15 Unmistakable Signs a TV Character Is Doomed to Meet their Demise

Summary

In television series, certain tropes or details serve as death flags, indicating that a character is likely to die.

Characters on the brink of retirement, morally ambiguous characters executing a virtuous act before their demise, and characters dangerously distracted from the road are all indicative of imminent death.

Furthermore, abrupt and overly detailed backstories, unfulfilled promises of survival, and characters serving as the protagonist's sole vulnerability also serve as forewarnings for impending doom.

When watching a television series, it may seem impossible to predict what will happen next. However, those who observe closely will likely be able to anticipate one major event: death. A death flag, similar to a red flag, is a trope or detail in a TV series that often indicates that a character is going to die. While not foolproof, death flags are exceedingly common and frequently reappear across different media.

The following eleven tropes are among the most prevalent death flags found in television. These details have been seen in numerous popular shows and will likely continue to be used in the future. By familiarizing yourself with these death flags, you can become adept at discerning when and which characters will meet their demise in your favorite TV shows. However, it is important not to underestimate the power of this knowledge. Sometimes, recognizing the signs of a tragic event on screen before it occurs can amplify the subsequent grief.

11 Characters X Days Away From Retirement

10 Evil Characters Who Finally Do Something Good

A death flag that has become so overused that it now seems cliché is when a character is just a few days away from retirement. This trope is sometimes referred to as "retirony." It entails a character, often one who holds a dangerous occupation such as a police officer, mentioning their upcoming retirement. However, before they can actually reach this milestone, they meet their demise, typically in a manner associated with the risks of their job. An exemplary instance of this is depicted in Colonel Blake's death in M*A*S*H, where he is finally granted leave from the Korean War, only to tragically perish in a plane crash en route.

There's nothing quite like a redemption arc that occurs just before a character meets their unfortunate end. Another telltale sign of imminent death is when a consistently wicked character suddenly showcases a glimmer of goodness. Typically, a villainous character performs a significant act of kindness, such as rescuing the protagonist or attempting to undo their own malicious deeds. However, their noble actions inevitably lead to their demise. The popular mystery series Lost provides numerous examples of this recurring theme, one of which involves the character Sayid. Despite having committed heinous acts, Sayid redeems himself by selflessly fleeing with a ticking time bomb in a valiant attempt to save the rest of the group.

9 Characters Who Take Their Eyes Off The Road For Too Long

Yet another common instance that often raises concerns for most viewers is when a character diverts their attention from the road for an extended period of time. Numerous television scenes portray a character driving, typically with a passenger, who becomes engrossed in conversation, singing, or another form of distraction. Consequently, their car collides with another vehicle, resulting in their demise. A comparable storytelling device involves a character who carelessly walks backward into the street or lingers in the road. Ultimately, these signals of impending death are not only widespread but also instill a deep sense of dread.

8 Characters That Receive Sudden And Excessive Backstory

The occurrence of a character being unexplainably bestowed with an extensive backstory serves as a clear indication that something ominous is about to transpire. Typically, this character remains in the shadows for a significant portion of the series, only to abruptly receive a compelling backstory filled with moments of anguish, bereavement, or affection. Consequently, just as the audience begins to empathize with and root for this character, their fate is inevitably sealed. A notable illustration of this narrative device can be found in the heart-wrenching demise of Shireen Baratheon, following her extensive backstory unraveling throughout the fifth season of Game of Thrones.

7 Characters That Promise To Return Alive

A particularly cruel death flag is when a character assures their loved ones, like their children, that they will come back from a perilous situation but ultimately fails to do so. This type of death flag is especially heart-wrenching due to the circumstances in which it typically arises. Furthermore, it is often exacerbated by the fact that the character makes the promise in a lighthearted manner, genuinely believing in their survival. This recurring motif is frequently found in television series centered around war or medical dramas.

6 Characters That Are The Protagonist’s Single Weakness

Art Parkinson brilliantly portrayed Rickon Stark on Game of Thrones.

In many cases, certain characters inherently carry the risk of being seen as potential targets for harm. One such example is the character who serves as the protagonist's ultimate vulnerability. This commonly occurs in narratives where the main character possesses formidable power, such as a superhero, and encounters adversaries who specifically aim to exploit the main character's deepest attachments. These attachments often manifest as the protagonist's child, romantic partner, closest friend, parent, or mentor. While embodying this role does not invariably result in death, it undeniably places the character in a perilous position. Rickon Stark from Game of Thrones serves as a prime illustration of this trope.

5 Characters With Solid Plans For The Future

Similar to the trope where characters are on the verge of retirement, the trope of characters with future plans also serves as a common foreshadowing of their demise. Often, it is right after a character shares their optimistic aspirations for the future that they meet a tragic end. This becomes even more devastating when the character had almost made it through the central conflict but ultimately fell short. A slightly less fatal yet still impactful instance of this trope can be observed in The Office when Michael decides to depart a day earlier than anticipated, and he and Jim make plans for lunch, knowing that he will soon be gone.

4 Characters That Are The First To Discover A Major Secret

The first character to uncover a significant secret often finds themselves in a perilous situation. Typically, this revelation occurs swiftly as they stumble upon the secret or piece it together, only to be unexpectedly confronted and killed by an enigmatic figure. Consequently, the remaining characters are left to reconstruct the puzzle and unravel the secret themselves. This narrative device is particularly prevalent in mystery series and shows featuring murder or the supernatural.

3 Characters That Contract A Cough

A common occurrence in period pieces is the introduction of a death flag through a character contracting a persistent cough. This narrative device is straightforward: during the course of the story, a character begins coughing, typically into a handkerchief, which eventually reveals the presence of blood. Subsequently, the character's health deteriorates, leading to their inevitable demise. In the very first episode of The Crown, King Phillip VI experiences significant bouts of coughing, accompanied by the distressing sight of blood. This foreshadows his tragic fate. The Walking Dead also extensively employs this trope.

2 Optimistic Characters In Dark Situations

Similar to the individual who plans for the future, it is often the case that within a group of characters, the one who exudes the most optimism is destined for a tragic and inevitable demise. In many instances, the narrative revolves around a gloomy setting, filled with constant obstacles and imminent threats, while this particular character perseveres with a hopeful spirit, uplifting the team's morale. However, during a crucial moment, despite their customary optimism, this character valiantly enters into battle and tragically loses their life. This event not only shatters the emotional well-being of the remaining team members but also serves as a catalyst, empowering them to soldier on despite the absence of that positive energy.

1 Characters Making Unprompted Emotional Speeches

Finally, a clear indication that a character is nearing their demise is when they deliver an emotionally charged speech, particularly prior to a significant occasion. Typically, this discourse revolves around love or expressing gratitude towards others. Furthermore, the content of the speech usually deviates from the character's usual demeanor, essentially serving as a heartfelt expression of affection or appreciation. Within a scene or two following this poignant moment, it is highly likely that the character will meet their untimely end. An example of this can be seen in Twin Peaks, where Dale Cooper, although not actually dying, delivers a compelling speech anticipating his own demise.