Basic Trope: Character shows their strength by breaking out of some kind of restraint.
- Straight: Bob is chained to a chair by the Big Bad. Driven by Super-Strength and Heroic Resolve, he breaks his chains and binds the Big Bad with them instead.
- Exaggerated: The Big Bad traps Bob underneath 100 tons of rock. He proceeds to effortlessly smash it to pieces.
- Downplayed: The Big Bad ties up Bob with a rope. He manages to break out of it.
- Justified: Bob has incredible Super-Strength that the Big Bad doesn't know about.
- Subverted:
- Bob struggles very hard, but is unable to break out of the chains.
- They're cheapo BDSM cuffs
- Double Subverted: Bob reveals he was merely pretending to struggle, and proceeds to break free of the chains with ease.
- Parodied:
- Bob is chained up with an enormous chain that looks like it would belong on the anchor of a ship. He breaks it in half like a Weetabix.
- Rather than chains, the Big Bad presents Bob with an extremely comfortable bed. The presentation of his struggle to get out is presented the same.
- Averted: Bob doesn't struggle against the chains because he believes that, even with his Super-Strength, he can't break them. Instead, he tricks the Big Bad into unlocking the chains for him.
- Enforced: Bob has just come into the story and there needs to be a way to show his superpowers.
- Defied: To prevent him from breaking out, the Big Bad knocks Bob unconscious first.
- Discussed: "You sure you don't wanna get some stronger bonds for him?"
- Conversed: "Why do villains chain up protagonists they know can break chains like glowsticks?"
