The So-Called Coward

A character is passive and nonviolent, unwilling to engage in meaningless brawls. A bullying braggart sets out to harass the character. The character backs down and is branded a coward. If the pacifist character actually labels themself as such, expect the braggart to sneer about how Pacifism Is Cowardice. However, a peril soon crops up that endangers the entire community. The bully wets his Levis. The quiet character then engages in spectacular acts of heroism that stun the community. Thus endeth the Aesop. May or may not be a Badass Pacifist. Often has a subplot of Single Woman Seeks Good Man. If we reduce life to video game terms, this person would probably be a Stone Wall, not able to do much actively, but capable of selfless acts of defense if needed. Compare Cowardly Lion, who believes himself a coward; the tropes may overlap but seldom do. It may, however, overlap with Beware the Nice Ones, Good Is Not Soft, and Martial Pacifist. Also compare Sheep in Sheep's Clothing, where a character who's suspected of being Too Good To Be True turns out to actually be that good and true. Contrast Dirty Coward, for which these will be mistaken at first. Also contrast Nobody Calls Me "Chicken"!, when being labeled a coward provokes a character into doing something brave (or stupid). Not to be confused with Cowardice Callout, which is where the person receiving this treatment really is guilty of the cowardice people are calling them out on. Foil of Miles Gloriosus, who acts brave but is really a coward.