Unstoppable Rage - Television Tropes & Idioms

alt title(s): Berserk Mode

Don't make him angry. You wouldn't like him when he's angry. How many times have we been through this, people?

"There are any number of plausible, scientific explanations for what followed, but I think it was just a question of hatred."

—Harlan Wade, F.E.A.R.

One of the worst things you can ever do with a hero is to do something that gets them well and truly furious, because rage makes good guys unbeatable. They will go into a frenzy and become stronger, faster, braver, more agile and more indestructible than they've ever been, and they will annihilate you. This holds particularly true if the character in question is generally meek and feeble. Often indicated with Angry Eyebrows in animation. Caution must be employed by the character, since such tantrums can sometimes lead to a Heroic BSOD.

Used widely in shonen anime. Perhaps because the young male demographic likes to see fast and brutal retribution against enemies who most likely brought it on themselves.

Sometimes referred to gaining Heroic Resolve, particularly if it's in response to a threat against somebody or something that the hero cares about. Can be the result of pressing the character's Berserk Button, and especially occurs if a nice person is pushed a little too far. They might cry but won't stop their attacks. Characters in the grip of an Unstoppable Rage are prone to a Foe Tossing Charge. For the quantum leap in badassery achieved without an emotional overflow, see Lets Get Dangerous. In videogames, this is often a Limit Break, or a Eleventh Hour Superpower.

Interestingly enough, this usually has the opposite effect on villains. Making them angry usually causes them to lose focus, and make poor decisions. Unless they are a video game enemy.

Compare with Superpowered Evil Side. Contrast with Tranquil Fury, often preceded by a Death Glare. May be instilled in Actual Pacifists with Teach Him Anger. A character who lives by this and counts on it may be The Berserker.