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The heroic party finds itself in jeopardy and only the self-sacrifice of one of its members can allow them to continue on their quest. You find this basic element in any number of movies, but nowhere more than in the fantasy genre.

Why do writers use this ploy? It crops up so often because it works. Viewers care about the characters, and killing one of them off intensifies the sense that the rest are in mortal peril. Forcing one to suffer emotional anguish makes audiences sympathize and convinces them of the evil of those who must be vanquished.

The plot device works for several variations on the fantasy theme. A grizzled father figure can throw himself in the path of danger to rescue his erstwhile child. Perhaps that sounds familiar to you, if you've seen a Lord of the Rings movie or two.

A seemingly unlikeable character can find redemption in self-sacrifice, as well. Someone seen as untrustworthy can reveal a true heart at the bitter end. The survivors then feel guilty for having so misjudged someone and find an opportunity to show great emotion.

Self-sacrifice in movies does not always require someone to die, however. It may be one character giving up their love for another in order to keep them safe. This strategy shows the lofty ideals and strength of character our hero has and, when done well, has the audience rooting for the lovers against all odds. The Princess Bride turns this strategy on its ear, to great effect.

Perhaps the most powerful of all versions of self-sacrifice, in the fantasy genre as in others, requires the lead character to die saving the world. Because most of us have been raised on happy endings, movies in which the hero doesn't survive to enjoy the fruits of his labor impact us even more deeply.

Which of us does not like to imagine that, in a similar situation, we would be the ones to see the need for a hero and to throw ourselves before the approaching doom? Who does not want to believe that, if necessary, your loved ones would be willing to make that same self-sacrifice for you?

As much as magic and impossible worlds, the fantasy film genre relies on self-sacrifice to involve viewers and gain sympathy for its characters, as well as to increase the emotional impact of its stories. Whether the character that sacrifices itself is a minor part of the story or a lead role, audiences find such creatures hard to resist. They reinforce the optimism that people (and aliens and talking animals) are, at heart, good and noble. The world can use a little more optimism.

Learn more about this author, Mel Bergen.
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