Hard work vs. plot armor: What really drives Tanjiro’s success in Demon Slayer?

Tanjiro Kamado is the protagonist in Demon Slayer, and his life changed after his sister became a victim of Muzan and transformed into a demon, and he lost his family. After losing everything in life, Tanjiro dedicated his energy to training, and fighting against demons in order to find a cure to save his sister.

However, fans wonder if Tanjiro wins because of hard work, or is he protected by the invisible hand of plot armor? The short answer would be: It is a combination of both these aspects, but the effect of plot armour seems more prevalent most of the time.

As the series progresses, several fights and situations raise doubts about how organic his victories really are. Time and again, Tanjiro escapes death or triumphs against all odds, leading some to believe that plot armor plays a significant role in his success.

His training is a clear example of his resilience. For two years, Tanjiro endures harsh physical and mental conditioning, learning the Water Breathing technique and honing his combat instincts. He doesn’t start off being powerful but he trains, struggles, and evolves. In these early moments, Tanjiro’s journey feels like a deserved outcome of his hard work.

The first real moment that hints at plot armor is Tanjiro’s encounter with his demon-turned-sister, Nezuko. She is on the brink of attacking him, as any demon would, but somehow, she retains a portion of her humanity. This miraculous emotional restraint is never fully explained and is not something other demon slayers ever witness in the field.

Perhaps one of the most comical but telling moments of plot protection is Tanjiro’s fight with Inosuke. Rather than besting him with swordplay or strategy, Tanjiro simply headbutts Inosuke into unconsciousness. While amusing, the moment borders on absurdity.

His hard head, a trait he shares with his mother, is conveniently treated as a secret weapon. It works in the scene for laughs but, again, it hints at the narrative bending reality just enough to keep Tanjiro from truly struggling.

Power scaling in Demon Slayer

By the time Mugen Train rolls around, Tanjiro is still a relatively fresh demon slayer. Yet, he and Inosuke manage to defeat Lower Moon One, Enmu, an opponent so dangerous that the entire train became a death trap under his control.

It feels like a stretch that Tanjiro, still developing his techniques, could overpower a demon this strong. Even if we account for his instincts and his connection to Hinokami Kagura, the fight feels like a case of the narrative ensuring the protagonist survives for the next arc.

Hard work vs. plot armor: So what really drives Tanjiro in Demon Slayer?

It would be unfair to say Tanjiro hasn’t worked hard. He has trained extensively, suffered emotional and physical loss, and grown stronger with every battle. His kindness, intelligence, and tenacity are undeniable. At the same time, however, it is also true that Demon Slayer often shields him from the worst possible outcomes.

For instance, when he fought against Kyogai, Tanjiro is still injured from his previous fight. Yet, he manages to adapt and ultimately wins. These victories are portrayed as earned, but the conditions seem tailor-made for him to succeed and to give him a clear path to meet the final villain.

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In conclusion, Tanjiro in Demon Slayer is saved by the plot armor device, but that does not take away from all the effort he has put into training. Also, this show was never about realism. Therefore, his being backed up by forces that work for him is not a bad narrative idea. His story is as much about fate as it is about effort, and it is in that balance where his appeal truly lies.

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