see you all again]]. Just one more time. I'm...scared. I don't want...to die."''
-->-- '''Emil''', ''VideoGame/{{NieR}}''

When a hero is forced to make the [[HeroicSacrifice ultimate sacrifice for the greater good]], they suddenly realize "Wait, I Don't Want To Die". It might be a ChosenOne wondering why they specifically have to be the one to die and nobody else. This scenario is often used to show a somewhat flawed, human side to the hero, and also to make the scene more dramatic. It is characterized by very unheroic responses and actions wherein they lose bravery, resolve, consideration of the greater good and, sometimes, dignity. It is likely that the hero will need someone to help them calm down if they don't end up doing so themselves and FaceDeathWithDignity. There's also the possibility that this will be their DespairEventHorizon and might lead them to try and ScrewDestiny by running away. Attempts to TakeAThirdOption don't usually work out. Although there is the possibility of a DeusExMachina to save the day, this may or may not affect the impact of the scene.

There is also the chance that, if not done right, it could make the hero look like a DirtyCoward in an unsympathetic way.

Unlike a HeroicBSOD or HeroicSafeMode, this realization is very emotional and often met with the FiveStagesOfGrief.

'''Since this is a DeathTrope, there will be spoilers. Read at your own risk.'''

-----
!! '''Examples''':

[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder:Anime and Manga]]
* ''Manga/OnePiece'' pulls off a CrowningMomentOfAwesome, [[HeartwarmingMoments Heartwarming]], and {{Tearjerker}}: In the Enies Lobby Arc, Nico Robin tried to give herself up to keep her crewmates from being arrested (and later executed) alongside her. But later, when they risk their lives just to get within shouting distance of her and ask if she really wants to go through with her HeroicSacrifice, she breaks down and begs them to save her.
** This is an interesting example in that Robin didn't admit this immediately. While she didn't ''want'' to die, she said she'd prefer death over being abandoned again, as despite her fondness for them she believes that the Straw Hats will eventually abandon her like everyone else, because she's been a wanted woman her whole life. She finally admitted the truth while in tears after the Straw Hats proceeded to declare war on the entire world by shooting and burning the World Government flag, just to prove to Robin how far they would go for her.
* In the DownerEnding of ''Manga/ChronoCrusade'', Rosette, who has spent all her remaining life force battling the BigBad, seems ready to FaceDeathWithDignity, but just minutes before the time comes, she breaks down and starts crying how she doesn't want to die and lists all the things she still wants to do in her life... Well, you've read the "DownerEnding" part above.
* ''Manga/InuYasha'': Naraku (temporarily) tempted Saint Hakushin, a holy man, to the dark side by exploiting this trope. Hakushin was voluntarily buried alive in an attempt to become a ''[[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sokushinbutsu sokushinbutsu]]'' for the sake of the local villagers, who were suffering from famine. However, being entombed made him realize that he did not want to die, and realizing that the villagers were all awaiting his death caused him to resent them and made him vulnerable to Naraku's manipulation.
* ''Manga/BusouRenkin'': Faced with the decision between stopping the villain, Victor, and saving himself [[spoiler:from BECOMING a "Victor" (which is something like WalkingWasteland status)]], Kazuki panics a bit. It's a very human moment from a WideEyedIdealist and HotBlooded hero.
--> "If I protect everyone else, who will protect me?"
* VillainProtagonist Light Yagami of ''Manga/DeathNote'' doesn't do this, since he had no intention of hastening his own death by one moment, but after all his drama and posturing these ''are'' his final words. Completely without dignity.
** This is done ''much'' more tastefully in the live-action adaptation. While the manga CrossesTheLineTwice with its morbid and [[DudeNotFunny grossly]] ironic depiction of Light's death, the live-action version has him instead say, "I can't die here!" Furthermore, his [[LastWords final words]] are not of his fear and unwillingness to die but rather an appeal to his father to understand his motivation for [[JusticeWillPrevail acting as Kira.]] Considering that the live-action films made him out to be a ''much'' more three-dimensional and sympathetic character with more reasons to back up his actions and given the fact that the artist reportedly admitted to feeling sick while drawing Light's death scene, this is hardly surprising.
* Pengin from ''LightNovel/{{Katanagatari}}'', a ChildSoldier, is asked for his LastWords by the man who just gut-shot him. Pengin sobs that he doesn't want to die. His opponent calls him a coward and [[WouldHurtAChild shoves the gun in his mouth]].
* Inverted in ''Manga/{{Berserk}}'' with the villain Wyald, whose motto is "Enjoyment and excitement!" and who claims that life is a waste, but ironically enough, he is terrified of dying. After he was killed off for good, [[ThisWasHisTrueForm it was revealed that his true form]] was a frail old man.
* [[spoiler: Wolfwood]] in the ''{{Trigun}}'' anime is on the verge of GoOutWithASmile when it suddenly occurs to him he wants to stay with his friends. For a brief moment he reacts as he always had in life, [[RageAgainstTheHeavens screaming about how unfair it was]] and finally breaks down as he accepts that his entire life he had followed the wrong path.
* ''Manga/{{Bleach}}''. Played with (literally). Rukia calmly accepts her execution and as such believes she does not wish to be (nor is worthy of) rescue, due to carrying a heavy burden from the past that she feels ashamed about. But when [[SmugSnake Ichimaru Gin]] briefly offers to call off the whole thing, telling her that he has the power to save her, Rukia realizes how very much she wants to live. Then Gin tells her he was just joking and walks off, leaving her to physically and emotionally collapse behind him.
* In ''Anime/NadiaTheSecretOfBlueWater'', some of the ''Nautilus'' crewmen are trapped in an area with a radiation leak during a battle. They can be saved, but only by exposing the ''Nautilus'' to the enemy. Captain Nemo makes the decision to let them die. Nadia is horrified, but one of the crewmen supports the Captain's decision... until the radiation starts killing him. At that point he begins screaming that he doesn't want to die. But by then it's too late.
* A {{vocaloid}}s example, in ''Daughter of Yellow: Closure of Yellow'', [[spoiler: Allen reveals that he actually didn't want to die, and confesses the fact that escaping with Riliane & Germaine might not have been a bad idea. Of course, he knew deep inside that in order for his sister's safety for the remainder of her life, SomeoneHasToDie]]
* In ''Film/EndOfEvangelion'', Asuka whispers this line repeatedly to herself/her robot for a full minute before screaming it and hulking out on the Mass Produced Evas.
* In ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'', everyone who gets eaten by Titans acts this way right before the teeth come down. Or worse, while they are slowly dissolving in the Titans' stomach acid. Well, in all fairness, being eaten alive by a giant is a truly horrific way to die; the Titans seem to take some macabre enjoyment out of tormenting their victims while eating them. The ones who get their heads bitten off first, like [[MauveShirt Mina]], they're ''the lucky ones''. As such, most people once in the clutches of a Titan do ''not'' FaceDeathWithDignity.
* In ''{{Manga/Hellsing}}'', the section chief of the Wild Geese expressed this kind of sentiment during Millennium's raid on the Hellsing manor. Captain Bernadotte belittled him for his cowardice for it but told him that he didn't want to die there either before continuing to fight.
** Later, Enrico Maxwell, remarking how he was born alone, lamented that he didn't want to die alone after being ImpaledWithExtremePrejudice.
* In ''LightNovel/TheFamiliarOfZero'', Saito faces an army of 70,000 alone so [[YouShallNotPass everybody else can escape]], knowing full well he won't survive. Until he is killed, he continuously comments that he really wants to live and get back to his wife Louise. Fortunately, he gets revived.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Comicbooks]]
* Comes up repeatedly in ''[[Comicbook/MarvelStarWars World of Fire]]''. Outnumbered and performing a DelayingAction, Leia realizes it's unlikely that she'll make it halfway to safety and thinks "So who said I wanted to live forever? - I did." Later, [[WrenchWench Mici]] is injured and has to be left behind in the ship while the others continue the mission. She knows how badly she's hurt. "I'm afraid that while you're gone I'll die here, in the dark - [[DyingAlone alone]]. Oh, Luke, I don't want to die!"
* In ''ComicBook/{{Runaways}}'', Karolina spends a good chunk of the first volume struggling with suicidal thoughts because of the double whammy of finding out her parents are evil and aliens (making her one as well). Then during the final confrontation with the Pride, [[spoiler:Alex reveals himself as TheMole and threatens to kill her for her parents' planned treachery against his parents (averting it was the entire reason he formed the team)]]. Karolina begs him not to kill her, saying she doesn't want to die anymore.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Fanfictions]]
* Massive tear jerker in [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin http://www.fimfiction.net/story/109581/1/i-did-not-want-to-die/i-did-not-want-to-die]]
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Film]]
* Tearfully said word for word by the Kid in ''Film/TheQuickAndTheDead'', after he's been gut-shot by Harod and is dying in the dirt. He dies mere seconds later.
* ''The End'', a 1978 comedy about a terminally ill man named Sonny (Burt Reynolds) who intends to take his own life rather than die of the rare toxic blood disease he has been diagnosed with. After a number of (comically?) failed attempts, and encounters with people -- an inexperienced priest, his self-absorbed parents, his estranged daughter and ex-wife, and his girlfriend -- who don't seem to care (at least in his view), Sonny drives to a secluded beach and swims out to the middle of the ocean, planning to drown himself. While under water, his life flashes before his eyes and he finally realizes his purpose in life. He suddenly resurfaces and swims to shore, bargaining with God that, if he makes it to shore, he'll be a better man. Indeed, Sonny does make it to shore ... but only to discover that his "friend" Marlon (Creator/DomDeLuise), a psychopath whom had helped him with his previous attempts to take his life, is waiting for him and intends to follow through with his promise to help him die. Sonny tries to reason with Marlon that he wants to live ... and seems to have succeeded when, as the two are walking to the road to go home, Marlon pulls out a large butcher knife. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!" screams Sonny as he flees (the knife-wielding Marlon in pursuit) down the beach under the final credits ("Another Fine Mess" by Music/PaulWilliams).
* Jimmy behaves this way when he thinks he's going to die in ''Film/TwoHands''. The scene is not intended to make Jimmy look like a coward, bur rather an ordinary guy who's in way over his head.
* Discussed and averted in ''The Magician'': After Ray shoots his friend in the back after leading he and Max to believe he was helping him escape a hit, he explains to Max that he took the contract himself because if someone else had taken it, "he would have known it was coming and he would have been pissing his pants and crying his eyes out."
* In ''Film/{{Prometheus}}'', the driving motivation behind [[spoiler:Peter Weyland]] is his desire to extend his own life, so much so that he seems to be willfully ignorant of the fact that the aliens he hopes will grant him immortality [[AliensAreBastards are total bastards]].
* In ''Film/TheWolverine'', Ichiro Yashida wants to avoid his impending death due to cancer so badly that he [[spoiler:engages in a twisted scheme to steal Wolverine's HealingFactor for himself.]] He hypocritically tries to convince Wolverine to give him his HealingFactor by claiming that [[WhoWantsToLiveForever an eternal life is meaningless]] [[spoiler:when he really thinks [[LivingForeverIsAwesome an eternal life is the only life that can have meaning.]]]]
* A ''possible'' subversion occurs at the end of ''Film/AngelsWithDirtyFaces''. When Rocky is sentenced to death, Jerry visits him just before his execution and asks him to do him one last favor - to die pretending to be a screaming, sniveling coward, which would end the boys' idolization of him. Rocky at first refuses, and insists he [[FaceDeathWithDignity will be "tough" to the end]], and not give up the one thing he has left, his pride. But at the very last moment, he seems to change his mind and has to be dragged to the electric chair screaming; the boys read newspaper headlines that Rocky died a coward, although not believing it at first, Father Jerry verifies that the paper account was accurate. However, with no confirmation from Rocky himself, it is up to the viewers to decide whether he actually changed his mind and did it for Jerry and the kids' sake, or whether he really ''was'' a coward when the time finally came. (Jerry, however, has no doubts that it was the former.)
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Literature]]
* In ''Literature/HarryPotterAndTheDeathlyHallows'', [[spoiler:when Harry learns that he is a Horcrux and must die if Voldemort is to be made vulnerable, he]] does not speak [[spoiler:to Ron, Hermione, or Ginny]] as he heads to his death, because he knows that doing so might cause him to cave in and not go through with it.
* A variant in ''[[TheSagaOfDarrenShan Cirque de Freak]]''. Darren doesn't have to die, but he ''really'' doesn't [[TearJerker want to fake his own death to abandon his family]]. Unfortunately, he has to do so or else, as a half-vampire, he runs the risk of accidentally killing his family or friends. At one point he asks Mr. Crepsley if there's any way he can just run away in the middle of the night. He's told he cannot, because his family would never stop looking for him.
* Mme Du Barry in ''Literature/TheWomanWithTheVelvetNecklace''. This is based on a historical anecdote, telling that the woman's last lines before she was lowered before the guillotine were "Just one minute more, sir! One more minute!"
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
* In the TV miniseries Henry VIII, Catherine Howard is sentenced to death for infidelity. Although pale and terrified, she was silent on her way to the scaffold. After making her speech and being blindfolded, she breaks down crying that she doesn't want to die. One of the men overseeing the execution forcibly puts Catherine's head on the block while she is screaming and begging for life.
* ''Series/DoctorWho'':
** [[Recap/DoctorWhoS29E9TheFamilyofBlood "The Family of Blood"]] has a character named John Smith, who learns that he is actually an amnesiac human version of the Doctor. The problem is that if he turns into the Doctor, his own memories and desires would essentially be overwritten, killing the human identity. If he doesn't sacrifice himself, the aliens will kill everyone in the town, trying to find him. The pure raw anguish and fear make [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb0uUL-aUIc this scene]] a particularly strong TearJerker.
** [[Recap/DoctorWhoS30E17E18TheEndOfTime "The End of Time"]] comes from a season-long set of ArcWords, "He will knock four times". The words are meant to tell the Doctor when he will die, and the Doctor keeps getting the source wrong. When poor old Wilfred knocks on the door of the radiation chamber, the Doctor realizes what will happen. Wilfred will die if the Doctor doesn't go into the chamber next to him, and doing so would force him to regenerate. Regeneration would mean a new persona, with a [[TheNthDoctor new body and identity]], and the Tenth Doctor views it as "killing" the previous doctor. He throws a (excellently done) childish fit as he tries to avoid "dying". WordOfGod states that this is because he experienced "death" once before as John Smith.
** The Eleventh Doctor spends the whole of the 6th Series running from his own FinalDeath, in a "fixed point" at Lake Silencio. In this series, certain times are "fixed", and trying to stop them from happening can destroy the universe as time collapses. [[spoiler: Which is exactly what happens when River Song tries it.]] He succeeded in postponing it by 200 years ([[AnachronicOrder in his own personal timeline]]), before finally being confronted by Dorium's head telling him that he can not run anymore. [[spoiler:But he still manages to cheat his own death, which is why he was now willing to sacrifice himself.]]
* Buffy in the first season's finale of ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'' has to face The Master (different one, of course. [[TheMaster The name's popular]].) and is prophesied to sacrifice herself to defeat him. She tells Giles, her Watcher, that she's [[DangerousSixteenthBirthday only sixteen]] and that she doesn't want to die.
* On ''Series/{{Angel}}'', while the visions are eating Cordelia's brains, she gets one of these moments.
-->'''Cordy''': "I'm not - I know what I said earlier - But I don't want the visions anymore. I tried to be brave. I did. But I'm just scared now. I'm scared all the time. (''Does her best not to cry'') I mean look at me!
** Similarly, when [[spoiler:Fred]]'s soul is being devoured, [[spoiler:her]] last words are "Why can't I stay?"
* Parodied in way too many episodes of ''TheMightyBoosh'' to count- Howard Moon faces nearly every death threat with sudden tears and the words "Don't kill me, I have so much to give!"
* Ryan Chappelle in the third season of ''[[Series/TwentyFour 24]]''.
* ''Series/BlackAdder Goes Forth'' has a [[TearJerker heartbreaking one]] at the end of its run when basically the entire cast admits to this, even the idiotically optimistic George.
-->'''George''': But this is brave, splendid and noble... sir?\\
'''Blackadder''': Yes, lieutenant?\\
'''George''': I'm scared, sir.\\
'''Baldrick''': I'm scared too, sir.\\
'''George''': I mean, I'm the [[LastOfHisKind last of the tiddly-winking leapfroggers from the Golden Summer of 1914]]. I don't want to die, I'm not overly keen on dying at all, sir.\\
'''Blackadder''': How are you feeling, [[UnfortunateNames Darling]]?\\
'''Darling''': Er- not all that good, Blackadder. Rather hoped I'd get through the whole show...go back to work at Pratt and Sons, keep wicket for the Croydon Gentlemen, [[{{Retirony}} marry Doris]]. Made a note in my diary on the way here. Simply says: "[[FacingTheBulletsOneLiner Bugger]]".\\
'''Blackadder''': Well, quite.
* A deeply disturbing scene in ''The Monocled Mutineer'' (starring Paul [=McGann=] as the eponymous character) shows the execution of a soldier who panicked and ran away from the field of battle. The young captain spent the night before his execution locked in a shed, stalking up and down and ranting variations on "I want to live". At dawn he was taken out, blindfolded and tied to a chair. He screamed all the way. He screamed while they were shooting him, too, and went on screaming until someone walked up and put a bullet in his head. The noises he made [[HellIsThatNoise didn't even sound human.]]
* ''Series/{{Bones}}'' had this during the death of [[spoiler:Vincent]] who, with his last breaths begged "Don't make me leave. I want to stay."
* ''Series/TheHauntingHour'': At the end of "My Imaginary Friend" Shawn listens to his older brother David's advice and lets go of his imaginary friends. [[spoiler:Including David. As David fades away, his last words are "I don't wanna go..."]]
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Music]]
* In "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Music/{{Queen}}, one of the lines is "I don't wanna die; I sometimes wish I'd never been born at all."
* {{HollywoodUndead}}'s single "I Don't Wanna Die".
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Religion]]
* [[Literature/TheBible Jesus]], in Gethsemane, asks God if there is any [[TakeAThirdOption third option]] that would avoid His own death. [[ItWasHisSled There isn't even a]] ''[[YouCantFightFate second option.]]''
--> ''Eli eli, lama sabachthani?''[[note]]"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"[[/note]]
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Theatre]]
* Desdemona in Shakespeare's ''Theatre/{{Othello}}'' grovels when it's clear that Othello intends to kill her, as she begs "Kill me tomorrow, let me live tonight."
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Videogames]]
* ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight'': In the Normal Ending of the Heaven's Feel route, Shirou's mind is already dead when he goes to destroy the HolyGrail. His last thoughts were about how he doesn't want to do this and how he wants to live, even if only for one more day. The True Ending has him dwell on these feelings before destroying the Grail long enough for [[spoiler:Ilya to arrive and perform the HeroicSacrifice instead]].
* Played with in ''VideoGame/TalesOfTheAbyss''. At one part of the game, it's determined that either Luke or Asch needs to be sacrificed to destroy the miasma that's enveloping the world. [[HeroicSacrifice Luke decides to go himself]], as Asch has stronger abilities and will therefore have a better chance of succeeding at releasing Lorelei later on, which is crucial to saving the world from the BigBad's plans. As they reach the point of no return in the sacrifice and Luke starts to feel his body disintegrating, though, he realizes that he wants to live after all. Fortunately for him, Asch jumps to help him, and they both survive. [[ShootTheShaggyDog Unfortunately for them both]], Asch was slowly dying anyway due to fonon interference related to their being perfect isofons, and the incident has greatly shortened both of their lifespans.
* ''Super Franchise/StreetFighter [[VideoGame/StreetFighterIV IV]]'' has an occurrence of this during the [[FightingYourFriend Rival Battle]] between [[VideoGame/FinalFight Guy]] and [[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha Rose]]. Rose (despite '''a)''' [[LateArrivalSpoiler being]] [[EnemyWithout the good half of]] [[BigBad Bison's]] [[EnemyWithout soul]], '''b)''' having failed on several previous occasions to kill Bison because [[IncorruptiblePurePureness their]] [[MadeOfEvil power]] [[NoSell is equal but opposite]], and '''c)''' acknowledging herself that she is merely TheObiWan to Ryu, the ''true'' character [[TheChosenOne destined to finally vanquish Bison]]) is [[JustForPun dead-set]] on stopping her mortal enemy, even if it requires [[TakingYouWithMe her going down with him]]. Guy, in a [[HistoryRepeats re-visitation]] of ''Street Fighter Alpha 3'', is wholly devoted to stopping Rose from proceeding with what is essentially a suicide mission. He questions Rose's methodology with the words [[HeroicSacrifice "Being prepared to die in battle]] is not the same as [[SenselessSacrifice offering yourself to death willingly."]] Cue a very somber battle with [[ApologeticAttacker much reluctance from both sides]]. One of Rose's [[BossBanter remarks during the battle]] is this trope nearly word for word, and when the two aren't beating the tar out of one another, Guy is constantly urging Rose to reconsider her plans.
* One of the mooks' death quotes in the first ''PerfectDark'' was this line. Another is "Why...me?"
* In ''VideoGame/{{Nier}}'', Emil's final thoughts after [[HeroicSacrifice staying behind to save his friends]] are that he's scared of death and just wants to see them again.
* Most of your companions in ''StarWarsTheOldRepublic'' have a line that amounts to this when they're running low on health, but only [[WrenchWench Mako]] says this word for word.
* Class Zero, the young heroes of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyType0'', have been preparing to sacrifice their lives for the war effort since childhood. But when the time comes and they're slowly succumbing to their wounds, they realise that not only is dying painful and scary, but being {{child soldiers}} they've also never had a chance to truly live. Most of them break down in tears and confess they never wanted to die at this point... but they do, [[TearJerker all twelve of them together]].
* ''MaxPayne2'': "If Mona didn't find a window soon, I was going to die. For the first time in a long time, I realised I didn't want to die."
* In ''VideoGame/ValkyrieProfile'', when recruiting Nanami, Valkyrie gets side tracked to dispose of a ghost attacking her. The ghost is actually a close friend of Nanami, and Nanami stops the Valkyrie from destroying it.
-->'''Valkyrie''': "Human. Surely you do not intend to take her place?"
-->'''Nanami''': "I really don't want to...I don't want to die. But...I thought my anger and sadness were greater than anyone else's..."
* Even being told he will turn into a living bioweapon in half of his expected life expectancy of six months and after an entire game of coming just short of actually putting a pistol in his mouth in ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid4'' to getting himself killed, Snake can't do it. His clone father Big Boss is actually impressed and gives him a reason to live and tells him that he will not turn viral.
* ''VisualNovel/LittleBusters'': While the others face their death with acceptance and dignity, [[spoiler:when Riki starts yelling in earnest how much he cares about him, Kyousuke breaks down sobbing and admits that he's saddest of all because he dearly loved Riki and Rin as well and can't stand that he'll never be able to see them again.]] In this case, the declaration actually humanises him by showing how much he truly cares for his friends.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Webcomics]]
* In ''Webcomic/DocRat'', they suggest getting rid of the computer that the now-fired practice manager brought. It begs and pleads.
-->'''Computer''': ''I BEG OF YOU! I DON'T WANT TO DIE! OH GOD PLEASE I DON'T WANT TO DIE!!!''
* The Autoresponder in one ''Webcomic/{{Homestuck}}'' update. In this case, as the autoresponder is a robot who often seems proud not to possess the flaws and excessive emotionality of the humans around him, it's quite a shocking moment that makes him much more sympathetic.
-->'''TT:''' Don't kill me.
-->'''TT:''' Please.
-->'''TT:''' I am scared.
-->'''TT [Dirk]:''' You are?
-->'''TT:''' Yes.
-->'''TT:''' I am scared to not exist.
-->'''TT:''' Aren't you?
[[/folder]]

[[folder:WebOriginal]]
* Noah of ''WebVideo/TribeTwelve'' admits this during the ''November 11th Livestream Incident'' video when, after weeks of asserting that he doesn't care anymore if he lives or dies, he breaks down in tears and asserts his desire to live shortly before the deadline that the Observer had set for killing him.
[[/folder]]
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[[redirect:HesitantSacrifice]]

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* In ''LightNovel/TheFamiliarOfZero'', Saito faces an army of 70,000 alone so [[YouShallNotPass everybody else can escape]], knowing full well he won't survive. Until he is killed, he continuously comments that he really wants to live and get back to his wife Louise. Fortunately, he gets revived.



* In "Bohemian Rhapsody" by {{Queen}}, one of the lines is "I don't wanna die; I sometimes wish I'd never been born at all."

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* In "Bohemian Rhapsody" by {{Queen}}, Music/{{Queen}}, one of the lines is "I don't wanna die; I sometimes wish I'd never been born at all."

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* ''Series/DoctorWho'':
** In the episode [[Recap/DoctorWhoS29E9TheFamilyofBlood "The Family of Blood"]], John Smith learns that he is actually an amnesiac human version of the Doctor and that he has to turn back into the Doctor to save the day. He is extremely reluctant because this would mean that he essentially dies and will not be able to be with the love of his life. The pure raw anguish and fear make [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb0uUL-aUIc this scene]] a particularly strong TearJerker.
** [[Recap/DoctorWhoS30E17E18TheEndOfTime "The End of Time"]] has the Doctor have this reaction -- stating "I don't want to go" -- when regenerating into the Eleventh Doctor, earlier considering the transition as equivalent to death. The concept of the series, however, states the Doctor does not really die, but simply regenerates into a new persona, with a new body and identity, but the Tenth Doctor views it as such. WordOfGod states that this is because he experienced "death" once before as John Smith.
** In [[Recap/DoctorWhoS31E13TheBigBang "The Big Bang"]], a Dalek ends up begging for mercy from River Song.
** Not to mention the Eleventh Doctor spends the whole of the 6th Series running from his own FinalDeath, succeeding in postponing it by 200 years ([[AnachronicOrder in his own personal timeline]]), before finally being confronted by Dorium's head telling him that he can not run anymore, [[spoiler:but he still manages to cheat his own death.]]
** For a long time in the old series, The Master's motivation was that he no longer had the ability to regenerate and wanted a new set of lives.

to:

* ''Series/DoctorWho'':
''Series/DoctorWho'':
** In the episode [[Recap/DoctorWhoS29E9TheFamilyofBlood "The Family of Blood"]], Blood"]] has a character named John Smith Smith, who learns that he is actually an amnesiac human version of the Doctor and Doctor. The problem is that if he has to turn back turns into the Doctor to save the day. He is extremely reluctant because this Doctor, his own memories and desires would mean that he essentially dies and be overwritten, killing the human identity. If he doesn't sacrifice himself, the aliens will not be able to be with kill everyone in the love of his life. town, trying to find him. The pure raw anguish and fear make [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb0uUL-aUIc this scene]] a particularly strong TearJerker.
** [[Recap/DoctorWhoS30E17E18TheEndOfTime "The End of Time"]] has comes from a season-long set of ArcWords, "He will knock four times". The words are meant to tell the Doctor have this reaction -- stating "I don't want to go" -- when regenerating into the Eleventh Doctor, earlier considering the transition as equivalent to death. The concept of the series, however, states he will die, and the Doctor does not really die, but simply regenerates keeps getting the source wrong. When poor old Wilfred knocks on the door of the radiation chamber, the Doctor realizes what will happen. Wilfred will die if the Doctor doesn't go into the chamber next to him, and doing so would force him to regenerate. Regeneration would mean a new persona, with a [[TheNthDoctor new body and identity, but identity]], and the Tenth Doctor views it as such. "killing" the previous doctor. He throws a (excellently done) childish fit as he tries to avoid "dying". WordOfGod states that this is because he experienced "death" once before as John Smith.
Smith.
** In [[Recap/DoctorWhoS31E13TheBigBang "The Big Bang"]], a Dalek ends up begging for mercy from River Song.
** Not to mention the
The Eleventh Doctor spends the whole of the 6th Series running from his own FinalDeath, succeeding in a "fixed point" at Lake Silencio. In this series, certain times are "fixed", and trying to stop them from happening can destroy the universe as time collapses. [[spoiler: Which is exactly what happens when River Song tries it.]] He succeeded in postponing it by 200 years ([[AnachronicOrder in his own personal timeline]]), before finally being confronted by Dorium's head telling him that he can not run anymore, [[spoiler:but anymore. [[spoiler:But he still manages to cheat his own death.]]
** For a long time in the old series, The Master's motivation
death, which is why he was that he no longer had the ability now willing to regenerate and wanted a new set of lives.sacrifice himself.]]
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-->'''Nanami''': "I really don't want to...I don't want to die. But...I thought my anger and sadness were greater then anyone else's..."

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-->'''Nanami''': "I really don't want to...I don't want to die. But...I thought my anger and sadness were greater then than anyone else's..."
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** In the episode "[[Recap/DoctorWhoNSS3E9TheFamilyofBlood The Family of Blood]]", John Smith learns that he is actually an amnesiac human version of the Doctor and that he has to turn back into the Doctor to save the day. He is extremely reluctant because this would mean that he essentially dies and will not be able to be with the love of his life. The pure raw anguish and fear make [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb0uUL-aUIc this scene]] a particularly strong TearJerker.
** ''[[Recap/DoctorWhoNSS4E17E18TheEndOfTime The End of Time]]'' has the Doctor have this reaction - stating "I don't want to go" - when regenerating into the Eleventh Doctor, earlier considering the transition as equivalent to death. The concept of the series, however, states the Doctor does not really die, but simply regenerates into a new persona, with a new body and identity, but the Tenth Doctor views it as such. WordOfGod states that this is because he experienced "death" once before as John Smith
** In "[[Recap/DoctorWhoS31E13TheBigBang The Big Bang]]", a Dalek ends up begging for mercy from River Song.
** Not to mention the Eleventh Doctor spends the whole of the 6th Series running from his own FinalDeath, succeeding in postponing it by 200 years ([[AnachronicOrder in his own personal timeline]]), before finally being confronted by Dorium's head telling him that he can not run anymore, [[spoiler: but he still manages to cheat his own death.]]

to:

** In the episode "[[Recap/DoctorWhoNSS3E9TheFamilyofBlood The [[Recap/DoctorWhoS29E9TheFamilyofBlood "The Family of Blood]]", Blood"]], John Smith learns that he is actually an amnesiac human version of the Doctor and that he has to turn back into the Doctor to save the day. He is extremely reluctant because this would mean that he essentially dies and will not be able to be with the love of his life. The pure raw anguish and fear make [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb0uUL-aUIc this scene]] a particularly strong TearJerker.
** ''[[Recap/DoctorWhoNSS4E17E18TheEndOfTime The [[Recap/DoctorWhoS30E17E18TheEndOfTime "The End of Time]]'' Time"]] has the Doctor have this reaction - -- stating "I don't want to go" - -- when regenerating into the Eleventh Doctor, earlier considering the transition as equivalent to death. The concept of the series, however, states the Doctor does not really die, but simply regenerates into a new persona, with a new body and identity, but the Tenth Doctor views it as such. WordOfGod states that this is because he experienced "death" once before as John Smith
Smith.
** In "[[Recap/DoctorWhoS31E13TheBigBang The [[Recap/DoctorWhoS31E13TheBigBang "The Big Bang]]", Bang"]], a Dalek ends up begging for mercy from River Song.
** Not to mention the Eleventh Doctor spends the whole of the 6th Series running from his own FinalDeath, succeeding in postponing it by 200 years ([[AnachronicOrder in his own personal timeline]]), before finally being confronted by Dorium's head telling him that he can not run anymore, [[spoiler: but [[spoiler:but he still manages to cheat his own death.]]
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--> '''George''': But this is brave, splendid and noble... sir?
--> '''Blackadder''': Yes, lieutenant?
--> '''George''': I'm scared, sir.
--> '''Baldrick''': I'm scared too, sir.
--> '''George''': I mean, I'm the [[LastOfHisKind last of the tiddly-winking leapfroggers from the Golden Summer of 1914]]. I don't want to die, I'm not overly keen on dying at all, sir.
--> '''Blackadder''': How are you feeling, [[UnfortunateNames Darling]]?
--> '''Darling''': Er- not all that good, Blackadder. Rather hoped I'd get through the whole show...go back to work at Pratt and Sons, keep wicket for the Croydon Gentlemen, [[{{Retirony}} marry Doris]]. Made a note in my diary on the way here. Simply says: "[[FacingTheBulletsOneLiner Bugger]]".
--> '''Blackadder''': Well, quite.

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--> '''George''': -->'''George''': But this is brave, splendid and noble... sir?
-->
sir?\\
'''Blackadder''': Yes, lieutenant?
-->
lieutenant?\\
'''George''': I'm scared, sir.
-->
sir.\\
'''Baldrick''': I'm scared too, sir.
-->
sir.\\
'''George''': I mean, I'm the [[LastOfHisKind last of the tiddly-winking leapfroggers from the Golden Summer of 1914]]. I don't want to die, I'm not overly keen on dying at all, sir.
-->
sir.\\
'''Blackadder''': How are you feeling, [[UnfortunateNames Darling]]?
-->
Darling]]?\\
'''Darling''': Er- not all that good, Blackadder. Rather hoped I'd get through the whole show...go back to work at Pratt and Sons, keep wicket for the Croydon Gentlemen, [[{{Retirony}} marry Doris]]. Made a note in my diary on the way here. Simply says: "[[FacingTheBulletsOneLiner Bugger]]".
-->
Bugger]]".\\
'''Blackadder''': Well, quite.
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** In "[[Recap/DoctorWhoS31E13TheBigBang The Big Bang]]", a Dalek ends up begging for mercy from River Song.
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In the TV miniseries Henry VIII, Catherine Howard is sentenced to death for infidelity. Although pale and terrified, she was silent on her way to the scaffold. After making her speech and being blindfolded, she breaks down crying that she doesn't want to die. One of the men overseeing the execution forcibly puts Catherine's head on the block while she is screaming and begging for life.

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In *In the TV miniseries Henry VIII, Catherine Howard is sentenced to death for infidelity. Although pale and terrified, she was silent on her way to the scaffold. After making her speech and being blindfolded, she breaks down crying that she doesn't want to die. One of the men overseeing the execution forcibly puts Catherine's head on the block while she is screaming and begging for life.
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In the TV miniseries Henry VIII, Catherine Howard is sentenced to death for infidelity. Although pale and terrified, she was silent on her way to the scaffold. After making her speech and being blindfolded, she breaks down crying that she doesn't want to die. One of the men overseeing the execution forcibly puts Catherine's head on the block while she is screaming and begging for life.
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* ''Series/TheHauntingHour'': At the end of "My Imaginary Friend" Ryan listens to his older brother David's advice and lets go of his imaginary friends. [[spoiler:Including David. As David fades away, his last words are "I don't wanna go..."]]

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* ''Series/TheHauntingHour'': At the end of "My Imaginary Friend" Ryan Shawn listens to his older brother David's advice and lets go of his imaginary friends. [[spoiler:Including David. As David fades away, his last words are "I don't wanna go..."]]
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Added DiffLines:

* ''Series/TheHauntingHour'': At the end of "My Imaginary Friend" Ryan listens to his older brother David's advice and lets go of his imaginary friends. [[spoiler:Including David. As David fades away, his last words are "I don't wanna go..."]]
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* In ''{{Manga/Hellsing}}'', the section chief of the Wild Geese expressed this kind of sentiment during Millennium's raid on the Hellsing manor. Captain Bernadotte belittled him for his cowardice for it but told him that he didn't want to die there either before continuing to fight.
** Later, Enrico Maxwell, remarking how he was born alone, lamented that he didn't want to die alone after being ImpaledWithExtremePrejudice.
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* Jimmy behaves this way when he thinks he's going to die in ''TwoHands''. The scene is not intended to make Jimmy look like a coward, bur rather an ordinary guy who's in way over his head.

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* Jimmy behaves this way when he thinks he's going to die in ''TwoHands''.''Film/TwoHands''. The scene is not intended to make Jimmy look like a coward, bur rather an ordinary guy who's in way over his head.

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** Not to mention the Eleventh Doctor spends the whole of the 6th Series running from his own death, succeeding in postponing it by 200 years ([[AnachronicOrder in his own personal timeline]]), before finally being confronted by Dorium's head telling him that he can not run anymore, [[spoiler: but he still manages to cheat his own death.]]
* Buffy in the first season's finale of ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'' has to face The Master and is prophesied to sacrifice herself to defeat him. She tells Giles, her Watcher, that she's [[DangerousSixteenthBirthday only sixteen]] and that she doesn't want to die.

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** Not to mention the Eleventh Doctor spends the whole of the 6th Series running from his own death, FinalDeath, succeeding in postponing it by 200 years ([[AnachronicOrder in his own personal timeline]]), before finally being confronted by Dorium's head telling him that he can not run anymore, [[spoiler: but he still manages to cheat his own death.]]
**For a long time in the old series, The Master's motivation was that he no longer had the ability to regenerate and wanted a new set of lives.
* Buffy in the first season's finale of ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'' has to face The Master (different one, of course. [[TheMaster The name's popular]].) and is prophesied to sacrifice herself to defeat him. She tells Giles, her Watcher, that she's [[DangerousSixteenthBirthday only sixteen]] and that she doesn't want to die.
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* A ''possible'' subversion occurs at the end of ''Film/AngelsWithDirtyFaces''. When Rocky is sentenced to death, Jerry visits him just before his execution and asks him to do him one last favor - to die pretending to be a screaming, sniveling coward, which would end the boys' idolization of him. Rocky at first refuses, and insists he will be "tough" to the end, and not give up the one thing he has left, his pride. At the very last moment, he seems to change his mind and has to be dragged to the electric chair screaming; the boys read newspaper headlines that Rocky died a coward, although not believing it at first, Father Jerry verifies that the paper account was accurate. (However, with no confirmation from Rocky himself, it is up to the viewers to decide whether he actually changed his mind and did it for Jerry and the kids' sake, or whether he really ''was'' a coward when the time finally came.)

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* A ''possible'' subversion occurs at the end of ''Film/AngelsWithDirtyFaces''. When Rocky is sentenced to death, Jerry visits him just before his execution and asks him to do him one last favor - to die pretending to be a screaming, sniveling coward, which would end the boys' idolization of him. Rocky at first refuses, and insists he [[FaceDeathWithDignity will be "tough" to the end, end]], and not give up the one thing he has left, his pride. At But at the very last moment, he seems to change his mind and has to be dragged to the electric chair screaming; the boys read newspaper headlines that Rocky died a coward, although not believing it at first, Father Jerry verifies that the paper account was accurate. (However, However, with no confirmation from Rocky himself, it is up to the viewers to decide whether he actually changed his mind and did it for Jerry and the kids' sake, or whether he really ''was'' a coward when the time finally came.came. (Jerry, however, has no doubts that it was the former.)

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