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* ForebodingCarcass: A dead animal is a sure indication that everything is about to go bad.
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* CreepyGood: A good/noble character can be quite nightmarish in their actions/personality.
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See also ThisIndexWillBeImportantLater.
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* OminousOwl: Owls have long been viewed as harbingers of disease, death, destruction, evil and bad luck. Either actual owls (or their calls) will be seen and heard or the villains will use an owl motif.
* MacabreMothMotif: Moths are seen as a supernatural omen of disaster.
* MacabreMothMotif: Moths are seen as a supernatural omen of disaster.
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* MacabreMothMotif: Moths are seen as a supernatural omen of disaster.
* OminousOwl: Owls have long been viewed as harbingers of disease, death, destruction, evil and bad luck. Either actual owls (or their calls) will be seen and heard or the villains will use an owlmotif.
* MacabreMothMotif: Moths are seen as a supernatural omen of disaster.motif.
* OminousOwl: Owls have long been viewed as harbingers of disease, death, destruction, evil and bad luck. Either actual owls (or their calls) will be seen and heard or the villains will use an owl
* MacabreMothMotif: Moths are seen as a supernatural omen of disaster.
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* HelplessKicking: Someone who is being EatenAlive, killed, or dragged to their doom kicks or flails their legs in the empty air.
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This is an index of tropes that makes audiences think, "[[OhCrap Uh-oh!]]". When one of these tropes happens, it tells the audience that something bad is either [[ChekhovsGun going to happen]] or is already happening. See PortentOfDoom for the in-universe version. Also compare TropeTelegraphing.
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This is an index of tropes that makes audiences think, "[[OhCrap Uh-oh!]]". [[OhCrap "Uh-oh!"]] When one of these tropes happens, it tells the audience that something bad is either [[ChekhovsGun going to happen]] or is already happening. See PortentOfDoom for the in-universe version. Also compare TropeTelegraphing.
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* BadMoonRising - When the epic struggle is just around the corner, ominous portents are going to come out of the woodwork. Well, what portent more ominous than ''the heavens themselves''?
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* BadMoonRising - BadMoonRising: When the epic struggle is just around the corner, ominous portents are going to come out of the woodwork. Well, what portent more ominous than ''the heavens themselves''?
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* AssassinOutclassin - A professional (or team of professionals) was sent to kill the villain or evil monster. Not only did they fail, they got beaten pretty badly. The heroes usually find out by either being told or finding the body.
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* AssassinOutclassin - AssassinOutclassin: A professional (or team of professionals) was sent to kill the villain or evil monster. Not only did they fail, they got beaten pretty badly. The heroes usually find out by either being told or finding the body.
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* DeathByTransceiver - When characters are having a conversation by radio, one of the characters will get killed while the others can do nothing but listen as their final words or screams get LostInTransmission by WalkieTalkieStatic.
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* DeathByTransceiver - DeathByTransceiver: When characters are having a conversation by radio, one of the characters will get killed while the others can do nothing but listen as their final words or screams get LostInTransmission by WalkieTalkieStatic.
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* DisconnectedByDeath - When two or more characters are having a conversation during a phone call, one of them will die during the call. Rarely, the killer will get on the phone and give a BondOneLiner about the murder or to mock the listener.
* FingerTwitchingRevival - After the NoOneCouldSurviveThat the sure sign that they did is when a finger starts twitching (for non-human antagonists any body part will do). Can be used to indicate that the story is not over or set up TheEndOrIsIt.
* FingerTwitchingRevival - After the NoOneCouldSurviveThat the sure sign that they did is when a finger starts twitching (for non-human antagonists any body part will do). Can be used to indicate that the story is not over or set up TheEndOrIsIt.
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* DisconnectedByDeath - DisconnectedByDeath: When two or more characters are having a conversation during a phone call, one of them will die during the call. Rarely, the killer will get on the phone and give a BondOneLiner about the murder or to mock the listener.
*FingerTwitchingRevival - FingerTwitchingRevival: After the NoOneCouldSurviveThat the sure sign that they did is when a finger starts twitching (for non-human antagonists any body part will do). Can be used to indicate that the story is not over or set up TheEndOrIsIt.
*
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* SacrificialLion - A character that the audience relates to and expects to survive is killed to show that the antagonist means business.
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* SacrificialLion - SacrificialLion: A character that the audience relates to and expects to survive is killed to show that the antagonist means business.
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* TheWorldsExpertOnGettingKilled - Sister trope to TheWorfEffect, a specific character is an expert knows more about the threat than anyone, be it the antagonist or the MonsterOfTheWeek. Expect this character to die. See also AssassinOutclassin when this keeps happening to experts or professionals hired to deal with the antagonist.
* TheWorfEffect - When the toughest character on show gets thrashed by the new antagonist.
* TheWorfEffect - When the toughest character on show gets thrashed by the new antagonist.
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* TheWorldsExpertOnGettingKilled - TheWorldsExpertOnGettingKilled: Sister trope to TheWorfEffect, a specific character is an expert knows more about the threat than anyone, be it the antagonist or the MonsterOfTheWeek. Expect this character to die. See also AssassinOutclassin when this keeps happening to experts or professionals hired to deal with the antagonist.
*TheWorfEffect - TheWorfEffect: When the toughest character on show gets thrashed by the new antagonist.
*
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* CannibalLarder - A room or freezer full of body parts. Typically it'll feature bloody butchers' tools, red spatters on the walls, [[FliesEqualsEvil buzzing flies]] on the soundtrack, and possibly a PeekABooCorpse of someone known to the hapless victim who stumbles into the place. The finding of a Cannibal Larder is usually staged as TheReveal, although it frequently only [[{{Foreshadowing}} confirms what the audience already suspected]] was going on.
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* CannibalLarder - CannibalLarder: A room or freezer full of body parts. Typically it'll feature bloody butchers' tools, red spatters on the walls, [[FliesEqualsEvil buzzing flies]] on the soundtrack, and possibly a PeekABooCorpse of someone known to the hapless victim who stumbles into the place. The finding of a Cannibal Larder is usually staged as TheReveal, although it frequently only [[{{Foreshadowing}} confirms what the audience already suspected]] was going on.
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* MyDeathIsJustTheBeginning - Done by either the BigBad or one of the main antagonists either during their death scene or afterward. They have left behind clues (or an outright note) that while they are dead, their plans have just gotten started.
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* MyDeathIsJustTheBeginning - MyDeathIsJustTheBeginning: Done by either the BigBad or one of the main antagonists either during their death scene or afterward. They have left behind clues (or an outright note) that while they are dead, their plans have just gotten started.
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* PuttingOnTheReich - Need a quick and easy way to suggest a group of people or faction are evil and mean business? During TheReveal or the introduction, give them uniforms that resemble those worn by the [[ThoseWackyNazis Third Reich]].
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* PuttingOnTheReich - PuttingOnTheReich: Need a quick and easy way to suggest a group of people or faction are evil and mean business? During TheReveal or the introduction, give them uniforms that resemble those worn by the [[ThoseWackyNazis Third Reich]].
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* RoomFullOfCrazy - When a character has written all over every surface of the room or covered them in paper with lots of ramblings. If the Room Full of Crazy is specific enough, for example, only part of a wall is covered with photos of the same subject, it may be a StalkerShrine. A ShrineToSelf may likewise double as a Room Full Of Crazy for {{Omnicidal Maniac}}s and the like.
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* RoomFullOfCrazy - RoomFullOfCrazy: When a character has written all over every surface of the room or covered them in paper with lots of ramblings. If the Room Full of Crazy is specific enough, for example, only part of a wall is covered with photos of the same subject, it may be a StalkerShrine. A ShrineToSelf may likewise double as a Room Full Of Crazy for {{Omnicidal Maniac}}s and the like.
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* HellIsThatNoise - Whenever something or someone is revealed to the audience there is a noise, leitmotif or sound. It's something odd and unnatural. When the sound is heard once, it may not be that terrifying, but as time passes, the heroes and the audience become more and more frightened. The sound gets scarier as it gains more and more relevance. Can be used by itself to indicate that there is a danger in the distance.
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* HellIsThatNoise - HellIsThatNoise: Whenever something or someone is revealed to the audience there is a noise, leitmotif or sound. It's something odd and unnatural. When the sound is heard once, it may not be that terrifying, but as time passes, the heroes and the audience become more and more frightened. The sound gets scarier as it gains more and more relevance. Can be used by itself to indicate that there is a danger in the distance.
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* MoodyTrailerCoverSong - When the trailer of a movie or tv show uses a famous song or a song from the source material but re-purposes it into something slower and moodier to indicate that work is going to be DarkerAndEdgier. May have added PreviewsPulse to heighten the tension.
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* MoodyTrailerCoverSong - MoodyTrailerCoverSong: When the trailer of a movie or tv show uses a famous song or a song from the source material but re-purposes it into something slower and moodier to indicate that work is going to be DarkerAndEdgier. May have added PreviewsPulse to heighten the tension.
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* BloodyHandprint - A handprint in thick blood is visible on a wall, floor, or some other surface, indicating that the person who left it is seriously injured and possibly dying. The fresher the blood, the stronger the terror.
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* BloodyHandprint - BloodyHandprint: A handprint in thick blood is visible on a wall, floor, or some other surface, indicating that the person who left it is seriously injured and possibly dying. The fresher the blood, the stronger the terror.
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* FaceOfAnAngelMindOfADemon - When a good looking character is shown doing horrible things or acting in a ghastly manner.
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* FaceOfAnAngelMindOfADemon - FaceOfAnAngelMindOfADemon: When a good looking character is shown doing horrible things or acting in a ghastly manner.
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* DistressCall - This refers to the plot structure wherein the heroes are summoned to respond to a distress call, or occasionally, a non-emergency yet still foreboding request for assistance from an expedition. Equally often, the heroes are investigating the abrupt stoppage of all communications from the site.
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* DistressCall - DistressCall: This refers to the plot structure wherein the heroes are summoned to respond to a distress call, or occasionally, a non-emergency yet still foreboding request for assistance from an expedition. Equally often, the heroes are investigating the abrupt stoppage of all communications from the site.
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* LateToTheTragedy - [[GoneHorriblyWrong Something bad has happened in the setting]]. Something very bad. The main characters arrive some time later ? days, perhaps, but possibly years, even centuries afterward. The characters find out that the cause of this tragedy is still there and still as dangerous.
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* LateToTheTragedy - LateToTheTragedy: [[GoneHorriblyWrong Something bad has happened in the setting]]. Something very bad. The main characters arrive some time later ? days, perhaps, but possibly years, even centuries afterward. The characters find out that the cause of this tragedy is still there and still as dangerous.
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* TheWorfBarrage - Much like TheWorfEffect, The Worf Barrage is that attack that's supposedly [[FinishingMove all-powerful, ultra-destructive, and super-awesome]], but in reality only serves as the "that" in NoOneCouldSurviveThat because the antagonist just ''did''.
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* TheWorfBarrage - TheWorfBarrage: Much like TheWorfEffect, The Worf Barrage is that attack that's supposedly [[FinishingMove all-powerful, ultra-destructive, and super-awesome]], but in reality only serves as the "that" in NoOneCouldSurviveThat because the antagonist just ''did''.
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* OminousOwl - Owls have long been viewed as harbingers of disease, death, destruction, evil and bad luck. Either actual owls (or their calls) will be seen and heard or the villains will use an owl motif.
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* OminousOwl - HorseReturnsWithoutRider: Person sets out riding a horse, and then the horse returns alone, implying something bad happened to the rider.
* OminousOwl: Owls have long been viewed as harbingers of disease, death, destruction, evil and bad luck. Either actual owls (or their calls) will be seen and heard or the villains will use an owl motif.
* OminousOwl: Owls have long been viewed as harbingers of disease, death, destruction, evil and bad luck. Either actual owls (or their calls) will be seen and heard or the villains will use an owl motif.
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* DeathBySex: If a young couple has sex, they will both die later on.
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* SexSignalsDeath: If a young couple has sex, they will both die later on.
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* AceOfSpades: The ace card is a symbol of death of danger.
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* AceOfSpades: The ace card is a symbol of death of or danger.
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* SoullessBedroom: Someone who lacks emotions has an unnaturally clean bedroom with few or no personal possessions.
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* StabThePicture: If a picture of someone is seen with a knife or some other form of damage, it means that either an attempt is going to be made on their life or that they're otherwise about to die.
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* OminousClouds: Those dark skies are a portent of danger
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* MomentOfSilence: The background music goes silent over a death.
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* MomentOfSilence: The background music BackgroundMusic goes silent over a death.
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* OneWomanWail: A woman (or a boy soprano) singing a wordless wail in the background music signifies something serious is going on.
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* OneWomanWail: A woman (or a boy soprano) singing a wordless wail in the background music BackgroundMusic signifies something serious is going on.
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* CheshireCatGrin: An unusually wide smile indicates that the smiler is mischievous or up to no good.
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* PsychoticSmirk: A small, subtle smile indicates a manipulative schemer.
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* SlasherSmile: If someone does a large, deranged grin, they almost certainly have evil or violent intentions.
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* CreepyCrosses: Crosses used as symbols of death and/or the occult.
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* BizarreBelching: Burping as a sign that something weird and possibly dangerous is afoot.
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* BugsHeraldEvil: The presence of insects or arachnids indicates someone evil.
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This is an index of tropes that makes audiences think, "Uh-oh!". When one of these tropes happens, it tells the audience that something bad is either [[ChekhovsGun going to happen]] or is already happening. See PortentOfDoom for the in-universe version. Also compare TropeTelegraphing.
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This is an index of tropes that makes audiences think, "Uh-oh!"."[[OhCrap Uh-oh!]]". When one of these tropes happens, it tells the audience that something bad is either [[ChekhovsGun going to happen]] or is already happening. See PortentOfDoom for the in-universe version. Also compare TropeTelegraphing.
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* AssassinOutclassin - A professional was sent to kill the villain or evil monster. Not only did they fail, they got beaten pretty badly. The heroes usually find out by either being told or finding the body.
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* AssassinOutclassin - A professional (or team of professionals) was sent to kill the villain or evil monster. Not only did they fail, they got beaten pretty badly. The heroes usually find out by either being told or finding the body.
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Asked on the Sounding Board and nobody said no, so here goes. Need a bit of help as this is the first index I'm making.
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Created from YKTTW
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Asked on the Sounding Board and nobody said no, so here goes. Need a bit of help as this is the first index I'm making.
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This is an index of tropes that makes audiences think, "Uh-oh!". When one of these tropes happens, it tells the audience that something bad is either [[ChekhovsGun going to happen]] or is already happening. See PortentOfDoom for the in-universe version. Also compare TropeTelegraphing.
[[foldercontrol]]
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[[folder:Medical]]
* AgonizingStomachWound: An injury (typically a gunshot) to the stomach means that someone will die slowly and painfully.
* AppetiteEqualsHealth: If someone's lost their appetite, they must be sick.
* BadBlackBarf: Someone pukes up black goo, indicating that they have a dreadful condition.
* {{Bedheaditis}}: Messy hair indicates illness.
* BloodFromTheMouth: Someone bleeds from the mouth to emphasize that they're gravely injured or ill.
* BuryYourDisabled: If someone is disabled, they will be killed off.
* ChunkySalsaRule: If somebody's head has been ground to a pulp, they're not coming back.
* DangerousDrowsiness: Being tired means someone has a serious illness, or an existing illness is ''becoming'' serious.
* TheDarknessBeforeDeath: Someone's vision is starting to fade to indicate that they don't have much time left to live.
* DeadlyNosebleed: A bloody nose means that someone's dying, ill, or seriously injured.
* DeathIsGray: Someone turns gray upon death.
* HeadacheOfDoom: A headache is a sign of something serious and/or supernatural.
* ICantFeelMyLegs: If someone's legs are numb, they're going to wind up paralyzed soon enough.
* ImColdSoCold: If someone feels cold, they're seriously ill and probably dying, if not already a ghost.
* IncurableCoughOfDeath: If someone has a cough, they're probably dying.
* LethalDiagnosis: Once a disease is diagnosed, it instantly becomes a lot more serious.
* OminousHairLoss: Losing one's hair is a sign of something serious.
* ReducedToDust: If there's nothing left but a pile of dust after a person's injury, they're gone forever.
* SicknessEqualsRedness: A red nose or face is a sign of illness.
* TaintedVeins: If someone looks veiny, there's something seriously amiss with them.
* VirusVictimSymptoms: Classic signs that someone has a supernatural disease.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Environmental]]
* BadMoonRising - When the epic struggle is just around the corner, ominous portents are going to come out of the woodwork. Well, what portent more ominous than ''the heavens themselves''?
* ChekhovsVolcano: If there's a volcano around, it will definitely erupt.
* CometOfDoom: If a comet shows up in the sky, something really bad is about to happen.
* CrackInTheSky: An often-jagged rift in the sky means a disaster is afoot (typically space being torn apart).
* CreepyCleanliness: A place is so clean that it's unnerving, and it usually means something is not right.
* DarknessEqualsDeath: If it's very dark, someone will meet their impending doom.
* DramaticThunder: Thunder and lightning signify something scary or evil.
* EvilIsNotWellLit: If a place is dimly-lit, evil most likely lurks there.
* FireMeansChaos: If the scenery is on fire, that's a sign everything's going south.
* GrayRainOfDepression: It's raining, which signifies that something terrible is happening.
* InevitableWaterfall: If people are boating on a river, there will definitely be a dangerous waterfall.
* ItAlwaysRainsAtFunerals: Sub-trope of Gray Rain of Depression for when the sad event is a funeral.
* ItsQuietTooQuiet: If the surroundings are quiet, that means something bad silenced them.
* OminousFog: Fog obscures vision, allowing monsters to creep close and increasing tension in viewers.
* PartlyCloudyWithAChanceOfDeath: If it's a partly cloudy day, someone will die.
* PortentOfDoom: There's an omen of something awful to come.
* RedSkyTakeWarning: Red skies are used as omens of terrible supernatural events.
* SignsOfTheEndTimes: There are warning signs of the [[TheEndOfTheWorldAsWeKnowIt world ending]].
* SnowMeansDeath: If it's snowy, someone will die.
* TheStarsAreGoingOut: Stars either fall from the sky or stop sparkling as a sign of an upcoming disaster (typically an ApocalypseHow).
* StarsAreSouls: Stars are seen after a dangerous incident befalls a character, indicating that they've passed on.
* AStormIsComing: A storm or other inclement weather heralds the arrival of some disaster.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Behavioural]]
* AnkleDrag: Someone is dragged to their doom by the ankle(s).
* AssassinOutclassin - A professional was sent to kill the villain or evil monster. Not only did they fail, they got beaten pretty badly. The heroes usually find out by either being told or finding the body.
* BurpOfFinality: If someone has been EatenAlive, they're done for if the eater burps.
* DeadMansTriggerFinger: Someone shoots off their gun one last time just as they fall over when they die.
* DeathBySex: If a young couple has sex, they will both die later on.
* DeathByTransceiver - When characters are having a conversation by radio, one of the characters will get killed while the others can do nothing but listen as their final words or screams get LostInTransmission by WalkieTalkieStatic.
* DeepBreathRevealsTension: A character takes a few deep breaths, revealing how stressed they really are.
* DerangedDance: Someone dances as a sure sign that [[SanitySlippage they're not right in the head.]]
* DisconnectedByDeath - When two or more characters are having a conversation during a phone call, one of them will die during the call. Rarely, the killer will get on the phone and give a BondOneLiner about the murder or to mock the listener.
* FingerTwitchingRevival - After the NoOneCouldSurviveThat the sure sign that they did is when a finger starts twitching (for non-human antagonists any body part will do). Can be used to indicate that the story is not over or set up TheEndOrIsIt.
* KneeFoldFallOfDefeat: Someone falling to their knees indicates that they're dead or defeated.
* LyingFingerCross: A character makes some kind of promise, and then we see that their fingers are crossed, indicating that they're not telling the truth.
* MadnessMakeover: If someone looks a lot messier or cleaner than usual, it means they've [[SanitySlippage lost their mind]].
* NotHimself: A change in behaviour signifies something like possession.
* OOCIsSeriousBusiness: If someone is behaving out of character, that's a very bad sign.
* PrettySpryForADeadGuy: Someone appears to have come back to life? Don't be fooled, that's just a hallucination or an illusion.
* RedemptionEqualsDeath: If somebody [[HeelFaceTurn redeems themselves]], they will die.
* SacrificialLion - A character that the audience relates to and expects to survive is killed to show that the antagonist means business.
* SuspiciousMissedMessages: If somebody doesn't reply to texts/letters/etc, they're in danger or dead.
* TraitorShot: When a character's status as a traitor is hinted at in their expression.
* TunelessSongOfMadness: A character sings in a non-musical work to indicate that they've [[SanitySlippage gone insane]].
* TheWorldsExpertOnGettingKilled - Sister trope to TheWorfEffect, a specific character is an expert knows more about the threat than anyone, be it the antagonist or the MonsterOfTheWeek. Expect this character to die. See also AssassinOutclassin when this keeps happening to experts or professionals hired to deal with the antagonist.
* TheWorfEffect - When the toughest character on show gets thrashed by the new antagonist.
* ZippingUpTheBodybag: There's a shot of someone zipping up a corpse in a bag, signifying that they're dead for real.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Words, names, and symbols]]
* AceOfSpades: The ace card is a symbol of death of danger.
* FourIsDeath: In Eastern media, if the number four pops up, expect death to be around the corner.
* IDontLikeTheSoundOfThatPlace: A place with a name that is explicitly dangerous/evil or alludes to something else that is will be a location in which all manners of death, chaos, and evil will manifest.
* NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast: A character with a name that either is explicitly dangerous/evil or alludes to something else that is will cause discord and chaos for the rest of the characters.
* NumberOfTheBeast: In Western media, if the number "'''666'''" appears, expect something evil or demonic to occur.
* SkeletonMotif: Skulls (or optionally, skull and crossbones) used as a symbol for danger and/or death).
* ThirteenIsUnlucky: In Western media, if the number "'''13'''" shows up, expect something bad or unlucky to follow.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Objects]]
* BadBedroomBadLife: If somebody's bedroom is subpar, that means they're poor and/or abused.
* BloodStainedLetter: A letter or note has bloodstains on it, hinting at a dark story behind it (typically someone's death and/or injury).
* BringMyRedJacket: The non-character version of RedShirt; if a character wears red, expect them to get bloodied up.
* CannibalLarder - A room or freezer full of body parts. Typically it'll feature bloody butchers' tools, red spatters on the walls, [[FliesEqualsEvil buzzing flies]] on the soundtrack, and possibly a PeekABooCorpse of someone known to the hapless victim who stumbles into the place. The finding of a Cannibal Larder is usually staged as TheReveal, although it frequently only [[{{Foreshadowing}} confirms what the audience already suspected]] was going on.
* DarkIsEvil: A character with a dark color scheme is cruel.
* DeadHatShot: If we only see this character's hat after a disaster, it's safe to say they're doomed.
* DeadMansHand: A poker hand with two black aces and two black eights symbolizes death.
* DyingCandle: When a candle's flame is no longer burning, someone's done for.
* EmpathyDollShot: If a toy is lying on the ground, that means either [[DeathOfAChild a child died]] or a child's innocence was lost during an evacuation.
* EmptyFridgeEmptyLife: An empty fridge is a sign of poverty.
* EmptyPilesOfClothing: All that's left of someone is just their clothes, meaning that they're gone.
* FatalFamilyPhoto: If somebody shows their family photo, they will die.
* {{Flatline}}: If someone is hooked up to an electrocardiogram, the line will go flat, which means they have no pulse and so are in serious danger or dead.
* MyDeathIsJustTheBeginning - Done by either the BigBad or one of the main antagonists either during their death scene or afterward. They have left behind clues (or an outright note) that while they are dead, their plans have just gotten started.
* OminousCrack: A crack means that some type of protection isn't going to hold up for much longer.
* OminouslyOpenDoor: A door left mysteriously ajar means that whoever's inside the door has been killed.
* OminousObsidianOoze: Black, oily goo is bad news.
* PsychoPink: Pink clothes signify a demented villain.
* PuttingOnTheReich - Need a quick and easy way to suggest a group of people or faction are evil and mean business? During TheReveal or the introduction, give them uniforms that resemble those worn by the [[ThoseWackyNazis Third Reich]].
* RedAndBlackAndEvilAllOver: If the color scheme consists of red and black, this character is a villain.
* RedIsViolent: This character has red colors and it's for the best that you don't piss them off.
* RedShirt: If someone is wearing a red shirt, they are disposable and therefore likely to die.
* RoomFullOfCrazy - When a character has written all over every surface of the room or covered them in paper with lots of ramblings. If the Room Full of Crazy is specific enough, for example, only part of a wall is covered with photos of the same subject, it may be a StalkerShrine. A ShrineToSelf may likewise double as a Room Full Of Crazy for {{Omnicidal Maniac}}s and the like.
* SpitOutAShoe: When someone is EatenAlive and the creature that ate them spits out one of their belongings, that person has been digested.
* TarotTroubles: Tarot cards are synonymous with prophetic signs of danger.
* WhiteAndRedAndEerieAllOver: A character with white and red in their color scheme to make them look extra-creepy.
* WhiteShirtOfDeath: Wearing all white is one way to ensure you end up a bloody mess.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Music and Sound Effects]]
* CreepyChildrenSinging: Singing kids in the background highlights a spooky scene.
* CreepyCircusMusic: Circus music used for scary scenes, often involving a MonsterClown or CircusOfFear.
* CreepyJazzMusic: Jazz music plays in the background, often to make a scene scarier or to indicate that there's an evil character afoot.
* CriticalAnnoyance: A sound that plays on a video game when you're either low on health or fouling up.
* DeadManHonking: Hearing a car's horn honking when someone crashes their car indicates that they've lurched forward and died.
* DeathlyDiesIrae: The StandardSnippet of the original ''Dies Irae, Dies Illa'' melody that signifies death and doom impending.
* DroneOfDread: A long sustained sound that creates an unsettling, uncomfortable atmosphere.
* ForDoomTheBellTolls: Tolling bells indicate death or something deadly.
* FreakyElectronicMusic: Electronic music is heard to signify the appearance of a villain.
* HeartbeatSoundtrack: When a heartbeat is heard during a moment of fear, danger, or impending doom.
* HellIsThatNoise - Whenever something or someone is revealed to the audience there is a noise, leitmotif or sound. It's something odd and unnatural. When the sound is heard once, it may not be that terrifying, but as time passes, the heroes and the audience become more and more frightened. The sound gets scarier as it gains more and more relevance. Can be used by itself to indicate that there is a danger in the distance.
* IronicNurseryTune: A nursery rhyme is heard to make a scene even more disturbing.
* MomentOfSilence: The background music goes silent over a death.
* MoodyTrailerCoverSong - When the trailer of a movie or tv show uses a famous song or a song from the source material but re-purposes it into something slower and moodier to indicate that work is going to be DarkerAndEdgier. May have added PreviewsPulse to heighten the tension.
* OminousKnocking: Knocking from an unknown source will normally mean the one knocking is dangerous.
* OminousLatinChanting: Latin (or [[CanisLatinicus dog Latin]]) chanting in the background signifies a suspenseful or creepy scene.
* OminousMusicBoxTune: A music box tune plays over a scary scene.
* OminousPipeOrgan: Pipe organ music often accompanies evil things, and the music may actually be played by a villain at a pipe organ.
* OneWomanWail: A woman (or a boy soprano) singing a wordless wail in the background music signifies something serious is going on.
* PsychoStrings: Sharp notes on string instruments indicate insanity and/or evil.
* ScareChord: A startling crescendo of music suddenly plays to complement a scene's creepiness.
* SickeningCrunch: A loud crunching noise means that somebody has broken a bone.
* SinisterTangoMusic: Tango music is heard during a creepy scene.
* SongsInTheKeyOfPanic: Video game music that lets you know you're running out of time, nearing a (usually drastic) ending to the level, or are running low on health.
* {{Theremin}}: A theremin plays to make a scene even creepier.
* TickTockTerror: The sound of a clock chiming is heard in a creepy area, making the atmosphere even more ominous.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Animals]]
* ButterflyOfDeathAndRebirth: If butterflies are involved in some kind of symbolism, someone's gonna die.
* CirclingVultures: Vultures circling in the sky means that either someone has died, or is near death.
* CreepyCrows: Crows and/or ravens appear in a spooky place.
* DroolHello: Someone feels the drool of a monster dripping onto their head from up above, and [[OhCrap they know they better get ready to run.]]
* EvilDetectingDog: A dog will sense danger before the human characters and try to alert them.
* FliesEqualsEvil: Flies swarming around someone means they're evil.
* ForebodingFleeingFlock: Large groups of birds and other animals fleeing the scene means that disaster is about to happen.
* OminousOwl - Owls have long been viewed as harbingers of disease, death, destruction, evil and bad luck. Either actual owls (or their calls) will be seen and heard or the villains will use an owl motif.
* MacabreMothMotif: Moths are seen as a supernatural omen of disaster.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Cinematic]]
* EverythingFades: In a video game, enemies often fade away when they're killed or defeated.
* ExpressiveHealthBar: A sound or visual in a video game that lets you know that a stat is running low.
* ImpendingDoomPOV: The camera shows the perspective of ''something'' stalking or about to attack a character.
* MenacingHandShot: Framing shot that dramatically shows that one character means to threaten or attack another.
* PlummetPerspective: A character is standing or hanging at a great height. An object near them falls or is dropped by them, showing from the character's perspective just how dangerously high they are.
* ReallyDeadMontage: If a montage plays after someone dies, they [[KilledOffForReal ain't coming back]].
* RedFilterOfDoom: A red-colored filter indicates malice or danger.
* ShakyPOVCam: The camera shows the perspective of something (usually something evil or dangerous) moving really fast, often coupled with JitterCam.
* SnowyScreenOfDeath: The screen(s) giving visual feed go full of static, indicating that something horrible happening disabled the cameras.
* StalkerShot: The moment we find out a character's being watched by someone (typically someone dangerous).
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Body parts]]
* BlackEyesOfCrazy: A character's sclera is black to signify that they've gone off the deep end.
* BlackEyesOfEvil: A character has black eyes to indicate that they're as scary as they appear.
* BloodyHandprint - A handprint in thick blood is visible on a wall, floor, or some other surface, indicating that the person who left it is seriously injured and possibly dying. The fresher the blood, the stronger the terror.
* DeadHandShot: If we only see someone's hand when they're in some kind of lethal situation, they're gone for good.
* EyeLightsOut: A robotic or magical person's [[GlowingEyes bright eyes]] lose their glow when they die.
* FaceOfAnAngelMindOfADemon - When a good looking character is shown doing horrible things or acting in a ghastly manner.
* GlowingEyesOfDoom: If a character's eyes are glowing, it's a safe bet that they're dangerous.
* RedEyesTakeWarning: Red eyes on a character means that you'd better beware of them.
* RedRightHand: Someone has a physical quirk that cements them as a villain.
* YellowEyesOfSneakiness: If a character has yellow eyes, they're probably unscrupulous in some way.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Characteristics]]
* BlackDudeDiesFirst: If someone is black, they will be killed off.
* BuryYourGays: [=LGBT+=] people always die.
* DeceasedParentsAreTheBest: If there are GoodParents around, they will die.
* GayGuyDiesFirst: If several people are killed off in succession, the first to die is [=LGBT+=].
* KillTheCutie: The friendliest and/or cutest characters always die.
* ShooOutTheClowns: If the jokey characters aren't present, that's a sign things are getting serious.
* TooGoodForThisSinfulEarth: If a character is categorized as pure-hearted, kind, or innocent, you can expect that their story won't end well.
* VasquezAlwaysDies: In a TomboyAndGirlyGirl situation, the "tomboy" always dies.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Narrative]]
* BackForTheDead: If a character who was PutOnABus returns, it means they've come back to officially die on screen.
* CheatedDeathDiedAnyway: Someone managed to avoid death? They'll meet their demise through different circumstances soon afterwards.
* ADeathInTheLimelight: If a side or background character suddenly becomes the main focus of an episode in a TV series, it's likely to be their final episode alive.
* DeadlyDeferredConversation: When two characters with an important conversation to have are unable to have it due to a long bout of separation, expect one (or ''both'') of them to die before they get the chance.
* DistressCall - This refers to the plot structure wherein the heroes are summoned to respond to a distress call, or occasionally, a non-emergency yet still foreboding request for assistance from an expedition. Equally often, the heroes are investigating the abrupt stoppage of all communications from the site.
* TheEndOrIsIt: The ending appears to be a happy one, but then it's revealed that the villain or some other threat is still out there.
* LateToTheTragedy - [[GoneHorriblyWrong Something bad has happened in the setting]]. Something very bad. The main characters arrive some time later ? days, perhaps, but possibly years, even centuries afterward. The characters find out that the cause of this tragedy is still there and still as dangerous.
* MentorOccupationalHazard: Mentors always die.
* OhAndXDies: The narration outright tells you that a character will die.
* {{Retirony}}: A character who is a few days from retirement taking one last job is sure to die doing that job.
* SacrificialLamb: The moment this relatively minor character is killed off, everything becomes darker.
* SuddenSequelDeathSyndrome: In a film genre where AnyoneCanDie, if a character survives a film but shows up in the sequel, expect them to not survive until the end.
* TemptingFate: When a character says something bad or unlucky won't happen or is not likely to happen, [[FinaglesLaw the universe will ensure that thing will happen]].
* TonightSomeoneDies: A series announces that a character is going to be killed off.
* TooGoodToBeTrue: When the main conflict seems to be resolved almost too perfectly and is noted InUniverse by a character, expect it all to unravel in the following scenes.
* VasquezAlwaysDies: In a TomboyAndGirlyGirl due, the tomboy is the first to die.
* TheWorfBarrage - Much like TheWorfEffect, The Worf Barrage is that attack that's supposedly [[FinishingMove all-powerful, ultra-destructive, and super-awesome]], but in reality only serves as the "that" in NoOneCouldSurviveThat because the antagonist just ''did''.
[[/folder]]
----
-----
This is an index of tropes that makes audiences think, "Uh-oh!". When one of these tropes happens, it tells the audience that something bad is either [[ChekhovsGun going to happen]] or is already happening. See PortentOfDoom for the in-universe version. Also compare TropeTelegraphing.
[[foldercontrol]]
----
[[folder:Medical]]
* AgonizingStomachWound: An injury (typically a gunshot) to the stomach means that someone will die slowly and painfully.
* AppetiteEqualsHealth: If someone's lost their appetite, they must be sick.
* BadBlackBarf: Someone pukes up black goo, indicating that they have a dreadful condition.
* {{Bedheaditis}}: Messy hair indicates illness.
* BloodFromTheMouth: Someone bleeds from the mouth to emphasize that they're gravely injured or ill.
* BuryYourDisabled: If someone is disabled, they will be killed off.
* ChunkySalsaRule: If somebody's head has been ground to a pulp, they're not coming back.
* DangerousDrowsiness: Being tired means someone has a serious illness, or an existing illness is ''becoming'' serious.
* TheDarknessBeforeDeath: Someone's vision is starting to fade to indicate that they don't have much time left to live.
* DeadlyNosebleed: A bloody nose means that someone's dying, ill, or seriously injured.
* DeathIsGray: Someone turns gray upon death.
* HeadacheOfDoom: A headache is a sign of something serious and/or supernatural.
* ICantFeelMyLegs: If someone's legs are numb, they're going to wind up paralyzed soon enough.
* ImColdSoCold: If someone feels cold, they're seriously ill and probably dying, if not already a ghost.
* IncurableCoughOfDeath: If someone has a cough, they're probably dying.
* LethalDiagnosis: Once a disease is diagnosed, it instantly becomes a lot more serious.
* OminousHairLoss: Losing one's hair is a sign of something serious.
* ReducedToDust: If there's nothing left but a pile of dust after a person's injury, they're gone forever.
* SicknessEqualsRedness: A red nose or face is a sign of illness.
* TaintedVeins: If someone looks veiny, there's something seriously amiss with them.
* VirusVictimSymptoms: Classic signs that someone has a supernatural disease.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Environmental]]
* BadMoonRising - When the epic struggle is just around the corner, ominous portents are going to come out of the woodwork. Well, what portent more ominous than ''the heavens themselves''?
* ChekhovsVolcano: If there's a volcano around, it will definitely erupt.
* CometOfDoom: If a comet shows up in the sky, something really bad is about to happen.
* CrackInTheSky: An often-jagged rift in the sky means a disaster is afoot (typically space being torn apart).
* CreepyCleanliness: A place is so clean that it's unnerving, and it usually means something is not right.
* DarknessEqualsDeath: If it's very dark, someone will meet their impending doom.
* DramaticThunder: Thunder and lightning signify something scary or evil.
* EvilIsNotWellLit: If a place is dimly-lit, evil most likely lurks there.
* FireMeansChaos: If the scenery is on fire, that's a sign everything's going south.
* GrayRainOfDepression: It's raining, which signifies that something terrible is happening.
* InevitableWaterfall: If people are boating on a river, there will definitely be a dangerous waterfall.
* ItAlwaysRainsAtFunerals: Sub-trope of Gray Rain of Depression for when the sad event is a funeral.
* ItsQuietTooQuiet: If the surroundings are quiet, that means something bad silenced them.
* OminousFog: Fog obscures vision, allowing monsters to creep close and increasing tension in viewers.
* PartlyCloudyWithAChanceOfDeath: If it's a partly cloudy day, someone will die.
* PortentOfDoom: There's an omen of something awful to come.
* RedSkyTakeWarning: Red skies are used as omens of terrible supernatural events.
* SignsOfTheEndTimes: There are warning signs of the [[TheEndOfTheWorldAsWeKnowIt world ending]].
* SnowMeansDeath: If it's snowy, someone will die.
* TheStarsAreGoingOut: Stars either fall from the sky or stop sparkling as a sign of an upcoming disaster (typically an ApocalypseHow).
* StarsAreSouls: Stars are seen after a dangerous incident befalls a character, indicating that they've passed on.
* AStormIsComing: A storm or other inclement weather heralds the arrival of some disaster.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Behavioural]]
* AnkleDrag: Someone is dragged to their doom by the ankle(s).
* AssassinOutclassin - A professional was sent to kill the villain or evil monster. Not only did they fail, they got beaten pretty badly. The heroes usually find out by either being told or finding the body.
* BurpOfFinality: If someone has been EatenAlive, they're done for if the eater burps.
* DeadMansTriggerFinger: Someone shoots off their gun one last time just as they fall over when they die.
* DeathBySex: If a young couple has sex, they will both die later on.
* DeathByTransceiver - When characters are having a conversation by radio, one of the characters will get killed while the others can do nothing but listen as their final words or screams get LostInTransmission by WalkieTalkieStatic.
* DeepBreathRevealsTension: A character takes a few deep breaths, revealing how stressed they really are.
* DerangedDance: Someone dances as a sure sign that [[SanitySlippage they're not right in the head.]]
* DisconnectedByDeath - When two or more characters are having a conversation during a phone call, one of them will die during the call. Rarely, the killer will get on the phone and give a BondOneLiner about the murder or to mock the listener.
* FingerTwitchingRevival - After the NoOneCouldSurviveThat the sure sign that they did is when a finger starts twitching (for non-human antagonists any body part will do). Can be used to indicate that the story is not over or set up TheEndOrIsIt.
* KneeFoldFallOfDefeat: Someone falling to their knees indicates that they're dead or defeated.
* LyingFingerCross: A character makes some kind of promise, and then we see that their fingers are crossed, indicating that they're not telling the truth.
* MadnessMakeover: If someone looks a lot messier or cleaner than usual, it means they've [[SanitySlippage lost their mind]].
* NotHimself: A change in behaviour signifies something like possession.
* OOCIsSeriousBusiness: If someone is behaving out of character, that's a very bad sign.
* PrettySpryForADeadGuy: Someone appears to have come back to life? Don't be fooled, that's just a hallucination or an illusion.
* RedemptionEqualsDeath: If somebody [[HeelFaceTurn redeems themselves]], they will die.
* SacrificialLion - A character that the audience relates to and expects to survive is killed to show that the antagonist means business.
* SuspiciousMissedMessages: If somebody doesn't reply to texts/letters/etc, they're in danger or dead.
* TraitorShot: When a character's status as a traitor is hinted at in their expression.
* TunelessSongOfMadness: A character sings in a non-musical work to indicate that they've [[SanitySlippage gone insane]].
* TheWorldsExpertOnGettingKilled - Sister trope to TheWorfEffect, a specific character is an expert knows more about the threat than anyone, be it the antagonist or the MonsterOfTheWeek. Expect this character to die. See also AssassinOutclassin when this keeps happening to experts or professionals hired to deal with the antagonist.
* TheWorfEffect - When the toughest character on show gets thrashed by the new antagonist.
* ZippingUpTheBodybag: There's a shot of someone zipping up a corpse in a bag, signifying that they're dead for real.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Words, names, and symbols]]
* AceOfSpades: The ace card is a symbol of death of danger.
* FourIsDeath: In Eastern media, if the number four pops up, expect death to be around the corner.
* IDontLikeTheSoundOfThatPlace: A place with a name that is explicitly dangerous/evil or alludes to something else that is will be a location in which all manners of death, chaos, and evil will manifest.
* NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast: A character with a name that either is explicitly dangerous/evil or alludes to something else that is will cause discord and chaos for the rest of the characters.
* NumberOfTheBeast: In Western media, if the number "'''666'''" appears, expect something evil or demonic to occur.
* SkeletonMotif: Skulls (or optionally, skull and crossbones) used as a symbol for danger and/or death).
* ThirteenIsUnlucky: In Western media, if the number "'''13'''" shows up, expect something bad or unlucky to follow.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Objects]]
* BadBedroomBadLife: If somebody's bedroom is subpar, that means they're poor and/or abused.
* BloodStainedLetter: A letter or note has bloodstains on it, hinting at a dark story behind it (typically someone's death and/or injury).
* BringMyRedJacket: The non-character version of RedShirt; if a character wears red, expect them to get bloodied up.
* CannibalLarder - A room or freezer full of body parts. Typically it'll feature bloody butchers' tools, red spatters on the walls, [[FliesEqualsEvil buzzing flies]] on the soundtrack, and possibly a PeekABooCorpse of someone known to the hapless victim who stumbles into the place. The finding of a Cannibal Larder is usually staged as TheReveal, although it frequently only [[{{Foreshadowing}} confirms what the audience already suspected]] was going on.
* DarkIsEvil: A character with a dark color scheme is cruel.
* DeadHatShot: If we only see this character's hat after a disaster, it's safe to say they're doomed.
* DeadMansHand: A poker hand with two black aces and two black eights symbolizes death.
* DyingCandle: When a candle's flame is no longer burning, someone's done for.
* EmpathyDollShot: If a toy is lying on the ground, that means either [[DeathOfAChild a child died]] or a child's innocence was lost during an evacuation.
* EmptyFridgeEmptyLife: An empty fridge is a sign of poverty.
* EmptyPilesOfClothing: All that's left of someone is just their clothes, meaning that they're gone.
* FatalFamilyPhoto: If somebody shows their family photo, they will die.
* {{Flatline}}: If someone is hooked up to an electrocardiogram, the line will go flat, which means they have no pulse and so are in serious danger or dead.
* MyDeathIsJustTheBeginning - Done by either the BigBad or one of the main antagonists either during their death scene or afterward. They have left behind clues (or an outright note) that while they are dead, their plans have just gotten started.
* OminousCrack: A crack means that some type of protection isn't going to hold up for much longer.
* OminouslyOpenDoor: A door left mysteriously ajar means that whoever's inside the door has been killed.
* OminousObsidianOoze: Black, oily goo is bad news.
* PsychoPink: Pink clothes signify a demented villain.
* PuttingOnTheReich - Need a quick and easy way to suggest a group of people or faction are evil and mean business? During TheReveal or the introduction, give them uniforms that resemble those worn by the [[ThoseWackyNazis Third Reich]].
* RedAndBlackAndEvilAllOver: If the color scheme consists of red and black, this character is a villain.
* RedIsViolent: This character has red colors and it's for the best that you don't piss them off.
* RedShirt: If someone is wearing a red shirt, they are disposable and therefore likely to die.
* RoomFullOfCrazy - When a character has written all over every surface of the room or covered them in paper with lots of ramblings. If the Room Full of Crazy is specific enough, for example, only part of a wall is covered with photos of the same subject, it may be a StalkerShrine. A ShrineToSelf may likewise double as a Room Full Of Crazy for {{Omnicidal Maniac}}s and the like.
* SpitOutAShoe: When someone is EatenAlive and the creature that ate them spits out one of their belongings, that person has been digested.
* TarotTroubles: Tarot cards are synonymous with prophetic signs of danger.
* WhiteAndRedAndEerieAllOver: A character with white and red in their color scheme to make them look extra-creepy.
* WhiteShirtOfDeath: Wearing all white is one way to ensure you end up a bloody mess.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Music and Sound Effects]]
* CreepyChildrenSinging: Singing kids in the background highlights a spooky scene.
* CreepyCircusMusic: Circus music used for scary scenes, often involving a MonsterClown or CircusOfFear.
* CreepyJazzMusic: Jazz music plays in the background, often to make a scene scarier or to indicate that there's an evil character afoot.
* CriticalAnnoyance: A sound that plays on a video game when you're either low on health or fouling up.
* DeadManHonking: Hearing a car's horn honking when someone crashes their car indicates that they've lurched forward and died.
* DeathlyDiesIrae: The StandardSnippet of the original ''Dies Irae, Dies Illa'' melody that signifies death and doom impending.
* DroneOfDread: A long sustained sound that creates an unsettling, uncomfortable atmosphere.
* ForDoomTheBellTolls: Tolling bells indicate death or something deadly.
* FreakyElectronicMusic: Electronic music is heard to signify the appearance of a villain.
* HeartbeatSoundtrack: When a heartbeat is heard during a moment of fear, danger, or impending doom.
* HellIsThatNoise - Whenever something or someone is revealed to the audience there is a noise, leitmotif or sound. It's something odd and unnatural. When the sound is heard once, it may not be that terrifying, but as time passes, the heroes and the audience become more and more frightened. The sound gets scarier as it gains more and more relevance. Can be used by itself to indicate that there is a danger in the distance.
* IronicNurseryTune: A nursery rhyme is heard to make a scene even more disturbing.
* MomentOfSilence: The background music goes silent over a death.
* MoodyTrailerCoverSong - When the trailer of a movie or tv show uses a famous song or a song from the source material but re-purposes it into something slower and moodier to indicate that work is going to be DarkerAndEdgier. May have added PreviewsPulse to heighten the tension.
* OminousKnocking: Knocking from an unknown source will normally mean the one knocking is dangerous.
* OminousLatinChanting: Latin (or [[CanisLatinicus dog Latin]]) chanting in the background signifies a suspenseful or creepy scene.
* OminousMusicBoxTune: A music box tune plays over a scary scene.
* OminousPipeOrgan: Pipe organ music often accompanies evil things, and the music may actually be played by a villain at a pipe organ.
* OneWomanWail: A woman (or a boy soprano) singing a wordless wail in the background music signifies something serious is going on.
* PsychoStrings: Sharp notes on string instruments indicate insanity and/or evil.
* ScareChord: A startling crescendo of music suddenly plays to complement a scene's creepiness.
* SickeningCrunch: A loud crunching noise means that somebody has broken a bone.
* SinisterTangoMusic: Tango music is heard during a creepy scene.
* SongsInTheKeyOfPanic: Video game music that lets you know you're running out of time, nearing a (usually drastic) ending to the level, or are running low on health.
* {{Theremin}}: A theremin plays to make a scene even creepier.
* TickTockTerror: The sound of a clock chiming is heard in a creepy area, making the atmosphere even more ominous.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Animals]]
* ButterflyOfDeathAndRebirth: If butterflies are involved in some kind of symbolism, someone's gonna die.
* CirclingVultures: Vultures circling in the sky means that either someone has died, or is near death.
* CreepyCrows: Crows and/or ravens appear in a spooky place.
* DroolHello: Someone feels the drool of a monster dripping onto their head from up above, and [[OhCrap they know they better get ready to run.]]
* EvilDetectingDog: A dog will sense danger before the human characters and try to alert them.
* FliesEqualsEvil: Flies swarming around someone means they're evil.
* ForebodingFleeingFlock: Large groups of birds and other animals fleeing the scene means that disaster is about to happen.
* OminousOwl - Owls have long been viewed as harbingers of disease, death, destruction, evil and bad luck. Either actual owls (or their calls) will be seen and heard or the villains will use an owl motif.
* MacabreMothMotif: Moths are seen as a supernatural omen of disaster.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Cinematic]]
* EverythingFades: In a video game, enemies often fade away when they're killed or defeated.
* ExpressiveHealthBar: A sound or visual in a video game that lets you know that a stat is running low.
* ImpendingDoomPOV: The camera shows the perspective of ''something'' stalking or about to attack a character.
* MenacingHandShot: Framing shot that dramatically shows that one character means to threaten or attack another.
* PlummetPerspective: A character is standing or hanging at a great height. An object near them falls or is dropped by them, showing from the character's perspective just how dangerously high they are.
* ReallyDeadMontage: If a montage plays after someone dies, they [[KilledOffForReal ain't coming back]].
* RedFilterOfDoom: A red-colored filter indicates malice or danger.
* ShakyPOVCam: The camera shows the perspective of something (usually something evil or dangerous) moving really fast, often coupled with JitterCam.
* SnowyScreenOfDeath: The screen(s) giving visual feed go full of static, indicating that something horrible happening disabled the cameras.
* StalkerShot: The moment we find out a character's being watched by someone (typically someone dangerous).
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Body parts]]
* BlackEyesOfCrazy: A character's sclera is black to signify that they've gone off the deep end.
* BlackEyesOfEvil: A character has black eyes to indicate that they're as scary as they appear.
* BloodyHandprint - A handprint in thick blood is visible on a wall, floor, or some other surface, indicating that the person who left it is seriously injured and possibly dying. The fresher the blood, the stronger the terror.
* DeadHandShot: If we only see someone's hand when they're in some kind of lethal situation, they're gone for good.
* EyeLightsOut: A robotic or magical person's [[GlowingEyes bright eyes]] lose their glow when they die.
* FaceOfAnAngelMindOfADemon - When a good looking character is shown doing horrible things or acting in a ghastly manner.
* GlowingEyesOfDoom: If a character's eyes are glowing, it's a safe bet that they're dangerous.
* RedEyesTakeWarning: Red eyes on a character means that you'd better beware of them.
* RedRightHand: Someone has a physical quirk that cements them as a villain.
* YellowEyesOfSneakiness: If a character has yellow eyes, they're probably unscrupulous in some way.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Characteristics]]
* BlackDudeDiesFirst: If someone is black, they will be killed off.
* BuryYourGays: [=LGBT+=] people always die.
* DeceasedParentsAreTheBest: If there are GoodParents around, they will die.
* GayGuyDiesFirst: If several people are killed off in succession, the first to die is [=LGBT+=].
* KillTheCutie: The friendliest and/or cutest characters always die.
* ShooOutTheClowns: If the jokey characters aren't present, that's a sign things are getting serious.
* TooGoodForThisSinfulEarth: If a character is categorized as pure-hearted, kind, or innocent, you can expect that their story won't end well.
* VasquezAlwaysDies: In a TomboyAndGirlyGirl situation, the "tomboy" always dies.
[[/folder]]
[[folder:Narrative]]
* BackForTheDead: If a character who was PutOnABus returns, it means they've come back to officially die on screen.
* CheatedDeathDiedAnyway: Someone managed to avoid death? They'll meet their demise through different circumstances soon afterwards.
* ADeathInTheLimelight: If a side or background character suddenly becomes the main focus of an episode in a TV series, it's likely to be their final episode alive.
* DeadlyDeferredConversation: When two characters with an important conversation to have are unable to have it due to a long bout of separation, expect one (or ''both'') of them to die before they get the chance.
* DistressCall - This refers to the plot structure wherein the heroes are summoned to respond to a distress call, or occasionally, a non-emergency yet still foreboding request for assistance from an expedition. Equally often, the heroes are investigating the abrupt stoppage of all communications from the site.
* TheEndOrIsIt: The ending appears to be a happy one, but then it's revealed that the villain or some other threat is still out there.
* LateToTheTragedy - [[GoneHorriblyWrong Something bad has happened in the setting]]. Something very bad. The main characters arrive some time later ? days, perhaps, but possibly years, even centuries afterward. The characters find out that the cause of this tragedy is still there and still as dangerous.
* MentorOccupationalHazard: Mentors always die.
* OhAndXDies: The narration outright tells you that a character will die.
* {{Retirony}}: A character who is a few days from retirement taking one last job is sure to die doing that job.
* SacrificialLamb: The moment this relatively minor character is killed off, everything becomes darker.
* SuddenSequelDeathSyndrome: In a film genre where AnyoneCanDie, if a character survives a film but shows up in the sequel, expect them to not survive until the end.
* TemptingFate: When a character says something bad or unlucky won't happen or is not likely to happen, [[FinaglesLaw the universe will ensure that thing will happen]].
* TonightSomeoneDies: A series announces that a character is going to be killed off.
* TooGoodToBeTrue: When the main conflict seems to be resolved almost too perfectly and is noted InUniverse by a character, expect it all to unravel in the following scenes.
* VasquezAlwaysDies: In a TomboyAndGirlyGirl due, the tomboy is the first to die.
* TheWorfBarrage - Much like TheWorfEffect, The Worf Barrage is that attack that's supposedly [[FinishingMove all-powerful, ultra-destructive, and super-awesome]], but in reality only serves as the "that" in NoOneCouldSurviveThat because the antagonist just ''did''.
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