Long and short of it: "Plot Induced Stupidity" is practically the Laconic version of Idiot Ball but the page description of Plot-Induced Stupidity could arguably be called "Reduce Powers As The Plot Demands".

(I say that because it came up in a discussion about a YKKTW entitled Reduce Powers As The Plot Demands).

So i've been clearing up examples that actually do just say "So and so was holding the Idiot Ball" and then gives an Idiot Ball example.

probably can do with a less confounding name that make it clear its about lost abilities, not (just) getting the Idiot Ball.

I've often wondered why that's not called Plot Induced Uselessness.

Bump.

I like Plot Induced Uselessness.

Same here

Do you want to open yourself to how widely people may interpret uselessness though?

Plot Induced Impotence?

Although people might mistake that to mean a plot-induced lack of sexual prowess.

I was thinking more Plot Induced Forgetfulness but if you don't feel constrains to keep to Plot Induced X then there could be better.

Well, just like Uselessness, Forgetfulness can be misinterpreted (Characters forgetting events that have occurred already.)

I Forgot About My Powers?

Forgot About His Powers?

edited 24th Jun '10 1:35:55 PM by Ghilz

I've always had difficulty distinguishing it from Idiot Ball. As I can tell, Idiot Ball is when a character acts stupidly to further the plot and Plot-Induced Stupidity is when a character who is normally intelligent enough to end the plot acts stupidly so he doesn't. Is that right? Otherwise, we need clean up at best.

Idiot Ball is when a character does something stupid to further the plot.

Plot-Induced Stupidity is when the plot depends on a character failing to act.

That is the main distinction.

An example of Idiot Ball would be sticking your finger into a light socket. Or licking a frozen pole.

An example of Plot-Induced Stupidity would be a hero not activating his superpowers during a fight against a homicidal villain. Or just standing around fretting while a villain destroys the city.

edited 20th Sep '10 6:28:23 PM by Zeta

How about Inertia Ball or Plot Directed Inactivity?

Plot Induced Stupidity is when characters don't do something.

Idiot Ball is when the characters do something.

Merge?

edited 24th Oct '10 3:18:45 PM by alfredo094

Yes, merge. The difference is not significant, and the Idiot Ball definition include a part of Plot-Induced Stupidity (not asking a question should be Plot-Induced Stupidity, but is in Idiot Ball).