LogFAQs > #924600005

Today's trope is Mentor Occupational Hazard. Here is the link: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MentorOccupationalHazard

Being the Mentor is never an easy job. Fighting the Big Bad yourself and stopping The End of the World as We Know It is tough enough as it is, and you would know. Now you have to do that and take this Nave Newcomer under your wing and teach them the ropes of herodom.

If you don't have to convince The Chosen One who just wants to be normal to grow a spine and accept the Call to Adventure, you have to convince your blindly excited and dangerously eager young pupil that You Are Not Ready to learn the Dangerous Forbidden Technique. When you try to protect The Hero from the Awful Truth, you end up facing their Rage Against the Mentor. If they're an orphan, you have to find them a set of Muggle Foster Parents while keeping social services in the dark. You have to endure accusations of insanity when you're trying to teach your charge that Your Eyes Can Deceive You, give them advice on how to tell a love interest "It's Not You, It's My Enemies," and keep a close eye on them 24/7.

And what is your reward for all this patience and effort?

You die.

Yes, there is a 90-100% chance that the Cool Old Guy who has stood by The Hero's side through thick and thin since the first episode/chapter/installment gets offed before the climax of the story. He might get an Obi-Wan Moment if he's lucky. He's just that cool: Too Cool to Live. It's necessary for The Hero's development can they rise to the occasion and save the day without their teacher holding their hand? Are they ready to accept the torch?

TL,DR: A hero's mentor dies, often to further the development of the hero or make the villain appear more despicable and imposing.

Nominations:
Mia Fey (Ace Attorney)
The Boss (Metal Gear Solid 3)
Dr. King Schultz (Django Unchained)