->''"A ''person'' is smart; ''people'' are dumb, panicky, dangerous animals, and you know it."''
-->-- '''Agent K''', ''Film/MenInBlack''

[[IgnoredExpert Some heroes]] have it rough. Not only do they have to fight TheVirus, the [[FantasyKitchenSink alien menace]] spreading it, ''and'' [[MonsterMash vampire accomplices]], but also, every step of the way they have to fight ''[[CrapsackWorld everyone else]]'' on the planet! People, by and large, think it's [[BystanderSyndrome somebody else's problem]], and that's if they can be bothered to even [[ApatheticCitizens notice it's a problem.]] More often than not, humanity at large is TooDumbToLive and won't even notice when the villain's PaperThinDisguise falls off. Heck, the villain may be operating openly, without even the slimmest pretense of a {{Masquerade}}!

The breakdown of these folks is almost AnAesop in itself:

'''[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder: Delusional and Apathetic ]]
'''
* '''[[{{Muggles}} Bats]]:''' ''"Nothing's wrong."'' Bats are so blind that ''nothing'' can pierce their [[WeirdnessCensor self-imposed]] {{Masquerade}}. No proof is strong enough to reveal the truth of the threat. Even if the threat were to expose themselves with a neat Power Point presentation about their plan, Bats would just [[EasilyConqueredWorld ask where the cookies are.]] They'll take one look at the growing horde of evil {{Mooks}} and say that they're nothing more than a bunch of dim-witted pranksters, or -- if the {{Mooks}} in question are ''very'' ObviouslyEvil -- they may be simply [[Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer "a gang ]][[PsychoSerum on PCP"]]. Comes from the phrase "Blind as a bat".
* '''[[WhileRomeBurns Butterflies]]:''' ''"Let's live like there's no tomorrow!"'' These party animals refuse to take action in the face of imminent disaster, preferring to keep playing around WhileRomeBurns. Having abandoned the notion of self-preservation, Butterflies resolve to enjoy the fun while they're still alive and kicking.
* '''[[HoldingOutForAHero Lambs]]:''' ''"The Hero is taking care of it, so I don't have to bother protecting myself or even trying to avoid danger. After all, the hero will save me every time."'' Bats are blind, but Lambs have 20/20 vision and know the dangers very well. And they walk right into the line of fire anyway, for any number of reasons, but always counting on the heroes to get them out of trouble when they get in over their heads. Saving them is what heroes do, right? This is particularly subversive in that many heroes seem to prefer it this way. Comes from the phrase "Like lambs to the slaughter".
* '''[[ApatheticCitizens Mice]]:''' ''"They're too powerful. We may as well give up."'' Mice are downers, often discouraging the hero from even trying to resist the BigBad for fear of angering them. Occasionally this because they're also [[SuicidalPacifism Suicidal Pacifists]] who abhor violence-- even in self-defense! You can expect mice to be [[TheQuisling snitches]] for TheEmpire.
* '''[[HiddenElfVillage Ostriches]]:''' ''"If we hide/stay out of it, nothing bad will happen... at least, not to us."'' Ostriches know there's a problem and that no large group is responding to it, but they believe that [[JustIgnoreIt ignoring it]] will make it go away. Yeah, tell that to the [[ZombieApocalypse zombie of old Mrs. Withers.]] Comes from the old tale that Ostriches hide their heads in the sand, thinking that if they can't see the danger, it doesn't exist.[[note]]In reality, ostriches don't bury their heads in the sand. They do lay their heads and necks on sand-colored ground for camouflage: this makes them look like a small earthen mound to predators. So it's less about ignoring danger than making danger ignore them.[[/note]]
* '''[[AllOfTheOtherReindeer Reindeer]]:''' ''"Okay, this may be a problem, but do we really expect '''these''' freaks to save us?"'' Reindeer are more concerned about the heroes being their potential rescuers than they are at getting rescued. The heroes are still different from them and making their lives hell for that is what Reindeer live for. Unlike Rudolph, they'll often continue even ''after'' the hero saves them, because he's "[[SlaveToPR noble]]" that way, [[EntitledBastard no matter what they do to impair him.]] Comes from the behavior of the other reindeer in the Christmas carol "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer".
* '''[[BystanderSyndrome Sheep]]:''' ''"Don't worry, I'm sure TheGovernment knows exactly what to do."'' Sheep know there's a problem, but see no reason not to buy the government line of "it's fine" or to do something themselves. Surely that fiend raising TheLegionsOfHell can't ''possibly'' be a threat to the army. Interestingly, the more of these people there are, the more likely it is that TheGovernment is [[GovernmentConspiracy actively]] ''[[AncientConspiracy involved]]'' in the EvilPlan.
* '''[[MadeOfIron Turtles]]:''' ''"We can outlast 'em easy from here."'' Similar to Ostriches, except that Turtles know that the enemy will still be after them once they go into hiding. However, they are confident that their infrastructures will hold and will defend them from the threat. It was always there, so they don't think it's their efforts that are going to save them as the Wolves below think. Also, it's their own safety measures they've inherited, not those put in place by the government. If it were the government, that would make them Sheep. Still, they underestimate TheVirus and its capacity for getting to them. Comes from the idea that if a turtle hides inside the shell, he can survive being prey to a crocodile (but not a shark...).
* '''[[SpoiledBrat Peacocks]]:''' ''"You expect me to sleep on the ground, like a commoner?"'' Peacocks are the spoiled, pampered rich folk who the heroes end up having to take care of for whatever reason. Their lack of practical skills (not to mention common sense) makes them a burden in any dangerous situation, and their endless whining will inevitably try everyone’s patience. In a worst-case scenario, a Peacock might turn traitor if they think allying with the villain will help restore their lost wealth and status.
* '''[[MindManipulation Guinea Pigs]]:''' ''"…Huh? You say I’m in danger…? I… can’t remember…"'' On the surface, Guinea Pigs resemble another type of animal (typically Bats), however in their case they literally can’t help it. This is because they’re under the influence of a drug, hypnosis or other form of mind-control that prevents them from understanding the danger they’re in. Perhaps a cult leader has brainwashed them to do his bidding, or perhaps the monsters are simply InvisibleToNormals, with them as the “normals”.

'''[[/folder]]

[[folder: Self Destructive ]]
'''
* '''[[ScienceIsBad Mules]]:''' ''"Of '''course''' this scientific device won't cause the apocalypse!"'' The scientists who got everyone into the mess in the first place (ForScience!) and refused to listen to any people warning them of the apocalyptic risks. Nearly always either the first or last to die, but it's always a KarmicDeath at the hands of what they invented. [[InsufferableGenius Intelligent book-wise, but stupid when it comes to common sense]] (basically [[TooCleverByHalf the polar opposite]] of BookDumb).
* '''[[LeeroyJenkins Boars]]:''' ''"Come on, guys, '''we''' can take 'em! Let's get out the {{torches and pitchforks}} and we'll finish them off in a matter of minutes!"'' These are the brave, foolhardy souls who ''insist'' on [[MartyrWithoutACause sacrificing themselves]] for the greater good, even when they don't actually ''[[StupidSacrifice need]]'' to, much less help. Their courage may be admirable, but it usually causes them to get in the way of the ''competent'' heroes. Not to mention that it's hard to think rationally about how to defeat a BigBad when you have an army of Boars squealing for his blood. Worse still is when the ZombieApocalypse kills off the entire army and promptly turns all of them against the heroes as well.
* '''[[DirtyCoward Chickens]]:''' ''"Let's get out of here before it's too late!"'' Chickens' reaction to the mounting disaster is to try to put as much distance between them and it as they can. Chickens are often as selfish as Wolves, concerned only with their own safety and not with helping others escape. Their escape attempts might fail disastrously, and if they ''do'' reach their intended destination, they might find that the disaster got there first. Comes from the slang term "chicken" for a cowardly person.
* '''[[ZombieInfectee Rats]]:''' ''"I'm not sick! It'll all be okay if I keep quiet."'' They know they're sick (though they ''really'' don't want to admit it to ''themselves'', let alone anyone else). They know they'll die and infect or kill their friends if they don't go away or bite the bullet. But they stay quiet and doom them all. Rats make TheVirus's work easier by acting as plague carriers, much like rats and fleas during The Black Death in Europe.
* '''[[CrazySurvivalist Wolves]]:''' ''"I said for years they'd come. Now they're here! What? Get your own shelter! Wait, you're one of '''them!'''"'' Wolves are determined survivors. They not only heeded the AgentMulder's crazy ramblings, but also took them as gospel and [[CrazyPrepared prepared for the worst]]. Problem is, they're so paranoid and militant that they're likely to see any other survivors as competition and attack them or organize with other Wolves into formidable and hostile packs. They usually have something the Heroes need, but are nearly impossible to persuade to help voluntarily. Ironically, these guys are usually [[SortingAlgorithmOfMortality among the first to go]] [[DeathByPragmatism in any survival-horror situation]].
* '''[[HairTriggerTemper Bulls]]:''' ''"That guy just ransacked the hotel... I'm gonna kill him!"'' The bull is easily angered. If someone provokes him, he will attack, regardless of how bad the situation really is. He starts fights without thinking it through.

'''[[/folder]]

[[folder: Opportunistic ]]
'''
* '''[[OpportunisticBastard Foxes:]]''' ''"Both sides are idiots! What an excellent opportunity!"'' Foxes are somewhat akin to [[Main/{{HonestJohnsDealership}} Weasels]] in seeing the opportunities around. However, not only are they unafraid of the villains, but they are also savvy and quick enough to play both sides against each other, morality and ideology be damned. A Fox relies on his wits, his speed, and his charm to get him through, no matter which side wins, and if neither does, well, the Fox will still be on his feet after the dust settles. Unlike most of the others, Foxes can actually be quite useful or even helpful, ''if'' you can turn them to your side. Or if the villain betrays them. Or if you can persuade them there's more profit in your side winning. Basically, when in a capital-D Disaster, Foxes are your best bet. At least they're ''smart''. Comes from the phrase "clever like a fox".
* '''[[StupidEvil Crows]]:''' ''"All shall perish!"'' Crows are ObviouslyEvil types and see the new threat as just making their jobs easier, but are too short-sighted to see it also means their eventual downfall. They don't ever realize that if all the good guys are defeated, there will no longer be a fresh supply of carcasses for them to prey on. They'll be the type to pollute the water supply just to kill off those pesky heroes [[DidntThinkThisThrough without considering]] where ''they'll'' be getting a drink from.
* '''[[DisasterScavengers Vultures]]:''' ''"These are ''my'' corpses to loot! Get your own!"'' Vultures are a more passive form of Wolf. They're less of a physical threat, but will steal anything that isn't nailed down or on fire (and they steal crowbars and fire extinguishers for the things that are), hampering TheDrifter and other heroes by stealing his kit when he comes to help. Interestingly, vultures make for pretty good {{sidekick}}s and {{Morality Pet}}s, since one will inevitably be befriended by the hero after being caught stealing. Comes from traditional portrayals of scavengers like Vultures.
* '''[[HonestJohnsDealership Weasels]]:''' ''"Get your anti-monster spray!"'' Weasels are just as scared as [[ApatheticCitizens Mice]], but they use the disaster to their benefit. They're the ones selling a gallon of bottled water for $50, cheap "protection from evil" medallions, rainmaking abilities, etc. Comes from the slang term "weasel" for a shifty person.
* '''[[DragonHoard Dragons]]:''' ''"No, you can't have any of this, it's mine!"'' Dragons have a large amount of supplies that they never actually use, and they're too selfish to share it with anyone else. And they will not hesitate to hurt anyone who tries to steal from them.
* '''[[RascallyRaccoon Raccoons]]:''' ''"So what if I'm breaking the law, who cares?"'' Raccoons will do whatever it takes in order to survive, even at the (literal) expense of others. They are willing to resort to stealing and pickpocketing to get supplies.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Sell Outs ]]

* '''[[GullibleLemmings Lemmings]]:''' ''"It's them! It's those terrorists the Benevolent Autocrat warned us of! Get 'em!"'' Lemmings are a special bunch: not only do they eagerly swallow the same load of bull the Sheep do, but they also try as best they can to ''help'' the VillainWithGoodPublicity catch the heroes. While they're less effective than Boars, they nonetheless hamper the hero, since he can't very well ''kill them'', but they'll slow him down and maybe get him caught. You can expect any LoveInterests the hero develops to have at least one Lemming for a friend, who promptly turns him in.
* '''[[TheMole Moles]]:''' ''"Trust me, there's nothing to worry about!"'' The Mole is, of course, the undercover villain who is not only forcing events along the worst possible path, but who is also likely to be encouraging all the other varieties to live down to their potential. Comes from the slang term "mole" to mean "spy", because this is a villain undercover.
* '''[[BlackShirt Jackals]]:''' ''"Finally, we have a strong leader ready to put '''those people''' back in their place! [[{{Mooks}} Where do I sign up?]]"'' Jackals are like Lemmings and Snakes: they eagerly collaborate with the villain because they think his campaign of terror and genocide are ''just causes.'' Whether it's out of hate, fanaticism, or willful ignorance, they prefer the villain's despotism to a more benevolent regime. Usually, they're only dangerous to society until the villain is dethroned: once the bad guys aren't in power anymore, Jackals generally slink off to seethe.
* '''[[LesCollaborateurs Snakes]]:''' ''"Fight them? What would I get out of that?"'' Snakes are a special case: they are just as capable as the hero of seeing through the villains' ruse... and wholeheartedly support him anyway. Whether it's for [[SocialClimber power]], [[OnlyInItForTheMoney riches]], [[ForTheEvulz sadistic pleasure]], or [[DirtyCoward feeling they personally will be safer serving the villain than just keeping their heads down]], Snakes will join the biggest alpha predator's pack against the hero and help enslave their weaker fellows. In war movies, Snakes are the opposite of LaResistance. Expect them to [[OpinionFlipFlop abruptly attempt to turn coat]] once they get word the villain is beaten.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Virtuous but Misguided ]]

* '''[[AlienNonInterferenceClause Owls]]:''' ''"We must only observe, not interfere."'' These are the “otherworldly” characters (aliens, time-travellers, gods etc.) who could use their extraordinary power and/or knowledge to resolve the situation easily, but won’t, due to a policy of non-interference. They will sometimes show up to offer cryptic advice to the heroes or watch them in secret, but don’t expect them to do anything particularly useful. Other stories actually place the heroes in this role, in which case someone will almost always end up [[ScrewTheRulesImDoingWhatsRight breaking the rules]] for the sake of avoiding a DownerEnding.
* '''[[MyMasterRightOrWrong Dogs]]:''' ''"If that is my master’s command, I shall obey."'' Dogs are all too aware of how evil the villain is and would be happy to join the fight against him… if they hadn’t already sworn to fight for him. They value loyalty above all else, and would rather die than betray their boss, even if said boss is completely unworthy. Knights in the service of a cruel king are sometimes portrayed this way in fantasy, but it crops up in modern settings as well, especially in cases where a once-good leader has become corrupt.
* '''[[SuicidalPacifist Doves]]:''' ''"Ours is the way of peace."'' Doves take the concept of pacifism to its logical conclusion: they will not fight, ever, even to save their own lives. This attitude sometimes comes from religious belief, in which case they may not care about physical death as long as their souls are saved. Occasionally they’ll provide non-military aid to the heroes, but they might instead shun anyone willing to use violence, seeing them all as equally evil.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Other ]]

* '''[[MixAndMatchCritters Chimeras]]:''' ''"I know he's evil, but he just wants to [[UtopiaJustifiesTheMeans make the world better]]. Maybe if we hand over the heroes, he'll leave us be."'' Characters that blend two or more animals of different groups.

In short, these are the people that ensure FailureIsTheOnlyOption for the hero. At best, they'll have a too-late epiphany, as their worst fear stares them in the face ([[KarmicDeath and then eats them]]). More often than not, the hero will save them despite themselves -- occasionally, they'll toy with just letting the aliens win and, if the AntiHero is cynical enough, they'll declare the masses to be too idiotic to be worth saving for and simply leave them to their fate. Maybe the aliens are actually trying to do the galaxy a ''favor'' by killing off such a stupid species. HumansAreBastards, after all.

Often falls into TruthInTelevision. People are especially likely to behave like this during wartime: for example, ''Theatre/AnEnemyOfThePeople'', was based on a true story.

See also: ApatheticCitizens, {{Masquerade}}, {{Muggles}}, PaperThinDisguise.

Contrast: JustForFun/FightingForSurvival.
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