It works for that specific scenario, but not the trope in general. This can happen at the start of the work of even be told in flashback in which case there is no switching gears. Also, having it be a gear shift kind of negates the fact that it can overlap with Legacy Immortality.
edited 17th Jan '11 12:59:20 PM by shimaspawn
Reality is that, which when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. -Philip K. Dick![]()
It can also be caused by Jumped at the Call, as I've described elsewhere in this thread - the choice can be voluntary by someone who endeavours to prove that they deserve the role.
And really Gear Switch Protagonist sounds far too much like Decoy Protagonist which is a different trope.
Reality is that, which when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. -Philip K. DickSo, does the description work? 'Cause I can put it on the You Are Batman page and revise the examples that I listed until we can think of a better name...
Hi, I'm X Ray 2. I'm a high school student, and I am AWESOME.It seems like I Must Become Batman would be more descriptive than the present You Are Batman, while still fitting thematically.
The "must" is particularly important. It points out that this person isn't some copy cat glory seeker, but someone who has been forced by a combination of events and principles to take the role of a legacy character.
Batman is really a bad example though. He's not someone that most people think of as a Legacy Character. He tends to be associated in most people's minds as just Bruce Wayne. I Must Become Batman sounds like it's a trope about becoming a vigilante to get revenge. We need someone more well known for being a legacy character.
Reality is that, which when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. -Philip K. DickThread Hop. Isn't this the same as a Legacy Character? Also, the trope needs a better description. I don't see how it works at all.
It's not exactly naive. And it can happen. But it's tough. And definetly worthwhile.This is the plot point at which the main character takes on the role of the Legacy Character. One's a character, the other's an event. Related, but not the same.
But soft! What rock through yonder window breaks? It is a brick! And Juliet is out cold.So, let me get this straight.
You Are Batman: A character takes up the identity of another character and his mission.
Take Up My Sword: The Hero decides to give up his task so another man can take it on.
So, I'm guessing we're keeping the trope, right? All it needs is a rename and a better description.
I propose we go with I'm taking his place or something to that effect.
edited 19th Jan '11 8:27:57 AM by juancarlos11
It's not exactly naive. And it can happen. But it's tough. And definetly worthwhile.I think this trope shouldn't be limited to heroic examples. I can think of several villainous examples where a successor decides to take up a villain's mantle (Which can be a Sequel Hook then).
- Harry Osborn becoming Green Goblin II in Spider-Man 3.
- Scott Evil at the end of Austin Powers Goldmember.
- Red Mist taking over the remains of his father's crime empire (IIRC) in Film/Kick-Ass.
As for a trope name, how about Pick Up Where He Left Off?
edited 19th Jan '11 3:24:33 PM by AlexThePrettyGood
Everything can be found on the Internet... except common sense.I'm liking Pick Up Wher He Left Off. or Choosing To Take Up The Mantle? That one emphasizes that it is a voluntary situation, rather than one they feel forced or pressured into.
"Choosing to Take Up The Mantle" is a teeny bit long. For some reason making it past tense, despite only losing one syllable, makes it scan better to me: Chose To Take Up The Mantle. Dunno why, but it does.
But soft! What rock through yonder window breaks? It is a brick! And Juliet is out cold.No, it's not. For some reason, I just like the semi-archaic term "mantle" because of all the connotations.
But soft! What rock through yonder window breaks? It is a brick! And Juliet is out cold.Self Designated or Self-Appointed Successor would probably be as clear and straightforward as this can get.
edited 19th Jan '11 5:50:51 PM by SeanMurrayI
I like Self-Appointed better than Self-Designated.
But soft! What rock through yonder window breaks? It is a brick! And Juliet is out cold.
Crown Description:

Okay, I think I've got it:
So you're two thirds of the way through a book/movie/whatever, when suddenly, the main protagonist dies, is imprisoned, performs a Face–Heel Turn, or is otherwise unable to act as the main protagonist. All seems lost, a Take Up My Sword hasn't been pulled! What is to be done?
But wait! The Sidekick, Love Interest, The Rival, a Mauve Shirt (in theory, even an antagonist could pull this off) steps or is forced into the role of the main protagonist, and the work that you are reading focuses on them for the rest of the time it takes to finish the work. The original protagonist may return near the end.
May or may not be related to and/or overlap with Legacy Character, All Up to You, You Are in Command Now, Field Promotion, or It's The Journey That Counts
So now we just have to think up a name. Gear Switch Protagonist?
Care to critique my villain's prison escape plan?