Stormtrooper effect

Stormtrooper effect: "The Stormtrooper effect, also called Stormtrooper syndrome, is a cliche in works of fiction where minor characters (cannon fodder) are unrealistically ineffective in combat against more important characters (almost always the protagonists 'equipped' with character shields). The name originated with the armed Imperial Stormtroopers in the original Star Wars trilogy, who, despite their considerable advantages of close range, overwhelming numbers, professional military training, full armor, military-grade firepower, and noticeable combat effectiveness against non-speaking characters, were incapable of seriously harming or indeed merely hitting the protagonists. The effect is generally employed either to increase the dramatic tension of an action scene or to accentuate the heroes' fighting prowess."