History Main / TallIsIntimidating

When tall characters are introduced, their height often makes them imposing or intimidating to other characters by default. Generally because there is an assumption that a larger person will be more physically threatening. Even so, this is not limited to muscular characters, as even lanky characters can make others hesitate on their imposing stature alone.

* ''WebComic/{{Paranatural}}'': Doorman briefly use this technique to get Isaac to listen to him. Looming his large figure over him.

* ''WebComic/Paranatural'': Doorman briefly use this technique to get Isaac to listen to him while furious. Looming a shadow over him.

When tall characters are introduced, their height often makes them imposing or intimidating to other characters by default. Generally, because there is an assumption that a larger person will be more physically threatening. Even so, this is not limited to muscular characters, as even lanky characters can make others hesitate on their imposing stature alone.

This is a common trope of TheBigGuy, especially during their introduction to establish their tough credibility. They might even invoke it on purpose, especially in the case of someone like a bouncer. The StatuesqueStunner also runs into this a lot, as being intimidating can be part of the character's appeal.

* ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' in 3.5 edition and its spin-off ''TabletopGame/{{Pathfinder}}'' 1st edition, you gain a +4 bonus on your Intimidate check for every size category that you are larger than your target.

->'''Boss:''' ''I could kill you right now.''
->'''Maero:''' ''[[LittleNo No]]''. (he stands up to show how tall he is) ''You couldn't.''

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Whether or not the intimidation is justified depends, as nowadays it's just as likely to lead to a GentleGiant reveal. When this trope isn't subverted, expect it to be applied to TheBully. This trope can also justify LargeAndInCharge if the smaller minions follow their boss ''because'' his size is intimidating. Naturally this is also a part of why AttackOfThe50FootWhatever is scary.

Supertrope to ScaryBlackMan.

When tall characters are introduced, their height often makes them imposing or intimidating to the other characters by default. Generally, because there is an assumption that a larger person will be more physically threatening. Even so, this is not limited to muscular characters, as even lanky characters can make others hesitate on their imposing stature alone.

* This is a running theme in ''WesternAnimation/StevenUniverse'', as Gem society is heavily structured on size. As a general rule, the larger a Gem is, the more powerful she is; to emphasize the point, nearly every [[FusionDance Gem Fusion]] becomes much taller (and often broader) as a result of two or more Gems bonding together. It's particularly demonstrated with the show's villains, as nearly all of them are first introduced with shots that stress their height:

** The theme song of ''WesternAnimation/StevenUniverseFuture'' features a shot of all of the season's villains cloaked in shadow. The largest of them all is a gigantic Corrupted Gem Monster who dwarfs even White Diamond. [[spoiler: It turns out to be Steven himself, who's overwhelmed by his guilt and pain.]]

* ''WesternAnimation/MonstersVsAliens'': Ginormica's fiance was extremely intimidated by her new [[GiantWoman height]], to the point he broke off his relationship with her after getting over how terrified he was.

* ''WesternAnimation/MonstersVsAliens'': Ginormica's fiance was extremely intimidated by her new [[GiantWomen height]], to the point he broke off his relationship with her.

This is a common trope of TheBigGuy, especially during their introduction to establish their tough credibility. They might even invoke it on purpose, especially in the case of someone like a bouncer. StatuesqueStunner also run into this a lot, as being intimidating can be part of the character's appeal.

Whether or not the intimidation is justified depends, as nowerdays it's just as likely to lead into a GentleGiant reveal. When this trope isn't subverted, expect it to be applied to TheBully. This trope can also justify LargeAndInCharge if the smaller minions follow their boss ''because'' his size is intimidating. Naturally this is also a part of why AttackOfThe50FootWhatever is scary.

* ''WesternAnimation/{{Antz}}'': In the bar, Z asks Bala if she's crazy for provoking an ant much larger than them, since he's "built like a pebble".

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* ''WesternAnimation/FostersHomeForImaginaryFriends'': This is done accidentally by the large Eduardo when Mac meets him; Eduardo's large size (combined with scary appearance) causes Mac to scream about a monster. Of course, since Eduardo is a LovableCoward, this just ends up with ''both'' of them scared about the so-called monster. Which just ends up with ''both'' of them scared of a big monster.

** [[GreaterScopeVillain White Diamond]] takes the introductions of Yellow and Blue and goes even further, as she's the tallest and scariest Gem in creation. When Steven first enters her chamber, we [[FeetFirstIntroduction only see her feet]], then a cut to her face--and then camera slowly pans up to reveal just how ''massive'' she truly is. [[HorrifyingTheHorror Even the other Diamonds are terrified of her.]]

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* Franchise/TheSlenderManMythos: The intimidating nature of tall people is one of the central anxieties built into Slender Man's concept as a tall horror monster.
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* Franchise/TheSlenderManMythos: The intimidating nature of tall people is one of the central anxieties built into Slender Man's concept.

* ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'': When the (very large) Pipsqueak hears Aang call his name funny, foreboding music plays as he looms over Aang. Subverted when he starts laughing about it too.
* ''WesternAnimation/FostersHomeForImaginaryFriends'': This is done accidentally by the large Edwardo when Mac meets him, whose large size (combined with scary appearance) causes Mac to scream about a monster. Which just ends up with ''both'' of them scared of a big monster.

* ''WesternAnimation/SheRaAndThePrincessesOfPower'': During Scorpias introduction, her large form loomed over Catra from the shadow's making Catra look up at her meekly. Subverted when it turns out she just wanted to give Catra a big hug.

When tall characters are introduced, height often makes them imposing or intimidating to the other characters by default. Generally, because there is an assumption that a larger person will be more physically threatening. Even so, this is not limited to muscular characters, as even lanky characters can make others hesitate on their imposing stature alone.

This may involve a looming shot of the tall person casting a wide shadow over someone else. The shorter characters might gawk upward at their size sheepishly (possibly after talking very confidently about being able to fight them). Occasionally the characters themselves won't be intimidated but the intensity of the camerawork and presentation tells us they ''should'' be.

Whether or not the intimidation is justified depends, as nowerdays it's just as likely to lead into a GentleGiant reveal. When this trope isn't subverted, expect it to be applied to TheBully. This trope can also justify LargeAndInCharge (if the smaller minions follow their boss ''because'' his size is intimidating). Naturally this is also a part of why AttackOfThe50FootWhatever is scary.

* ''Series/{{Haven}}:'' Discussed in regards to Dwight, played by [[Wrestling/EdgeWrestler WWE wrestler "Edge."]] He's part of Haven's CleanUpCrew, keeping up TheMasquerade by quietly doing away with Trouble-related messes. At one point, Audrey comments that his job isn't as hard as it could be, because when you look like a Viking, people just kind of do what you tell them to. Subverted with Duke, who is tall and can be scary when he wants to be, but is far too much of a LovableRogue to come off as intimidating.

This is a common trope of TheBigGuy, especially during their introduction. They might even invoke it on purpose, especially in the case of someone like a bouncer. StatuesqueStunner also run into this a lot, as being intimidating can be part of the character's appeal.

Index: BiggerIsBetter, HeightTropes, FearTropes