This Index Is Expendable

Commander: Okay, let's see if I've got this right.... The kid's about to attack, and when he does, you want me to.... Mook: Surrender, sir. Commander: Why would I do that? Mook: Cuz sir, if we fight him, we're all gonna die. Commander: What gave you that crazy idea? Mook: Sir, I've checked around and no one aboard this ship has a name. Commander: So what? Mook: So it means we're goons! Faceless Cannon Fodder! Commander: Bah! You have no proof of that! Mook: Sir, in case you haven't noticed.... EVERYBODY ABOARD THIS SHIP IS WEARING A RED SHIRT! Commander: Bah! Sheer coincidence! Mook: YOU'RE LIVING IN DENIAL! YOU'RE GONNA WIPE US ALL OUT! Commander: Bah! you're jus cracking under the pressure, lad. Just relax. Here, let me show you something. It's a picture of my wife and kids! Ain't they something? They're the reason I'm here. I'm fighting for them. I ain't going to let them down. [[[Beat]]] Mook: Well, nice knowing you captain. —Episode 345 of Captain SNES

Sometimes a story will have loads and loads of generic characters; they could be soldiers, warriors, monsters, anything. They either exist as enemies for the hero to blow through on his way to the Big Bad or as his friends (but never actually of the True Companions) to die to show how serious matters have become. Either way, the deal is they're expendable. These are them:

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Varieties:

• Battle Thralls
• Big Dumb Body
• Boss in Mook Clothing
• Disposable Pilot
• Disposable Sex Worker
• Disposable Vagrant
• Disposable Woman
• Henchmen Race
• Meat Puppet
• Punch Clock Villain
• Red Shirt
  • Mauve Shirt
  • Redshirt Army
  • Red Shirt Reporter
  • Cannon Fodder
  • C-List Fodder
• Unknown Character

Related Tropes

• Canon Shadow
• Imperial Stormtrooper Marksmanship Academy
• Throwaway Country
• Pluto Is Expendable
• We Have Reserves