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Author: Arivne

May 25th 2012 at 4:51:03 AM

HeroismEqualsJobQualificiation?

The current description is an ExampleAsThesis. A suggested new description:

One common plot element is a low level worker who rises to the top of the command structure in his organization through hard work, persistence and skill. This trope is when a low level worker is suddenly raised to a high position simply because they acted in a heroic manner and saved the day during a dangerous situation, regardless of their actual qualifications.

Consider Bob, a worker on a starship who would like to be captain, but is too young and inexperienced. One day there's a disaster aboard ship and Bob saves everyone by bravely risking his life to shut down the ship's main reactor before it explodes and kills everyone. The ship's captain was killed in the accident and Bob is unanimously chosen as the new captain, even though he's completely unqualified to captain a space ship.

Compare:
* YouAreInCommandNow: Bob becomes captain because everyone higher in his chain of command is dead.
* ClosestThingWeGot: Bob becomes captain of the starship because he's the only person on board with space experience.
* FallingIntoTheCockpit: Bob becomes captain of the starship because he happens to be on the bridge when all of the other bridge personnel are killed.