Plot armor isn't just a TV show trope, it occurs in fiction as well.
What is plot armor? Plot armor is is when a main character's life and health are safeguarded by the fact that he/she is the one person who can't be removed from the story. Plot armor isn't just that the main character survives through so many unrealistic scenarios, its that they survive without injury or loss.
So how do you avoid plot armor? Show the main character's damage and loss. If they're shot in the shoulder, don't have them using that arm frequently afterward (unless some magic is involved and they heal quickly.) If the main character has lost someone they cared about, don't bring them back (I dislike this, even in sci-fi novels... it lessens the loss.) Basically, make your character's decisions matter. If the character makes careless or reckless decisions, make sure they suffer real consequences.
The best way to avoid plot armor... follow George R. R. Martin's lead and allow main characters to die and to suffer extreme loss (if your story calls for it.)
Thanks for reading. I'm sorry this is so short. I have recently landed a new job and have become so busy!!
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