Markup View

Author: ArkadyDarell

Jul 18th 2012 at 7:04:55 PM

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A common theme in fiction is the concept that getting the result you want is more satisfying when you actually earn it through your own actions, rather than having it simply handed to you in some way.

The scenarios that result in this revelation can take a number of forms, though there's three that are most common:

# The character is in a position to force someone else to give them what they want, either through magical or mundane coercion or because the other character is their subordinate.
# The character finds themselves in an environment where it's literally impossible to fail for some reason.
# The character's rival or enemy is in a position of complete helplessness, and thus the character can effortlessly best their opponent in some way.

But whatever the scenario, the character has the same revelation: It's just not satisfying to win unless the opposing force or obstacle has the chance to reject them, hurt them, or fight back. Alternatively, the character may go through the action anyway, only to realize afterwards how unsatisfying it was.

Supertrope to AboveTheInfluence, ILoveYouBecauseICantControlYou, and similar tropes, sister trope to MindOverManners.

Compare IWantMyBelovedToBeHappy, WorthyOpponent, and MookChivalry, which can be motivations for this trope. Contrast DudeShesLikeInAComa, AndNowYouMustMarryMe, PsychicAssistedSuicide, and KickThemWhileTheyAreDown, where in similar situations the character is still satisfied by the result even with the lack of opposition.

Also contrast MoreThanMindControl, where you can have your cake and eat it too, by both controlling someone and getting their genuine submission.
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OK, there's my third attempt.

This still needs a better title, though, especially since it ended up being broader than I thought. No Opposition Means No Satisfaction?