Analyzing Naruto's Plot Armor: Is It Overdone?

The Naruto franchise is widely known as one of the most beloved long-running shonen anime series. However, despite its popularity, the show has faced various issues that have affected its overall impact. One major problem that has been highlighted is the concept of plot armor, which has led to the undermining of significant moments in the series.

Plot armor is a common element in storytelling, as some characters are essential for the progression of the plot. Nevertheless, when characters are given excessive plot armor and portrayed as nearly invincible, it can detract from the depth and meaning of the narrative. Unfortunately, Naruto has fallen into this trap, resulting in a loss of the show's profound impact.

Naruto's Usage of Plot Armor

naruto Uzumaki six paths sage mode - Naruto's Usage of Plot Armor

Sometimes in a show, the main character needs a little help to keep the story going. This is known as plot armor. In the Fourth Great Ninja War, Naruto and Sasuke suddenly become very powerful after Hagomoro Otsutsuki appears.

Naruto seems to rely heavily on plot armor throughout the series. Characters like Gaara and Might Guy are saved in unbelievable ways. This can make the story seem less important, as main characters always seem to survive no matter what.

Major Instances of Plot Armor

Itachi Sasuke Death - Major Instances of Plot Armor

From the start of Naruto to its lengthy end, plot armor has always played a significant role in advancing the story. Many characters have narrowly escaped death by conveniently finding a last-minute solution, while others have emerged victorious in battles that seemed impossible from the start.

Even though the show has featured some impactful character deaths, plot armor continues to be a prevalent and ongoing concern in the series. By looking at a few examples of plot armor, we can better understand how Naruto heavily relies on this flawed storytelling device.

Characters Cheating Death

Naruto Saves Might Guy - Characters Cheating Death

Naruto often relies on plot armor to keep characters alive in situations where survival seems impossible. This becomes more noticeable when the series emphasizes the inevitability of death, only to later backtrack and allow characters to live. For example, in part 1 of Naruto, Choji miraculously survives consuming the Red Chilli Pill thanks to the Nara Clan creating a convenient antidote for a pill that was meant to be fatal.

Chiyo Saves Gaara - Opening the Eighth Inner Gate had a similar connotation attached to it, and the series stated, on multiple occasions, that opening the eight and final gate would result in death

Characters Defying Death in Battles

Opening the Eighth Inner Gate had a similar connotation attached to it, and the series stated, on multiple occasions, that opening the eight and final gate would result in death. However, Might Guy miraculously survived using this technique after Naruto gained the Sage of Six Paths' powers. Gaara cheated death similarly, with Granny Chiyo revealing a technique that could bring the dead back, albeit with a sacrifice. These deaths could have served as profound moments for the show, yet they were turned into absurd moments of nothing but sheer plot armor.

Kimimaro Against Rock Lee and Gaara - Characters Winning a Lost Battle

In many shonen anime, it's common for main characters to gain a sudden power boost when faced with tough challenges. However, Naruto takes it to the next level by introducing various unique powers for its characters out of nowhere. For instance, when Naruto regains control of Nine Tails and defeats Pain, it feels like a bit too much. Pain was clearly a powerful opponent with the Rinnegan, but somehow Naruto managed to come out on top.

Naruto's "Talk no Jutsu"

Sasuke's victory over Itachi can be seen as a case of plot armor coming to the rescue, as Itachi seemed to have the advantage for most of the fight. It was only due to Itachi's previously unmentioned illness that Sasuke emerged victorious. A similar instance is Rock Lee's survival in his battle against Kimimaro, where Kimimaro's sudden illness, with no known cure, prevented him from delivering a fatal blow to Rock Lee.

Naruto Convinces Obito - Naruto's "Talk no Jutsu"

Naruto also demonstrates plot armor through his "Talk no Jutsu," a unique approach where he persuades enemies to change their ways. This technique may not be a traditional fighting move, but it proves effective as Naruto convinces many foes to abandon their destructive paths. However, some fans argue that this undermines the tension and development built throughout the series.

Naruto has a unique ability to persuade his enemies to change their ways, a power known as Talk no Jutsu. This has allowed him to overcome powerful adversaries such as Nagato, Obito, and even the Kages. In normal circumstances, this would be highly unrealistic.

By using Talk no Jutsu, Naruto convinces his enemies to give up their harmful intentions through conversation alone. Some argue that this undermines the core of the show and leads to an unsatisfying resolution to conflicts.

"You used to share the same aspirations as me. But now, you have strayed so far from the path of a Hokage!"

How Plot Armor Reduced Naruto's Impact

Six Paths Sage Mode Users Naruto - Featured - How Plot Armor Reduced Naruto's Impact

Naruto has an excessive amount of plot armor, which can be harmful for a show. The constant use of deus ex machina to save its characters has created a sense that the protagonist will always come out on top, no matter how dire the situation. This has made it hard for fans to connect with the story on a deeper level.

The Fourth Great Ninja War in Naruto only made this issue worse. It introduced new power-ups, reduced villains to mere plot devices, and conveniently saved characters from death without any logical explanation. Despite still being an enjoyable show, Naruto lacks the depth and consequences that other anime possess.

Naruto is available to stream on Prime Video.

Editor's P/S:

The Naruto franchise has undoubtedly captured the hearts of millions worldwide, but its reliance on plot armor has significantly hindered its overall impact. The excessive protection of main characters has undermined the narrative's depth and weight, making it difficult for viewers to connect with the story on a deeper level. The constant deus ex machina moments and convenient escapes from death have created a sense of predictability and diminished the stakes of the conflicts.

Moreover, the overuse of plot armor has reduced the impact of character deaths and victories. When characters are miraculously saved or granted sudden power boosts without proper justification, it cheapens the emotional weight of their sacrifices and triumphs. The lack of consequences and logical explanations for these plot devices has created a sense of dissatisfaction among fans, who crave a more cohesive and realistic storytelling experience. As a result, Naruto's potential for emotional resonance and lasting impact has been diminished by its overreliance on plot armor.