Ambiguous Name: Empty Shell

Note: This thread was proposed by Mr Mister 04.

Empty Shell, according to it's description, Laconic, and Playing With page, is specifically about emotionlessness. The problem I've noticed, which I assume is due to the trope's misleading name, is that a lot of examples attribute it to literal hollowness, as in no mind or conciousness left in there at all. This runs contrary to the description which says "There is still something there — they move, talk, eat, sleep — but they have no drive, ambition, or capacity for emotion."

My wick check showed that out of a random sample, not even a supermajority of correct usage was found. I blame that entirely on the title, an artifact of when tropes could be named after examples from media, so it was taken from Battle Royale assuming everyone would get the reference.

• Correct Use: 31/54
• Misuse: 10/54
• Zero-context/Unclear: 13/54

Paging ~Mr Mister 04 to the thread.

I feel like a Trope Transplant may be merited here, with the correct definition being moved to a new name, and the original name being reused for a trope that matches misuse (if it isn't already covered elsewhere).

Edited by GastonRabbit on Jan 4th 2024 at 10:59:34 AM

I don't really distinguish between "literal hollowness" and "they have no drive, ambition, or capacity for emotion", so not sure what's the problem. 57% ""correct"" usage also means it's not really an issue.

If "Completely Hollow" is supposed to be incorrect, I'd rather adjust the description to allow it if it's not already.

I'd prefer adjusting the description and closing over doing anything else (Trope Transplant or otherwise), now that you mention it.

Edit: Neglected to mention that I was intending to wait for more feedback while the clock runs, particularly from the thread's creator, particularly regarding either Amonimus's rewrite idea or another way of rewriting that wouldn't require much grunt work.

Edited by GastonRabbit on Jan 4th 2024 at 11:27:50 AM

I think the misuse definition is currently covered by Death of Personality.

The bit of the description the OP cites is intended to be by contrast to Convenient Coma. See also the original YKTTW for reference; there isn't much there, though.

Edited by MorganWick on Jan 5th 2024 at 2:37:22 AM

Maybe we could just punt this one to Short-Term Projects.

I wanna see what Mr Mister 04 thinks about that before we go through with it. He's already been pinged, but if he doesn't show up before the clock expires then PM-ing him is an option.

EDIT: Screw it, decided to PM him myself. Hopefully he answers the call.

Edited by JHD0919 on Jan 5th 2024 at 9:02:47 AM