Defeat in Fiction: How to Lose Without Losing Credibility

In storytelling, defeat can be just as important—if not more so—than victory. A well-crafted loss can build tension, deepen character development, and make eventual triumphs even more satisfying. However, not all defeats are created equal. A loss that undermines a character’s credibility can weaken their appeal and damage the audience’s investment. To avoid this, writers use different techniques to frame defeat in ways that protect or even enhance a character’s standing.

This article explores ten types of losses in fiction, how they function, and why they work.

1. The Fluke Loss

Example: Naruto vs. Kiba – Naruto

Sometimes, a character loses due to an unexpected and almost comical mishap rather than a genuine gap in skill. Naruto’s fight against Kiba in the Chunin Exams is a classic example—Naruto is on the ropes but wins because of a completely unexpected (and somewhat ridiculous) moment: he farts in Kiba’s face, distracting him long enough for a counterattack.

Why It Protects Credibility: Since the loss isn't reflective of a character’s true skill level, the audience doesn’t view it as a legitimate failure. The opponent doesn’t outmatch them—they just got lucky.

2. The Screwjob Loss

Example: Mirio vs. Overhaul – My Hero Academia

A screwjob loss happens when a character is robbed of victory through external interference, dirty tricks, or unfair circumstances. During their fight against Overhaul, Mirio is dominating—even without his Quirk—until Overhaul’s lackey fires a Quirk-erasing bullet, permanently stripping him of his power.

Why It Protects Credibility: The character was clearly winning and only lost due to factors beyond their control. This type of loss often fuels a later revenge arc.

3. The War of Attrition Loss

Example: Goku vs. Jiren – Dragon Ball Super

A war of attrition loss happens when a character loses not because they were outclassed, but because they simply ran out of gas. Goku pushes his body to the limit against Jiren, achieving Ultra Instinct, but his body eventually gives out, leaving him vulnerable.

Why It Protects Credibility: The audience sees that the character was capable of winning, but their body couldn't keep up. This type of loss makes characters look strong, not weak.

4. The Moral Victory

Example: Rock Lee vs. Gaara – Naruto

Rock Lee doesn’t win his fight against Gaara, but in many ways, he wins over the audience. Despite overwhelming odds, he pushes Gaara to his limit and earns the respect of everyone watching, even in defeat.

Why It Protects Credibility: The character loses, but in a way that earns admiration and respect, making them look even stronger in the eyes of the audience.

5. The Monster Finally Falls

Example: The Raid in One Piece – Kaido’s Defeat

Sometimes, a character is meant to be a seemingly invincible force, and their eventual defeat must be framed as a monumental event. Kaido, one of the most powerful characters in One Piece, finally falls only after an extended raid where multiple forces chip away at him, and Luffy unlocks a new level of power.

Why It Protects Credibility: It emphasizes that the villain was so powerful that it took everything and everyone to bring them down. The character doesn’t lose easily, reinforcing their dominance even in defeat.

6. The Comeback Loss

Example: Deku vs. Todoroki – My Hero Academia

Deku faces off against Todoroki in the Sports

Festival and, despite his best efforts, loses. However, the fight isn’t really about winning—it’s about pushing Todoroki to use his full power for the first time.

Why It Protects Credibility: The character loses, but their actions achieve an important emotional or narrative goal, making them feel like a winner despite the result.

7. The Passing of the Torch

Example: Tien vs. Roshi – Dragon Ball

When Tien faces Master Roshi in the World Martial Arts Tournament, Roshi intentionally loses, recognizing that the next generation is ready to take over.

Why It Protects Credibility: The loss is framed as an intentional act rather than a true defeat, preserving the character’s wisdom and experience while allowing the next generation to shine.

8. The Redemption Loss

Example: Gon vs. Hisoka – Hunter x Hunter (Heavens Arena)

Gon faces Hisoka and loses, but in the process, he achieves his goal—landing a single clean hit on Hisoka.

Why It Protects Credibility: The character is shown improving, setting up future victories. Loss is framed as a step toward growth rather than a failure.

9. The “Just Not My Night” Loss

Example: Ash’s Pikachu vs. Trip's Snivey – Pokémon

Pikachu, Ash’s strongest and most experienced Pokémon, suddenly finds itself unable to use Electric-type attacks after an encounter with Zekrom. When Ash battles a brand-new trainer, Trip, Pikachu gets defeated by a level 5 Snivy—an opponent it should have easily beaten.

Why it Protects Credibility: Pikachu wasn’t actually weaker—it was temporarily crippled by outside forces. If not for Zekrom’s interference, the outcome would have been vastly different. This loss isn’t an indictment of Pikachu’s skill; it’s just a bad night with unfair circumstances.

10. The Sacrificial Loss

Example: Meruem vs. Netero – Hunter x HunterNetero faces Meruem, knowing he can’t win in direct combat. Instead, he plays the long game, sacrificing himself to poison Meruem and ensure his eventual defeat.

Why It Protects Credibility: The loss serves a higher purpose, showing the character’s bravery, wisdom, and willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Why Protecting Credibility Matters

A poorly handled loss can break audience investment in a character, making them seem weak or unworthy of their previous build-up. By using the right type of loss, writers can ensure that even in failure, a character retains their impact, maintains their presence, and builds anticipation for their next battle.

A well-crafted defeat isn’t just about who wins and who loses—it’s about how the loss happens and what it means. When done correctly, a loss can be as defining as a victory.