Follow TV Tropes

Following

Context Main / FearIsTheAppropriateResponse

Go To

1[[quoteright:350:[[ComicStrip/CalvinAndHobbes https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/rhino_3.png]]]]
2 [[caption-width-right:350:"It doesn't impress the girls, of course, but there's no sense in impressing them and then getting killed, my dad used to say..."]]
3
4->'''1:''' You're a curse, a fool! Guided by pointless queries!\
5'''9:''' And ''you'' are a blind man, guided by fear.\
6''[Distant, approaching shriek]''\
7'''1:''' Sometimes, fear is the appropriate response.
8-->-- ''WesternAnimation/{{Nine}}'', the {{Trope Namer|s}}
9
10Usually PlayedForLaughs. A character is facing a conflict. The BigBad, TheDreaded, or a similar foe has been revealed at last. This may be the moment of triumph for the protagonist... however, instead of standing and fighting it like a Hero would do, this character does what any of ''us'' would do: [[DeerInTheHeadlights freezes up in terror]], screams, [[ScrewThisImOuttaHere runs away as fast as his legs can carry him]], or a combination of the first three.
11
12Also used with a party of two or more, when they are cornered. One asks "What do we do now?" and one says something along the lines of "[[RunOrDie we... RUN!]]", often having about a three-second head start before the others realize what is happening. Sometimes this may be used to save another character, who is completely oblivious to the danger. This, of course, is only one type of example of this trope.
13
14The fear responses ordinarily come in four different types:
15# '''Freezing''' - Going [[DeerInTheHeadlights completely immobile in fear]], which may conceal the character from the foe's notice. [[note]]This is a relatively common behavior in many animals. As it turns out, humans are among the few species on the planet with any sort of proficiency in seeing stationary objects.[[/note]]
16# '''Flight''' - Running from the threat at top speed.
17# '''Scream''' - Giving a cry of terror as loudly as possible (which may or may not deter the threat, but might alert someone who can help).
18# A combination of the two above.
19
20Related to RunOrDie. The distinction between this and RunOrDie is that with this, you're choosing to break off the engagement mostly on your own terms, but with RunOrDie, you're narrowly avoiding (or escaping) what you know is a CurbStompBattle with you on the wrong end. Also compare FearIsNormal, which is about the emotion of fear, as opposed to fearful behaviours, being normal. AngerIsHealthyAesop is when a character is taught to be angry.
21
22Those with NervesOfSteel or the FearlessUndead, seeing the odds against them, might acknowledge this trope in DramaticDeadpan during a controlled {{tactical withdrawal}}.
23
24A Mentor may explain to a young character that only a FearlessFool would face this when he had options.
25
26See also ScrewThisImOuttaHere
27----
28!!Examples:
29
30[[foldercontrol]]
31
32[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
33* Unusually for a shonen series, in ''Literature/{{Slayers}}'' it's a common gag for Lina to throw a Burst Rondo in the face of powerful foes that don't go down in the first few volleys, then skedaddle.
34* In ''Manga/DragonBall'', during the 23rd World Tournament, "Ma Jr." receives ClothingDamage and his turban is destroyed. The audience begins to murmur among themselves about the appearance of the contestant until (Bad) Lunch points out he looks like the original Piccolo. At this point, "Ma Jr."/Piccolo Jr. is sick of the squabbling and angrily confirms that he's the original Piccolo's son and vows of [[TakeOverTheWorld re-taking over the world]]. Naturally, the entire crowd takes off, leaving behind Goku's allies in the stadium...[[NervesOfSteel and the narrator]].
35* Another shonen example comes from ''Manga/FairyTail''. In a competition to determine the next S-Class wizard, Natsu goes up against Gildarts, one of the most powerful (if not the most powerful) members of the Fairy Tail guild outside of the guild master, since the contestants either face a rival candidate or an S-Class wizard. After a short battle, Natsu almost gets past but refuses to go on without winning the fight. Gildarts' response is to release his full power in order to teach him about this. Natsu is paralyzed with fear, then briefly tries to [[{{Determinator}} charge anyway]] but coming up close, his fear overtakes him. He unashamedly goes to his knees and accepts defeat in tears.
36-->'''Gildarts:''' [[SensingYouAreOutmatched A wise choice.]] I applaud anyone who has the courage to stand up and face their enemies. However, the wizards who are the most courageous are those exceptional few... [[KnowWhenToFoldThem who know when to stand down]]. Remember Natsu, there's nothing wrong with feeling fear. After all, how else will we come to know our own weaknesses? You need to know them in order to become a stronger and gentler person. A necessity for those who want to be S-Class. Now that I shared this knowledge with you... [[SecretTestOfCharacter you pass, kid]].
37* ''Literature/SwordArtOnline'': Kirito's and Asuna's response to spawning [[SpellMyNameWithAThe The]] [[BossFight Gleam Eyes]] in the 74th-floor dungeon is to high-tail it out of the boss room.
38* In ''Manga/KenichiTheMightiestDisciple'', the titular protagonist usually screams in terror and runs for his life whenever his masters announce that they intend to increase the severity of Kenichi's training regime. Since this is a series that takes TrainingFromHell up to eleven, Kenichi's reaction is completely justified.
39* There's a bit in ''Manga/AhMyGoddess'' where Mara and Hild have put together a magical trap that zaps all of the main cast except Belldandy... and then Bell accidentally releases them. Mara realizes that this overloaded the trap's system, and takes off running until Hild snaps, "Mara! ''Halt!'' Explain yourself!" Mara explains that overloading means the thing's about to ''explode''. "Mara... Thank you for ''explaining''!" as ''Hild'' runs away.
40* It's played in ''Manga/OnePiece'' by Kamakiri after he discovers that [[ArcVillain Eneru]] can become intangible [[ElementalPowers (by turning into electricity)]] thanks to his [[PowerUpFood Devil Fruit]] [[ShockAndAwe power]].
41* ''Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventure'':
42** Joseph Joestar runs from more powerful opponents in the second (and briefly in the third) arc. Subverted, though, in that it's usually a part of one of his plans.
43** A more straight example happens in a flashback when Avdol first met DIO. He was so overwhelmed with fear at seeing the vampire firsthand and how his soothing words eased him, proving he was indeed dangerous. When DIO gets ready to implant a flesh bud to control him, Avdol screams at the top of his lungs, dives out a window, and runs for his life to escape. While telling the story, he mentions that the idea of fighting back did not once even cross his mind at that moment.
44* ''Manga/SailorMoon'' does this frequently. Instead of fighting the MonsterOfTheWeek, she will typically cower in fear or run from the enemy's attacks, only finally attacking after a RousingSpeech from Tuxedo Mask (or, in his absence, any character who happens to be present). The trait shows up less and less frequently later on in the show.
45* The excuse the residents of Net Surf Village use when Taichi accuses them of being wimps for hiding when a demon supposedly appears in the nearby net ocean in ''Manga/DigimonVTamer01''. This forces Taichi to rely on a land-based Digimon, after teaching him how to swim of course.
46[[/folder]]
47
48[[folder:Comic Books]]
49* ''ComicBook/{{Exiles}}:'' Morph's reaction to having a Hulk land right in front of the team? Turn into a chicken and try to run for it. Unfortunately, in said running, he steps on a twig and... well... HULK SMASH.
50* From ComicBook/{{Watchmen}}:
51-->[I]n any event, [[BeamMeUpScotty I never said]] "The superman exists and he's American." What I said was "''God'' exists and he's American." If that statement starts to chill you after a couple of moments' consideration, then don't be alarmed. A feeling of intense and crushing religious terror at the concept indicates only that you are still sane.
52--->-- '''Prof. Milton Glass''', "Dr. Manhattan: Super-Powers and the Superpowers," ''ComicBook/{{Watchmen}}''
53* ''ComicBook/BeastsOfBurden'': In ''Wise Dogs and Eldritch Men'', when the monster starts attacking, a warlock yells to the others not to panic and to stand their ground. Then the creature comes into full view.
54-->'''Lundy:''' [[NoJustNoReaction Ah, no. Just… no.]] Panic is ''exactly'' what's called for here.
55[[/folder]]
56
57[[folder:Fanfic]]
58* Izuku explains this using animal logic in ''Fanfic/IzukuMidoriyaTheRabbit''. As a rabbit that lives in a warren, Izuku is used to the idea that not reacting strongly enough to danger will result in death.
59-->'''Izuku''': If there's a fox in your burrow, feeling safe will get you eaten. Being scared when there could be danger is important. If the rabbit watching for danger acts like it's ok then everyone gets eaten.
60* {{Deconstructed}} in ''Fanfic/PokeWars'', where the mass panics set off by the MassSuperEmpoweringEvent are shown to be just as dangerous as the disaster itself; a particularly standout example occurs during the Muk rampage in Hearthome: in their desperation to flee from the Muk, many people trampled or shoved others aside, making them easy targets for the Muk.
61* In ''Fanfic/BigHumanOnCampus'', Jin has a procedure for fleeing in terror, including optional screaming during retreat and curling up in a ball and gibbering after they're safely back at the Protection Committee office. It's used when they unexpectedly meet [[TheDreaded Ranma]] when investigating Tsukune.
62* In the ''WesternAnimation/RiseOfTheGuardians'' fanfic ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12102231/1/What-Is-Courage-Without-Fear What Is Courage Without Fear?]]'', enforcing this was ''[[JumpingOffTheSlipperySlope supposed]]'' to be Pitch Black's purpose; he used fear to make sure children didn't do dangerously foolish things. For instance, in Chapter 6 he punished a BigBrotherBully who ditched his little sister in the woods by filling his head with fears of what might have happened to her there, and how much trouble he'd be in. It was a combination of JumpingOffTheSlipperySlope and learning that EvilFeelsGood that turned him into the Boogeyman.
63--> '''Pitch:''' What kept them near their fires when darkness fell? What kept the children close to their parents and away from harm? Fear. Fear of the dark. Fear of heights. Fear of deep water. The fear of monsters lurking in the night just out of sight was what I gave them. Fear taught them caution. Fear warned them of danger. Fear served a purpose.
64* ''Fanfic/BoldoresAndBoomsticks'': Faba, understandably, freaks when [[spoiler:Nebby evolves into the Legendary Solgaleo]].
65-->'''Watts:''' ''Calm yourself'', Doctor. There is no need to unman yourself like thi-\
66'''Faba:''' ''(Grabs Watts by the lapels)'' There is a [[spoiler:LITERAL SUN GOD]] in my LAB and it HATES ME. This is an ''excellent'' time to panic. There is NO BETTER TIME TO PANIC, ''do you'' '''''hear me?!'''''
67* ''Fanfic/MyHeroAcademiaUnchainedPredator'': After watching the Slayer butcher the entire Steel Sabers organization, including Nine and his lieutenants, all the hostages, captured heroes, UA students and even Wolfram's gunmen are panicking because A: [[OneManArmy This guy singlehandedly butchered the entire Steel Sabers Organization.]] And B: ''He was coming this way.'' The panic of the gunmen sum it up.
68--> '''Gunman''': What the fuck do we do?!\
69'''Gunman 2''': [[ScrewThisImOuttaHere We have to get out of here!]] [[BadBoss Wolfram ditched us for crying out loud!]]\
70'''Gunman 3''': [[YoureInsane Are you nuts?!]] That [[VideoGame/Doom2016 psycho]] is probably still out there!\
71'''Gunman 4''': Oh [[PrecisionFStrike fuck]], [[MadnessMantra we're screwed, we're screwed, we're screwed, we're screwed-]]\
72'''Gunman''': [[SuddenlyShouting SHUT UP! JUST SHUT UP! LET ME FUCKING THINK!!!]]
73[[/folder]]
74
75[[folder:Films -- Animated]]
76* In ''WesternAnimation/{{Nine}}'', the TropeNamer, 1 says this right before the Winged Beast attacks. However, considering that 8 tries to fight the Winged Beast before they run, this trope applies more to the awakening of the Fabrication Machine, in which 7, 9, and 5 immediately run away as soon as it's awakened.
77* There are several instances in ''WesternAnimation/TheRoadToElDorado'', one of which involves Miguel and Tulio being cornered by a raging bull.
78-->'''Miguel:''' What do we do now?\
79'''Tulio:''' You... pet him. And I'll... RUN!
80* In the ''WesternAnimation/JimmyNeutronBoyGenius'' movie, Nick runs out into the arena, holding a spear, to face Poultra and the Yolkians. Suddenly, Poultra starts hatching and her three eyes glare down at Nick... who then screams like a girl and runs away.
81* In ''WesternAnimation/LadyAndTheTrampIIScampsAdventure'', Scamp and Angel are talking on a railroad about what they could do living in the wild. There is a train coming toward them, unnoticed by Scamp.
82-->'''Angel:''' Run.\
83'''Scamp:''' Yeah, and run!\
84'''Angel:''' No, I MEAN RUN!
85* ''WesternAnimation/YellowSubmarine'': "Once more into the breach, dear [[CardCarryingVillain Meanies]]. You're advancing in the wrong direction! Retreat ''backwards''!"
86* In ''WesternAnimation/TheLionKingOneAndAHalf'', one of the more notable examples of the screaming response is directly advised:
87-->'''Uncle Max:''' ''[to Timon]'' What do you do if you see a hyena?\
88'''Timon:''' Scream "Mommy!"\
89'''Uncle Max:''' That's right, mister! Because the world out there is fraught with danger. Fraught, I tell you!
90[[/folder]]
91
92[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]
93* Happens in the bloopers of ''Film/TheAvengers2012'' where instead of Bruce Banner turning into the Hulk and punching out a giant Chitauri, he runs away like a little girl (quite literally), whilst Captain America starts cracking up. Even better when he starts skipping at the end.
94--> '''Mark Ruffalo''': You guys are on your own!
95* Disney's ''Film/BedknobsAndBroomsticks'': After it becomes clear that their weapons are useless against the animated armor/costumes, the Nazi soldiers run like bunnies.
96* ''Film/TheDarkKnightRises'' has Bane kidnapping a scientist from the CIA by destroying the airplane they are on while holding on to a rope lowered by his men from another plane flying above them. And that's just the first thing we see him do in the movie.
97-->'''Bane:''' Calm down, Doctor. Now is not the time for fear. [[FromBadToWorse That comes later]].
98* In ''Film/{{District 9}}'', the main character, Wikus, initially turns and runs away when finally confronted by his bounty hunter, Koobus.
99* Before they were the Film/{{Ghostbusters|1984}}, Doctors Stanz, Venkman, and Spengler do this in the [[BigApplesauce New York]] Public Library, after attempting to bum-rush a ghost.
100-->'''Librarian:''' Did you see it? What was it?\
101'''Ray:''' ''[still fleeing]'' We'll get back to you!
102* From the (now infamous) 1998 version of ''Film/{{Godzilla|1998}}'':
103-->'''Animal:''' What do we do now?\
104'''Philippe:''' Running would be a good idea.
105* When the "Blood-Red Van" comes after the dogs in ''[[Film/HomewardBoundTheIncredibleJourney Homeward Bound 2: Lost in San Francisco]]'', they immediately react by running and hiding.
106* ''Film/TheLordOfTheRings'':
107** When the hobbits first meet the Ringwraiths, their only strategies are running or hiding (both things Hobbits can do very well in a pinch).
108** When the Ringwraiths track Frodo to the Prancing Pony Inn in Brie, Aragorn asks Frodo if he's afraid. Frodo says yes, and Aragorn points out that Frodo isn't afraid enough, since he's being pursued by undead swordsmen who will not stop until he is dead.
109** Gandalf is listed in RunOrDie already, but in ''[[Film/TheLordOfTheRingsTheFellowshipOfTheRing The Fellowship of the Ring]]'', he doesn't just inform them that the Balrog is unstoppable. [[TalkingIsAFreeAction He calmly explains]] what a Balrog actually is while it's coming at them (not as JustForFun/{{Egregious}} as it sounds though, as it wasn't even in visual range), pauses to take a deep breath, looks shaken, and then shouts... ''"RUN!"'' and takes off ahead of the others, while they are still standing there looking at it. Making an about-face in the process.
110* ''Film/IndianaJonesAndTheLastCrusade'': Salah has just met Marcus Brody in Iskenderun. A German comes up to them and invites them to a museum. Salah realizes that there is no museum in Iskenderun and that they're in danger.
111-->'''Salah:''' Run.\
112'''Marcus:''' Yes. [snip]\
113'''Salah:''' Run!\
114'''Marcus:''' Did you say...?\
115'''Salah:''' ''[punches German in the face]'' Run!
116* The "freezing" variant is what Alan Grant recommends in the ''Film/JurassicPark'' movies when confronted with a ''UsefulNotes/TyrannosaurusRex''. [[IgnoredExpert Whether or not his advice is heeded is another matter,]] such as with a run-in with a sub-adult in ''Film/JurassicParkIII''.
117--> '''Grant:''' Nobody...move...a muscle.\
118''(the rex roars; everybody else runs)''
119* In ''Film/MadMaxBeyondThunderdome'', Max was chasing a lone mechanic, only to start running away from an angry mob of Bartertown guards.
120* ''Film/MontyPythonAndTheHolyGrail'': The Rabbit of Caerbannog has just killed several of Arthur's knights.
121-->'''Arthur:''' Run away! Run away!
122* Depending on who you ask, Barbra losing her mind in the original ''Film/NightOfTheLivingDead1968'' and going into near-catatonic shock after being attacked and surrounded by flesh-eating zombies whom she watched kill her brother is either sexist... or a perfectly appropriate, understandable, and realistic response for someone who was just attacked and surrounded by flesh-eating zombies and watched them kill her brother.
123* ''Film/{{Nope}}'': Played mostly seriously - the smarter characters, upon seeing the supernatural nonsense around them, promptly mutter [[ArcWords "Nope!"]] or a variation, and back off. [[spoiler:This is a good indication that character will survive that scene, since it eventually turns out that the monster [[DontLookAtMe takes any kind of eye contact as a personal challenge]].]]
124* ''Franchise/PiratesOfTheCaribbean'''s Jack Sparrow screams at things quite often, runs away even more, but his behavior in ''[[Film/PiratesOfTheCaribbeanDeadMansChest Dead Man's Chest]]'' when the Kraken's after him frightens the whole ship:
125-->"Jack's hat['s overboard]! Bring 'er about!"
126-->"No no! Leave it!" ''[Dead silence.]'' "Run."
127* A villainous example for that one would be from ''Film/ThePrincessBride'' when Inigo finally catches up with Count Rugen. He cuts through four guards effortlessly, [[MyNameIsInigoMontoya declares he is there for revenge]], they face each other with weapons drawn, and Rugen... runs away.
128%%* In ''Film/ShortCircuit'':
129%%-->'''Ben Jabituya:''' I don't know about you, but I am planning to scream and run.
130* PlayedForLaughs in ''Franchise/StarWars'': Han Solo and Chewbacca foolishly charge a squad of stormtroopers, who run away. A moment later, Han and Chewie reappear, running the other way with a larger group of stormtroopers in pursuit...
131* PlayedForDrama and [[PlayedForLaughs Laughs]] in ''Film/TheSuicideSquad''. Upon witnessing the slaughter of his [[BadGuysDoTheDirtyWork Black Ops]] team of criminals, Brian Durlin/Savant lets out a scream of terror and flees the beach, [[TemptingFate trying to swim away.]] This doesn't end well, as Chief Commander Amanda Waller blows his head up and his corpse is [[KarmicDeath eaten by a bird of the same species he killed during the opening scene.]]
132* In ''Film/TheWizardOfOz,'' the Wizard tells the Cowardly Lion he's been too hard on himself for thinking he's cowardly for being afraid to fight a powerful wicked witch who's been trying to kill them, pointing out anyone would be terrified of that.
133-->'''Wizard:''' You think that simply because you run away from danger, you have no courage. You're confusing courage with wisdom!
134* In ''Film/WhoFramedRogerRabbit'', when Eddie Valiant is confronted by Baron Von Rotten, his brother's killer, he is utterly horrified and tries to flee at first. While understandable since Von Rotten is a maniacal sadist who can't be harmed by anything at Eddie's disposal, Eddie's frightened reaction is ironic since his last name is "Valiant", a synonym for "brave".
135* In ''Film/YearOne'' Zed and Oh have just been spotted by a cougar, stand paralyzed with fear, and try to discuss how to deal with their predicament.
136-->'''Zed:''' [''Both speaking super quietly and softly''] Some say stay. Others say run.\
137'''Oh:''' What should we do?\
138'''Zed:''' Me? I'm going to '''''[[SuddenlyShouting RUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN]]''''' [''Flees while screaming, leaving Oh to be mauled'']
139[[/folder]]
140
141[[folder:Literature]]
142* A RunningGag in the ''Literature/CaptainUnderpants'' series involves this exchange of dialogue between George and Harold:
143-->'''George:''' I've got an idea.\
144'''Harold:''' What?\
145'''George:''' RUN!
146* Literature/CiaphasCain's reaction to Necrons tends to be like this. Then again, he's one of the few people to have survived an encounter with them, so he's well aware of how deadly they are. And they took his fingers. And, by 'few people' we mean 'they killed planets of billions'.
147* Harry Dresden from ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'' reminds us that running away from things you cannot hurt is the best strategy at least twice in every novel. And he really knows best. In fact, he spends quite a bit of his downtime running so that the next time something tries to kill him he'll be able to run away even ''better''. Later in the series, this gets turned around. In ''Changes'', for example, Harry comes upon a [[OurVampiresAreDifferent Red Court Vampire]] in his office building. The vampire's entirely justified response is to scream its head off and run away like his ass was on fire. Which, to be fair, was [[KillItWithFire very nearly the case]].
148* Rincewind from the ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'' series adapted this as his default strategy in any remotely dangerous situation (particularly the running type). Having a strong belief in his own [[CosmicPlaything pre-emptive Karma]], Rincewind has a very broad definition of "any remotely dangerous situation". He also knows more than anyone else how to run away: It's all about knowing you are running ''away'' from one thing, not ''towards'' something else. He's practically turned it into his religion, which has a large following.
149* Tal of ''Literature/TheSeventhTower'' understands the dangers of Aenir and the tower much better than Milla does and lacks her ProudWarriorRaceGuy characteristics, resulting in him having far more sense when it comes to knowing when to run and when to fight. It causes serious tensions between them at times. It's played completely seriously.
150* Literature/{{Flashman}} runs away in almost every conceivable situation. He'll cheerfully abandon friends to save his skin. For example, in ''Flashman at the Charge,'' while being pursued by Cossacks, he threw a naked woman out of his sledge to lighten the load. (It worked, but the guy driving the sledge was so pissed that he in turn [[LaserGuidedKarma abandoned Flashy when the sledge overturned]].)
151* Fisk is always trying to teach Michael this in the first two books of the ''Literature/KnightAndRogueSeries''. By the third, he's finally getting it.
152* In ''Literature/TheDamnedTrilogy'', the first Amplitur to interrogate a captive human discovers to his horror that [[HumansAreSpecial humans are not only immune]] to their MindControl powers, but using them [[PokeInTheThirdEye causes a feedback that renders the Amplitur almost catatonic]]. The Amplitur panics and orders the guards to [[KillAllHumans gun down the prisoner on the spot]]. Later he expresses deep shame for this lapse into what these [[AffablyEvil highly-civilized aliens]] regard as psychotic behaviour, but another Amplitur points out that he was facing an [[OutsideContextProblem incomprehensible danger]], so a lapse into a primitive survival state was not only understandable but necessary.
153* Creator/IsaacAsimov's "Literature/HellFire1956": At first, the scientist Vincenzo is bemoaning the fact that people aren't responding with the fear appropriate to the situation, and our viewpoint character, Alvin Horner, brushes him off as [[TheFundamentalist a fundamentalist]]. Once the footage is shown, however, Horner is terrified because [[UnholyNuke a-bombs and h-bombs are powered by hell]].
154* This is looked at in two Literature/KnownSpace short stories by Creator/LarryNiven.
155** In ''Flatlander'', two travellers are visiting an unusual star system when their supposedly indestructible spaceship hull disintegrates. Elephant, the one financing the trip, wants to continue and land on the system's planet. Beowulf, the experienced spacer, decides to stop and go home because he is scared. [[spoiler:It turns out the system is made of antimatter.]]
156** In ''At The Core'', Beowulf has been commissioned by the Puppeteers to take an experimental spaceship on a trip to visit the core of the galaxy. He is unable to complete the trip [[spoiler:because the galactic core is exploding]], reports his failure back to the Puppeteers, and heads home. When he gets back, he discovers the entire Puppeteer race has fled. He concludes that the humans (who are ignoring the situation) are the ones who are the real cowards.
157[[/folder]]
158
159[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
160* ''Series/RedDwarf'' does this frequently, but the standout moment is from "[[Recap/RedDwarfSeasonIVMeltdown Meltdown]]" [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z9leeN7j0k the 6.28 mark here]]:
161-->'''Rimmer:''' ''[having just beamed onto a planet from a ship]'' Now what?\
162'''Kryten:''' Now we run, sir. I'd suggest we ambulate as fast as the local gravity will allow!\
163'''Rimmer:''' Why?\
164'''Kryten:''' Well, because of that, sir. ''[points to gigantic {{Kaiju}}-esque moving waxwork monsters, then when Rimmer makes no response, he turns around and sees that he is now half a field away and still running]''
165* This seems to happen quite a bit on ''Series/DoctorWho''; the default ''modus operandi'' seems to be: Go somewhere, walk around until you find something horrid that wants to kill you, then run away from it until you find something whose Polarity you can Reverse, fixing the problem.
166** Increasingly {{lampshade|Hanging}}d in the new series.
167** Played straight in complete SincerityMode in the New Who episode "[[Recap/DoctorWhoS34E4Listen Listen]]". At first the Doctor is telling a kid that "fear is a superpower" which "heightens your senses" and "pumps you full of adrenaline". These words are, through a TimeyWimeyBall and a [[StableTimeLoop Bootstrap Paradox]], repeated back to him when he was a young Gallifreyan.
168* An episode of ''Series/{{Sliders}}'' had the group go to a witch doctor, and upon not being able to pay for the service, they form a huddle so that Arturo can outline his plan: "Run! Run like hell!"
169* The Dekaranger episode of ''Series/KaizokuSentaiGokaiger'' features this exchange, when it suddenly occurred to the wanted space pirates that walking into S.P.D. HQ was likely to get them arrested:
170-->'''Jasmine:''' I suggest you all turn yourselves in.\
171'''Luka:''' Well, if that's how it's going to be, then we'll just have to... ''[cracks knuckles]'' ...RUN!
172* There's a villainous variation in the TV movie ''Spenser: Small Vices''. After a failed attempt on Spenser's life, a hitman flees the scene, although fear wasn't his motivation. Spenser tells his wife that the hitman is a pragmatist when it comes to killing; he ran to avoid arrest or death and wasn't interested in proving who was the bigger man.
173* ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'': In "[[Recap/BuffyTheVampireSlayerS1E2TheHarvest The Harvest]]", when vampires take over The Bronze nightclub, the lead vampire, Luke, announces:
174-->''"Ladies and gentlemen, there is no cause for alarm! Well, actually, there is cause for alarm, it just won't do any good."''
175* In the ''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration'' episode "[[Recap/StarTrekTheNextGenerationS2E16QWho Q Who]]", when the ''Enterprise'' has its first encounter with the Borg, Guinan, the sage barkeeper of Ten Forward whose people were driven to the brink of extinction by the Borg, warns Picard: "If I were you, I'd start back ''now''."
176[[/folder]]
177
178[[folder:Newspaper Comics]]
179* Discussed in ''ComicStrip/CalvinAndHobbes''. Calvin asks Hobbes what to do if Moe threatens to beat him up. Hobbes tells him that when a rhino charges, tigers "scramble like maniacs for the nearest tree". Calvin is not convinced by this.
180[[/folder]]
181
182[[folder:Professional Wrestling]]
183* Gangsters, vampires, demons? Wrestling/ElSanto will take them all on. Dogs, not so much.
184[[/folder]]
185
186[[folder:Radio]]
187* ''Radio/TheHitchhikersGuideToTheGalaxy1978:'' According to the Guide, when one encounters a Hagunnenon, a creature with such unstable and ever-changing DNA they can't retain the same shape long enough to reach for a glass, and which has engendered in them a violent hatred for all "filthy, stinking rotten samelings", the best thing to do is "run away, terribly fast."
188[[/folder]]
189
190[[folder:Roleplay]]
191* A frequent tactic for [[NervousWreck Ivy]] from ''Roleplay/DawnOfANewAgeOldportBlues'':
192** When the smoke snakes first arrive in the school to attack the students, Ivy and Simon waste no time in turning tail and immediately trying to bail.
193** The next day, Ivy runs into Jessica and realises that the latter's CompellingVoice would be able to kill her and make everyone forget about it. She then tries to make a break, which only ticks Jessica off.
194** When Zia tries to enroll Ivy in combat against a monster, she points out that her power is ''really'' not suited for anything offensive and makes a quick getaway in Finn's car.
195[[/folder]]
196
197[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
198* ''TabletopGame/DontRestYourHead'': While designing your character, you get to pick how your character responds to abusing their [[PowerBornOfMadness Madness Power]]. Checking off a flight response means avoidance. Whether you do that by running away, turtling up, or hiding behind a web of lies is all up to you. Meanwhile, your [[RageBreakingPoint fight response]] is all about destruction. Your fists are one way, but words are also among the many ways you can hurt those around you.
199* ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' and ''TabletopGame/{{Pathfinder}}'' both have FearlessUndead. However, intelligent undead aren't blind to danger, so they can apply this trope as a matter of critical thinking and run away or scream for help to save their skins (or their bones or ectoplasm, as the case may be).
200[[/folder]]
201
202[[folder:Theatre]]
203* From Creator/GilbertAndSullivan's ''Theatre/TheGondoliers'':
204-->''In enterprise of martial kind, when there was any fighting''\
205''He led his regiment from behind (he found it less exciting),''\
206''But when away his regiment ran, his place was at the fore, o!''\
207''That celebrated, cultivated, underrated nobleman, the Duke of Plaza-Toro!''
208** Also ''Theatre/ThePiratesOfPenzance'':
209-->''They come in force, with stealthy stride.''\
210''Our wisest course, is now to ... HIDE!''
211* ''Theatre/TheTamingOfTheShrew'' gives us this rather priceless stage direction when the ZanyScheme goes awry:
212-->''Exuent [[KidSidekick BIONDELLO]], [[GuileHero TRANIO]], and [[UnwittingPawn Pedant]], [[OhCrap as fast as may be]]''
213* Shows up in ''Theatre/{{Spamalot}}'', which isn't surprising, as it's just the stage version of the Holy Grail (see also under Film above). Worth mentioning because they turned "Run Away" into a Broadway hit song.
214[[/folder]]
215
216[[folder:Video Games]]
217* In ''VideoGame/GuildWars'', this trope applies to a nobleman's response to harpies attacking a festival that he is at.
218-->'''Prince Mehtu the Wise:''' Everyone move to the exits in an orderly fashion! There is only one of them! This is not the time to panic!\
219''[more harpies land]''\
220'''Prince Mehtu the Wise:''' Very well! This is now the time to panic!
221* PlayedForLaughs in ''VideoGame/{{Portal 2}}'', after Wheatley tells Chell she might have "a minor case of serious brain damage".
222-->'''Wheatley:''' But don't be alarmed, all right? Although if you do feel alarmed, try to hold on to that feeling because that is the proper reaction to being told that you've got brain damage.
223[[/folder]]
224
225[[folder:Webcomics]]
226* In ''ComicBook/{{Buck Godot|Zap Gun for Hire}}'', the [[WorfEffect previously]] [[CurbStompBattle absolutely]] [[ImplacableMan undefeatable]] [[{{Paparazzi}} Hyraxx]]' reaction to the Ulgib mercenaries is a simple, panicked "RUN!"
227* In ''Webcomic/{{Freefall}}'', after learning that the area they are in is going to be hit by an asteroid, Sam and Helix immediately decide to panic (against Florence's protests).
228-->'''Sam:''' Two votes to one. The motion to panic has been carried. Screaming and flailing may start immediately.
229* ''Webcomic/GrrlPower'': Maxima is ambushed by some alien bounty hunters, and they capture her in a stasis beam, intending to transfer her to a stasis pod and then sell her to the highest bidder. However, Maxima's allies are attempting to intervene. After a minute or two of fighting, Lapha notices that even though she started off with a full charge, the battery on her stasis beam is already down to sixty percent. And then she sees Maxima slowly turn around and glare at her, [[BroughtDownToBadass while still under the effects of the stasis beam]].
230-->'''Lapha:''' [[ThisCannotBe What the...]] How... How fucking fast is she moving?\
231'''Dabbler:''' Fast enough to end this fight before you can blink, Torchy.\
232'''Lapha:''' Crimoon! [[OhCrap Where the fuck is that stasis pod?!]]
233* In ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick'', this is the standard response every time they face overwhelming odds (which they seem to do with great regularity).
234* In ''Webcomic/{{Goblins}}'', a chance encounter with an EldritchAbomination gives us [[https://www.goblinscomic.com/comic/04292011 this exchange:]]
235-->'''Grem:''' ''[unsheathing his sword]'' I am a goblin prince. [[BadassBoast I know when to fight.]]\
236'''Dies Horribly:''' ''[grabbing Grem's arm]'' I am a ''COWARD!'' I know when to ''RUN!''
237* This is the spirit behind Maxim 3 from ''Webcomic/SchlockMercenary''- "An Ordnance Technician at a dead run outranks everybody." This turns up in the comic when [[MadScientist Kevyn]] or [[MadBomber Pi]] start looking panicky. Anyone nearby should feel scared, very scared.
238* At the conclusion of "The Island and the Idol" arc in ''[[Webcomic/TheInexplicableAdventuresOfBob The Inexplicable Adventures of Bob,]]'' after the heroes have gotten home, Bob suffers a mild but uncharacteristic panic attack from what they've all just been through, and Jean reassures him, "You're allowed to be scared!"
239[[/folder]]
240
241[[folder:Web Original]]
242* In one of the first episodes in ''WebAnimation/RedVsBlue'', Grif and Simmons both turn around and are looking right down the cannon belonging to Sheila [the tank]. Simmons says, "All right, on three, we make a break for it." As he starts counting, Grif quietly runs away. (Ironically, this made Grif a better target and he was the one who got fired at immediately.)
243--> '''Simmons''': Okay...don't move...on the count of three, we run away together, okay? One (Grif runs away)...two...(Simmons turns to run and sees Grif running away). Ooooh, you backstabbing cockbiter.\
244[Cut To Grif]\
245'''Grif''': Gonnadiegonnadiegonnadiegonnadiegonnadie...
246[[/folder]]
247
248[[folder:Western Animation]]
249* ''WesternAnimation/DuckTales1987'', "[[Recap/DuckTalesADuckTalesValentine A DuckTales Valentine]]": Upon reaching the position of the sunken temple, Launchpad doesn't want to get into the water, having heard the area is shark-infested. When Scrooge [[NobodyCallsMeChicken tries to goad him into it by implying he's scared]], Launchpad responds that some things make perfect sense to be afraid of.
250* ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'':
251** In "Suited for Success", after a failed attempt to talk Rarity out of a TenMinuteRetirement:
252--->'''Twilight Sparkle:''' Now what do we do?\
253'''Fluttershy:''' Um... panic?\
254'''Rainbow Dash:''' That's [[YourAnswerToEverything your answer for everything]]!
255** In "The Best Night Ever", after the Gala has gone FromBadToWorse, Celestia [[DramaticDeadpan quietly]] tells Twilight "Run."
256** "Dragon Quest" gives us this exchange:
257--->'''Spike:''' Now if you don't back off, you'll see what us ''ponies'' do when confronted by a huge group of jerky dragons!\
258'''Garble:''' Oh yeah? *snort* What's ''that''?\
259'''Spike:''' RUN AWAY!!!
260** When Cerberus arrives at Ponyville in "It's About Time":
261-->'''Pinkie Pie:''' Okay, everypony, follow my lead! [Screams and runs.]
262* In ''WesternAnimation/CodenameKidsNextDoor'' "Operation L.I.C.E.", the doorway is surrounded by scores of giant lice. Numbuh 2 asks Numbuh 1 what to do.
263-->'''Numbuh 1:''' Follow my lead.\
264(scene change later)\
265'''Numbuh 1:''' RUN!
266* ''WesternAnimation/ThePenguinsOfMadagascar'', "Cat's Cradle":
267-->'''Skipper:''' Kowalski, options.\
268'''Kowalski:''' I suggest a strategic retreat.\
269'''Skipper:''' Elaborate.\
270'''Kowalski:''' It's like running away but manlier.\
271'''Skipper:''' Execute!
272* Even though Shaggy and Franchise/ScoobyDoo run away from everything as a RunningGag, around a third of the time it works in their favor.
273-->'''Fred:''' In a case like this, Shag and Scoob did exactly the right thing. Let's scram!
274* From ''WesternAnimation/{{Futurama}}'':
275-->'''Opera Bender:''' Leela! Leela! Save Fry, save Fry! Godzilla will devour him! As for me, [[PlayingSick I must be off to have my doctor check this cough]]! ''[runs away]''\
276'''Bender:''' I don't recall ever encountering Franchise/{{Godzilla}}, but that is so what I would have done.
277* Chuckie Finster, from ''WesternAnimation/{{Rugrats}}'', often tries to convince his friends to follow this trope before they actually get into trouble. Most of the time they should listen to him.
278* Sheen Estevez, from ''WesternAnimation/TheAdventuresOfJimmyNeutronBoyGenius'', despite often being TooDumbToLive, sometimes would recognize when something is just too dangerous or scary, and will suggest his friends obey this trope. In the spin-off series ''WesternAnimation/PlanetSheen'', he even admits that running and yelling when facing danger is his primary ability.
279** In the Jimmy Neutron episode "Sheen's Brain" after Sheen becomes an EvilGenius:
280-->'''Sheen:''' Don't be alarmed, unless you find it alarming that I'm declaring myself supreme overlord of the town, in which case, ''be very alarmed!''
281* In ''WesternAnimation/{{Trollhunters}}'', rule number one of being a titular Trollhunter is "Always be afraid", as fear keeps your senses sharp and arrogance gets you killed.
282* ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries'':
283** In the episode "[[Recap/TheAdventuresOfBatmanAndRobinE3Trial Trial]]", the assembled villains who are about to kill Batman discover that he's escaped and is [[MookHorrorShow out there in the darkness somewhere]]. Two-Face yells, "Nobody panic!" Then, they find Harley (who had been holding Batman's utility belt) tied up in the straitjacket Batman had been bound in. The Joker's response: [[ThisIsGonnaSuck "Okay... start panicking."]]
284** This trope gets discussed much later on in the episode "[[Recap/TheNewBatmanAdventuresE6NeverFear Never Fear]]", when the Scarecrow is releasing a toxin that actually removes people's fear, and as a result, has them performing reckless behavior. Even Batman isn't safe as he comes dangerously close to violating his ThouShaltNotKill rule. After Robin gives him the antidote and they save the day, Batman tells him how a little fear can be a good thing.
285* ''WesternAnimation/StarTrekTheAnimatedSeries'': In [[Recap/StarTrekTheAnimatedSeriesS1E1BeyondTheFarthestStar the first episode]], Spock calls Bones and Scotty primitive for being nervous while on an ancient, mysterious ship. Kirk shoots back they have a right to be afraid, given the circumstances.
286[[/folder]]
287
288[[folder:Real Life]]
289* There is a t-shirt slogan (usually on the back) to this effect:
290-->I am an explosives expert. [[DontAskJustRun If you see me running, try to keep up]].
291* There is another t-shirt slogan along the same lines:
292-->I am a nuclear technician. If you see me running, it's already too late.
293* In a similar vein to the above, practically every military has something to the effect of:
294-->A sergeant in motion outranks a stationary lieutenant, follow him.\
295A [[DemolitionsExpert demoman]] running away outranks a sergeant running away, follow him.\
296A [[CommunicationsOfficer signaler]] running away outranks ''everybody''. '''RUN!'''
297* In Krav Maga, a practice best described as "{{Combat Pragmati|st}}sm: the Martial Art", teaches that running away is not only an appropriate means of ending a fight but the ''best'' way of ending a fight if it's a possibility. Unless escape is impractical or you otherwise have an entirely valid reason to stand and fight, risking injury or death [[HonorBeforeReason for the sake of "winning" a fight]] is simply not a good alternative to just pulling a ScrewThisImOuttaHere
298* [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duty_to_retreat Duty To Retreat]], is a legal concept in some jurisdictions (others have [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stand-your-ground_law Stand Your Ground]], effectively the opposite) that works on this principle. In a nutshell, if retreating to a place of safety is a valid option, you can ''not'' legally use physical force in "self-defense" to repel an attacker. Unless you are preventing a violent crime, or (in a jurisdiction where [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_doctrine Castle Doctrine]] applies) on your own property or place of work--there are ''other'' restrictions and ifs or buts too, [[Series/{{Supernatural}} "I know, the red tape'll kill ya!"]]--in a jurisdiction where duty to retreat is the rule, fear is ''legally'' the appropriate response.
299[[/folder]]
300

Top