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MetaFour MOD Since: Jan, 2001
12th Jan, 2018 03:15:19 PM

"Shaggy Dog" Story is the proper trope for long, involved story where the protagonist utterly fails at their original goal. Shoot the Shaggy Dog is a specific subtrope where, not only do the protagonists accomplish nothing, but they die horribly on top of it.

Based on your description, The Boss of It All would definitely be a "Shaggy Dog" Story. The other two might be Shoot the Shaggy Dog, or they might be a regular Shaggy Dog Story, since it's a supporting character dying rather than the main character.

Edited by MetaFour
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