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StarTropes
Since: May, 2014
molokai198
Since: Oct, 2012
2023-09-24 08:07:30
I don't know this, but a while ago I made a query in the Trope Finder about the In-Universe version of this trope, where the narration seems to not treat servants as people. i.e as discussed in this Tumblr post: https://www.tumblr.com/hadrianspaywall/708240788414447616/pt-2-this-time-frankenstein-by-the-same-said
higgledypiggledy
Since: Feb, 2011

A rich/aristocratic/powerful character gets in trouble by forgetting the servants are there (and can hear them, and act on or at least gossip about what they know), e.g. discussing their dastardly plots/love affairs/other compromising material right in front of them.
Could be analogized to forgetting about stagehands, sentient robots, or any other "underlings" quietly doing tasks nearby.