"World of Cardboard" Speech: Difference between revisions

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* A loner and/or [[Death Seeker]], finding something [[Worth Living For]].

Named for a popular scene from ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'' featuring Superman. Fans have long complained about how widely his [[Power Levels|power level]] [[Strong As They Need to Be|varies throughout]] [[The DCU]]. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl_5UwS57X8 This speech has him explaining why he occasionally takes a beating.]

Named for a popular scene from ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'' featuring Superman. Fans have long complained about how widely his [[Power Levels|power level]] [[Strong as They Need to Be|varies throughout]] [[The DCU]]. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl_5UwS57X8 This speech has him explaining why he occasionally takes a beating.]

As for how to interpret the name along with the trope, for most of the examples the world isn't nearly as fragile as Superman sees it, but they still view their own personal world as being far more brittle than it really is. And so the "world of cardboard" revelation is that ''it isn't'' as easy to break as they thought it was. Incidentally, because this is supposed to be a big deal for the individual in question, what usually follows is a [[Crowning Moment of Awesome]].

[[Break Them By Talking]] is essentially the opposite of this, with a villain outlining the hero's flaws and effectively using it against them.

[[Break Them by Talking]] is essentially the opposite of this, with a villain outlining the hero's flaws and effectively using it against them.

You can expect a [[Crowning Moment of Awesome]] if the villain attempts [[Breaking Them By Talking]] and the hero responds with a World Of Cardboard Speech. The villain may respond with "[[This Is Gonna Suck]]."

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* Oddly enough, one of the most touching World of Cardboard Speeches came from an antagonist in ''[[One Piece]]''. Hannyabal, [[The Starscream]] of the [[Rescue Arc|Impel Down Arc]], explained that he couldn't let Impel Down fall because it would cause fear and chaos that would harm the weak ordinary citizens of the World Government.

{{quote| '''Hannyabal:''' [[You Rebel Scum|You're nothing but pirates and rebels who became notorious for your wicket deeds!]] [[Rescue Arc|You want to rescue your brother]]?! A ne'er-do-well like you has no right to say that!! Were you allowed to roam the seas again, law-abiding citizens would live in such fear for their loved ones they couldn't sleep at night!! This prison was constructed as a warehouse for scum like you so that decent people could live in peace!! If you were to get out, you'd terrorize the world!! [[You Shall Not Pass|But I'm not going to allow that to happen]]!!}}

* In Episode 23 of ''[[Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha ~~Strikers~~]]'', after Subaru's device reminds her of the reason why she fights, Subaru recalls that while she is scared of hurting others, her power is not meant for destruction, but to protect others, and she manages to defeat {{spoiler|Ginga}} soon afterward. In Episode 26, Vice confesses that he's not an ace or an expert, and that ever since {{spoiler|he accidentally shot his little sister in the eye}}, he's felt quite pathetic. He then notes that he's at least good enough to help open a path for Subaru and Teana to enter the cradle to rescue Nanoha, Hayate, and Vivio, and proceeds to shoot down several gadgets with perfect accuracy.

* In Episode 23 of ''[[Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS]]'', after Subaru's device reminds her of the reason why she fights, Subaru recalls that while she is scared of hurting others, her power is not meant for destruction, but to protect others, and she manages to defeat {{spoiler|Ginga}} soon afterward. In Episode 26, Vice confesses that he's not an ace or an expert, and that ever since {{spoiler|he accidentally shot his little sister in the eye}}, he's felt quite pathetic. He then notes that he's at least good enough to help open a path for Subaru and Teana to enter the cradle to rescue Nanoha, Hayate, and Vivio, and proceeds to shoot down several gadgets with perfect accuracy.

* ''[[Bleach]]''. Ichigo tells Uryu about losing his mother, and after seeing his father and sisters suffer as a result, not wanting anyone else to feel the same. He states that he can't save everyone, but wants to protect as many people as he can, which makes Uryu reflect on his grandfather's teachings and accept his offer to fight the hollows together.

** Ichigo again at the end of the [[Meaningful Name|Deicide Arc]] having attained full control of his power after properly communing with his zanpakutou. Able to literally wipe out mountains with a casual sword swing, [[Crowning Moment of Awesome|he calmly tells Aizen that has surpassed him in strength]] [[Shut UP, Hannibal|and is tired of Aizen's speeches.]] Made all the more awesome given at this point, Aizen and Ichigo are the two most powerful characters in the series, even surpassing Yamamoto.

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** Shinji spends much of ''[[Rebuild of Evangelion|Rebuild 2.0]]'' trying to find a reason to fight. The world is too big and his father too distant, but when he finally finds a reason to fight and gives up his fears of failure and death, he surpasses all limits.

{{quote| '''Shinji''': {{spoiler|I don't care what happens to me. I don't even care what happens to the world. But I'm bringing Rei back. I promise I'll save you Rei, even if it's the last thing I do!}}}}

* In [[Fullmetal Alchemist (~~Anime~~)|the 2003 anime version]] of ''[[Fullmetal Alchemist (~~Manga~~)|Fullmetal Alchemist]]'':

* In [[Fullmetal Alchemist (anime)|the 2003 anime version]] of ''[[Fullmetal Alchemist (manga)|Fullmetal Alchemist]]'':

{{quote| '''Edward:''' Even after I became a soldier, war still seemed like something that happened in a far off land, where I couldn't see it... or someone else fought and died. It didn't seem real... I thought war had nothing to do with me... But now that... I learned there's someone who's willing to start war, who's going to start war, just for the Stone... I know that as long as there are people who seek the Stone's forbidden power, that bloodshed will keep happening... And I know the desire for that power, lurks somewhere in all of us... {{spoiler|The Homunculi}} may throw fuel on the fire of war... But didn't the desire to bring back people we love, create them?... And if they're nothing more than products of our hearts and minds, no matter how pure our intentions... Then there will never be.. a war, that isn't at least in some part, caused by all of us... ever.}}

** And in the final scene (doubling as [[Book Ends]], as nearly every episode began with first four sentences of this speech):

{{quote| '''Alphonse:''' Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is alchemy's first law of Equivalent Exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one and only truth. But the world isn't perfect, and the law is incomplete. Equivalent Exchange doesn't encompass everything that goes on here, but I still choose to believe in its principle, that all things do come at a price, that there's an ebb, and a flow. A cycle, that the pain we went through did have a reward, and that anyone who's determined and perseveres, will get something of value, even if it's not what they expected. I don't think of Equivalent Exchange as a law of the world anymore anymore. I think of it as a promise, between my brother and me. A promise that {{spoiler|some day, we'll see each other again.}}}}

* In part 3 of ''[[Jo Jo's Bizarre Adventure ~~(Manga)~~|Jo Jos Bizarre Adventure]]'', Jotaro is on the losing end of his battle against Kakyoin, but keeps getting back up in spite of being heavily wounded. He then gives a speech about [[This Is Unforgivable!|his motivations to fight]], and the difference between [[Jerk ~~With~~ a Heart of Gold|him]] and his [[Brainwashed and Crazy|opponent]]. This promptly turns the fight around, leaving Kakyoin almost dead in the end.

* In part 3 of ''[[Jo Jo's Bizarre Adventure|Jo Jos Bizarre Adventure]]'', Jotaro is on the losing end of his battle against Kakyoin, but keeps getting back up in spite of being heavily wounded. He then gives a speech about [[This Is Unforgivable!|his motivations to fight]], and the difference between [[Jerk with a Heart of Gold|him]] and his [[Brainwashed and Crazy|opponent]]. This promptly turns the fight around, leaving Kakyoin almost dead in the end.

{{quote| '''Kakyoin''': And so still you rise... like a punching bag in front of a boxer! You like being beaten... is that it?

'''Jotaro''': ...No one ever said Jotaro Kujo was a nice guy. I beat the crap out of people more than I have to. Some are still in the hospital. There's plenty of teachers who got on my bad side and never came back to class. And hey, I make it a policy not to pay the check if I didn't like the meal. But even a guy like me can spot evil when he sees it! Evil means to use the weak for your own gain and then stomp on them when it's over! And that's what you've done! To a woman and a doctor, even! And your [[Psychic Powers|Stand]] gets to hide from the victim... the law... the consequences! But NOT... while I'm here! }}

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'''Spike:''' ''"I'm not going there to die. I'm going there to see if I was ever really alive."'' }}

* Detective Ikari does this in the last episode of ''[[Paranoia Agent]]''. As one of the characters who has gotten some of the worst of it: {{spoiler|he lost his job, his wife died, and he was too old to learn any new skills}}. His World of Cardboard Speech comes when he {{spoiler|destroys the 2-D fantasy world with a baseball bat claiming that the real world has no place for an old man like him, but that he would rather face that harsh reality than live in a fantasy world}}. It is truly epic to watch.

* In the first few ''[[~~Haruhi Suzumiya (Light Novel)|~~Haruhi Suzumiya]]'' books and pretty much the entire anime, Kyon is just trying to get by, to do what he needs to do deal with Haruhi and little more, relying on Nagato to handle any really serious issues. Then the whole world changes, so that he could go back to a normal life. In the end he decides (In a World of Cardboard Monologue) that he much prefers the old world, and is willing to go back and enjoy it head on, and no longer {{spoiler|rely on Yuki so much, whom had caused the events of the story as part of a nervous breakdown.}} [[The Movie]] version of this is epic.

* In the first few ''[[Haruhi Suzumiya]]'' books and pretty much the entire anime, Kyon is just trying to get by, to do what he needs to do deal with Haruhi and little more, relying on Nagato to handle any really serious issues. Then the whole world changes, so that he could go back to a normal life. In the end he decides (In a World of Cardboard Monologue) that he much prefers the old world, and is willing to go back and enjoy it head on, and no longer {{spoiler|rely on Yuki so much, whom had caused the events of the story as part of a nervous breakdown.}} [[The Movie]] version of this is epic.

* In the finale of ''[[Digimon Adventure]]'', {{spoiler|the Digidestined and their Digimon have been digitized by [[True Final Boss|Apocalymon]], their Digimon were reverted to their base forms, and their [[Upgrade Artifact|crests]] are destroyed. They realize that their crests were powered by their own spirits and thus didn't need the physical items, and they return to face Apocalymon with a World of Cardboard Speech and proceed to battle him.}}

** During the hunt for their [[Upgrade Artifact|crests]], which allow their digimon to evolve into more powerful forms, they found that each crest represented something special and unique about them and it would only work when they were exibiting those attributes. Tai's crest was Courage, but he tried to force Agumon to evolve by putting himself in harm's way, which caused a warped evolution into SkullGreymon, a violent [[The Berserker|berserker]]. A very traumatizing mistake, but Tai learned that courage wasn't rushing into a battle, but standing up against evil, allowing Agumon to evolve into his proper form, MetalGreymon. Each digidestined had to go through something similar (although not with warped evolutions) through the remainder of the season.

** The original gives Agumon one about the strength of his bond with his friends in the 50th episode, at the climax of his fight with Mugendramon. The dub, [[Lull Destruction|being the dub]], turns it into him reminding Machinedramon of [[For Massive Damage|exactly what it is his claws do]] to Digimon of his type.

* Occurs in ''[[Soul Taker (~~Anime~~)|Soul Taker]]'' when the protagonist, suffering from repressed guilt about Maya's death, allows the Soul Anubis to pummel him... until he comes to a realization.

* Occurs in ''[[Soul Taker (anime)|Soul Taker]]'' when the protagonist, suffering from repressed guilt about Maya's death, allows the Soul Anubis to pummel him... until he comes to a realization.

{{quote| '''Kyousuke''': I wanted to feel the pain Maya suffered, even just for a moment. I felt that I should know that pain. But right now, no matter how many times I'm hit, I'm not able to feel the pain. So now, I'm ''ending it''.}}

* In ''[[Beyblade]]'' Kai gives a awesome one before defeating Brooklyn.

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* Simon gets an ''awesome'' speech in ''[[Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann]]'' when he breaks out of his [[Heroic BSOD]] and comes to accept his own strengths and weaknesses instead of measuring himself against Kamina. Then he [[No-Holds-Barred Beatdown|drills General Guame a new one]].

{{quote| "{{spoiler|My bro is dead. He's gone! But he's right there on my back, and here in my heart! He lives on as a part of me!}} If you're gonna dig, dig to the heavens. No matter what's in my way, I won't stop! Once I've dug through -- it means that I've won! Just who the hell do you think I am? I'm Simon. I'm not my Bro! I'M ME!! '''[[This Is Sparta|Simon the Digger!]]'''"}}

* Tsukasa from ''[[.hack Sign]]'' has a revelation about {{spoiler|not needing to fear reality anymore}}, a la this trope, {{spoiler|which enables his escape from "The World."}} In the process, he gives this speech.

* Tsukasa from ''[[.hack//Sign]]'' has a revelation about {{spoiler|not needing to fear reality anymore}}, a la this trope, {{spoiler|which enables his escape from "The World."}} In the process, he gives this speech.

* At the end of ''[[Tiger and Bunny]]'', Kotetsu gives one when {{spoiler|he returns from his [[Ten Minute Retirement]]}}.

* At the end of ''[[Tiger and Bunny]]'', Kotetsu gives one when {{spoiler|he returns from his [[Ten-Minute Retirement]]}}.

{{quote| '''Kotetsu:''' And you know what? I realized you don't get to set your own limits. Even after I {{spoiler|lose my powers}} and get mocked by everyone or look ridiculous, I'm not going to let that stop me. I'm going to stay a hero to the very end. I'm not going to give up. Besides, it doesn't hurt to have a hero who's uncool, right?}}

* The Final Trials in ''[[Heartcatch Pretty Cure]]'' were pretty much this: the four Cures are set against their Mirage selves, embodying their own hang-ups (Tsubomi's insecurity, Erika's jealousy towards her sister, Itsuki's denial of being herself and Yuri's regrets and failures). As each Cure fights, they come to realize that that's what makes them who they are and they'll use it to become stronger. It takes Tsubomi the longest since she isn't sure if she can confront that part of herself, but she does. It helps unlock their [[Super Mode]] in the end, so that's a plus.

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== Fan Fiction ==

* In ''[[Kyon: ~~Big Damn Hero (Fanfic)|Kyon~~ Big Damn Hero]]'':

* In ''[[Kyon: Big Damn Hero]]'':

{{quote| '''{{spoiler|Mikuru (big)}}:''' So... in a roundabout way, you and I, together, even though I still stumble a little bit, are forging towards a brighter future. One that isn't predetermined to you, that doesn't damage the future I come from. If you understand what I said earlier... you have the power to change me. Not my past self, so directly... but your influence ends up helping me become the person I am. I could tell you everything, try to make it predetermined... I could say things were better or worse then they truly will be, and try to trick you into changing things for me. Once, I did - sort of - tell you about the goals of the people I work for. Instead, though, this time I'll do what Yuki-chan did. I'll tell you nothing, even if you would believe me. But I'm not trying to keep you in the dark because I want to manipulate you... I'm telling you as little as possible because I believe in you. I have absolute confidence that if I don't limit you, you will achieve something wonderful. And maybe, just in small, selfish bits... I might lead you towards something that I think we both would like...}}

* From [http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5433094/26/The_Doorstop chapter 26] of ''[http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5433094/1/The_Doorstop The Doorstop]'', {{spoiler|[[Lyrical Nanoha|Nanoha]]}} gives a truly epic one to a Chaos Assassin.

{{quote| '''{{spoiler|Nanoha Takamachi}}:''' "The day before yesterday was the first time I killed. Six of them were valued employees, men and women with loving families and excellent career prospects who I had nothing but the utmost personal and professional respect for. {{spoiler|The last two were my own adoptive children. Erio and Caro}} came from backgrounds that would have broken any lesser individual, and they came out happy, caring, and the finest recruits I have ever had the privilege of training. They battled against monsters and criminals, protected the innocent, and saved the life of the woman I love most in the world. Your animals, your killing machines? They do not deserve it." [...] "Here is what I am going to do, assassin. I am going to make sure the Hellhounds get the help they need, that they are given the chance to become productive members of society. I am going to stand against your gods' forces, no matter what strange powers or arcane technologies they might wield, and I am going to cleanse their masters' taint from their hearts, their minds, and their souls. Then, once all else is done, once the war is over and the universe is at peace once more, I shall go to your gods and I shall forgive them, for they have strayed far from their path and know not what they do. I shall forgive them, and I shall grant them what healing and redemption I can muster. People die in war. I can accept that. I am only one amongst billions. I can accept that. But even if this is impossible, even if I fail, this is the path I shall strive to walk. This is the will of {{spoiler|Nanoha Takamachi}}. DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?"}}

* Faren Brosca sort of gives one in ''[[~~Dragon Age the Crown of Thorns|~~Dragon Age: The Crown of Thorns]] while'' {{spoiler|[[Curb Stomp Battle|curbstomping]] the most powerful form of the demon that trapped them in the fade.}} Then again, it's not so much him letting loose as saying he's actually ''not'' under the influence of any empowering emotion or whatnot.

* Faren Brosca sort of gives one in ''[[Dragon Age: The Crown of Thorns]] while'' {{spoiler|[[Curb Stomp Battle|curbstomping]] the most powerful form of the demon that trapped them in the fade.}} Then again, it's not so much him letting loose as saying he's actually ''not'' under the influence of any empowering emotion or whatnot.

{{quote| "You know, I could say I'm doing this because I don't plan on letting those important to me die. I could say it's because I'm in a hurry to get out of this Fade thing and find out what happened to Kallian. I could say it's because I had a sort of revelation that ever so epically opened my eyes to a sort of higher calling. And I could also start a long, pointless monologue about true strength and a heap of other stuff, during which, truth be told, I may not even know what I'd be talking about half the time. I could babble for hours about nonsense, but the truth is that, right now, I am simply kicking your ass because I just don't like you."}}

* This concept is somewhat referenced in the ''[[Naruto]]''/''[[Justice League]]'' Crossover ''[[~~Connecting the Dots (Fanfic)|~~Connecting the Dots]]'' Superman has to teach all about ''not blowing stuff up'' when he's stopping crime.

* This concept is somewhat referenced in the ''[[Naruto]]''/''[[Justice League]]'' Crossover ''[[Connecting the Dots]]'' Superman has to teach all about ''not blowing stuff up'' when he's stopping crime.

* From ''[http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6611580/45/Shadowchasers_Torment Shadowchasers: Torment Chapter 45]'':

{{quote| '''Ben''': "It does seem like I've been gotten pretty full of myself hasn't it?" he finally said. "It's funny, but hearing you talk about how everything in the universe hinges on the balance between Light and Darkness, Chaos and Order, it made me realize something. I've..." He paused before sighing as he started again.

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"Now I know that getting my memories back, that finding my true self… it all doesn't mean shit if I only end up looking back with shame at what I was willing to become to get there! I'm not the only one with a stake in this fight… The people who took me in and treated me like family are risking their lives for something bigger then who's right or wrong, or who's more powerful. We're fighting to protect all of creation… Every human, every Shadow... Every resident of Heaven, Hell, and every realm in-between… If Tharizdun returns nobody will be spared, so I can't keep on acting like some petty little child and act like I'm above it all!" He drew the top card off his deck.

"So I'll use the strength all of my opponents have given me, good or evil, strong or weak, and the lessons taught to me by everyone who's helped me when I needed them the most, and I'll take down you, Tiberius, and everyone else involved in this mad plan!" }}

* In ''[[~~Time Braid (Fanfic)|~~Time Braid]]'': (after Sakura has finally tapped into her full potential)

* In ''[[Time Braid]]'': (after Sakura has finally tapped into her full potential)

{{quote| '''Hidan''': "You'll run out of chakra soon, but Jashin won't. He's a god, but you're just a fancy medic-nin."

'''Sakura''': My injury healed as instantly as his, and I chuckled. "You know, I've been telling myself that for years. But as long as my Heaven Seal is active I can't fool myself. I see too much, and I can't miss the implications. I'm not just a medic-nin, Hidan. I'm the last native kami of this demon-haunted world, and my domains are insight and mystery. Not to mention that I just took about [[Took a Level In Badass|six levels of badass]]. Don't make me fight you, or you'll lose." }}

* ''[[~~My Little Avengers (Fanfic)|~~My Little Avengers]]'': During the [[Final Battle]], all of the Avengers (except Firebird, who settles for a simple [[Shut UP, Hannibal]]) deliver one of these when fighting their Dark Avenger opponents. First, when Captain Equestria is fighting off the effects of the Ghost Flyer's [[Mind Rape|Penance Stare]]:

* ''[[My Little Avengers]]'': During the [[Final Battle]], all of the Avengers (except Firebird, who settles for a simple [[Shut UP, Hannibal]]) deliver one of these when fighting their Dark Avenger opponents. First, when Captain Equestria is fighting off the effects of the Ghost Flyer's [[Mind Rape|Penance Stare]]:

{{quote| '''Captain Equestria''': '''''No! I will not give up! I will not give in! I am not a failure! I am Captain [[Precision F-Strike|bucking]] Equestria! [[Punctuated for Emphasis|And you! ARE UNDER! ARREST!]]'''''

'''Ghost Flyer''': [[This Cannot Be!|I-IMPOSSIBLE!]] NOPONY CAN RESIST THE PENANCE STARE!

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* ''[[Ponies Make War (Fanfic)|Ponies Make War]]'': When {{spoiler|Celestia}} regains her power after weeks of being depowered and tortured, she delivers a speech in a similar vein as the [[Trope Namer]]:

{{quote| "Centuries of boiling water for tea when I knew that I could boil the seas. Of lifting quills when I could lift mountains. Of breaking wax seals when I could break ''anything I please.'' My power is too much for this world. But it isn't too much for you, is it, [[Evil Matriarch|Terra]]? Now I get to find out what I'm really capable of. No lives to save, no plans to make, ''nothing'' to hold me back. I am divinity unleashed."}}

* In [[~~Reconciliation (Fanfic)|~~Reconciliation]], Hanako, {{spoiler|having received an angry [["The Reason You Suck" Speech]] from Lilly, who is grieving over the loss of her husband Hisao and rejecting Hanako's attempts to console her}}, talks about her past, including the loss of her parents, her isolation, becoming friends with Lilly and Hisao, being upset by being pitied, and finally lashing out at them. Hanako says the loss of her friendship with Hisao and Lilly was worst of all because she knew it was her fault, and as such, {{spoiler|asks Lilly to accept the support of those closest to her}}.

* In [[Reconciliation]], Hanako, {{spoiler|having received an angry [["The Reason You Suck" Speech]] from Lilly, who is grieving over the loss of her husband Hisao and rejecting Hanako's attempts to console her}}, talks about her past, including the loss of her parents, her isolation, becoming friends with Lilly and Hisao, being upset by being pitied, and finally lashing out at them. Hanako says the loss of her friendship with Hisao and Lilly was worst of all because she knew it was her fault, and as such, {{spoiler|asks Lilly to accept the support of those closest to her}}.

== Film ==

* ''[[~~The Hustler (Film)|~~The Hustler]]'' makes it clear from the beginning that although Fast Eddie is a talented pool player, his attitude is holding him back. It's no surprise that he eventually gets his World of Cardboard Speech. Now, how he gets it, on the other hand...

* ''[[The Hustler]]'' makes it clear from the beginning that although Fast Eddie is a talented pool player, his attitude is holding him back. It's no surprise that he eventually gets his World of Cardboard Speech. Now, how he gets it, on the other hand...

* At the end of ''[[~~Serenity (Film)|~~Serenity]]'', River admits to Simon as he lies dying from a gunshot to the stomach that she understands that she's always relied on him and the rest of the crew to [[The Caretaker|take care of her]] through her helpless madness. Then, she adds that now, it is [[Let's Get Dangerous|her turn]] to [[You Shall Not Pass|take care of them.]] [[Crowning Moment of Awesome|Cue awesome.]]

* At the end of ''[[Serenity]]'', River admits to Simon as he lies dying from a gunshot to the stomach that she understands that she's always relied on him and the rest of the crew to [[The Caretaker|take care of her]] through her helpless madness. Then, she adds that now, it is [[Let's Get Dangerous|her turn]] to [[You Shall Not Pass|take care of them.]] [[Crowning Moment of Awesome|Cue awesome.]]

* Jules' coffee-shop speech near the end of ''[[Pulp Fiction]]'':

* Uncle Charlie's unspeakably evil [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX6s3LTds3s "this world is a hell"] speech in ''[[Shadow of a Doubt]]'':

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** {{spoiler|This speech is actually pretty tragic, because of Uncle Charlie's optimistic youth; it is also a turning point for [[One Steve Limit|Little Charlie]], as she goes from optimism to seeing the world as a foul, hypocritical place.}}

* In ''[[The Karate Kid]]'' Daniel took an injury to his leg and leaving him out of the final match. Everyone said that Daniel did great and shouldn't think that removing himself because of such an injury is a sign of weakness. Daniel makes a plea to Miyagi that even though he almost made it to the tournament finals if he didn't face Johnny in the final match he would never have balance with the Cobra guys or in his relationship with Ally. This was an effective lesson to Miyagi that his student finally understood his training.

* In ''[[The Matrix ~~(Film)~~|The Matrix Revolutions]]'', Neo gives a rather brief, but effective, one to Smith, when the latter demands to know '''''why''''' Neo persists in fighting him.

* In ''[[The Matrix|The Matrix Revolutions]]'', Neo gives a rather brief, but effective, one to Smith, when the latter demands to know '''''why''''' Neo persists in fighting him.

* ''[[The Lion in Winter]]''. About halfway through the film Prince Philip has a [[No Mister Bond I Expect You to Dine]] moment with King Henry—and three other people who [[Exact Eavesdropping|happen to be listening in]]—revealing he is ''nowhere'' near as delicate or naive as he looks, seemingly proving himself a cunning adversary. Just when you think Philip's achieved his [[Crowning Moment of Awesome]], Henry promptly demonstrates [["The Reason You Suck" Speech|why Philip sucks.]]

{{quote| '''Henry:''' I found out the way your mind works and the kind of man you are. I know your plans and expectations - you've burbled every bit of strategy you've got. I know exactly what you will do, and exactly what you won't, and I've told you exactly nothing. To these aged eyes, boy, that's what WINNING looks like!}}

** Henry has the upper hand, right? Wrong. Philip launches into his World of Cardboard Speech and plays the people hiding in the room against him.

* ''[[~~Labyrinth (Film)|~~Labyrinth]]''. "You have ''no power'' over me!"

* ''[[Labyrinth]]''. "You have ''no power'' over me!"

* Jack Skellington sings one of these near the end of ''[[The Nightmare Before Christmas]]'', in the song "Poor Jack." He is having a [[Heroic BSOD]] about his failure to bring about Christmas, starts reprising Jack's Lament, starting with the line "I, Jack, the Pumpkin King"... then remembers that, yes, he is the Pumpkin King, and will work hard on making next Halloween even better.

** It also has Jack realizing while what happened didn't go as planned, he gave it his all and there were still good parts too it. Basically, while he screwed up he wouldn't regret what he did because it was still worth the problems.

* Mark "Rent" Renton gets one at the end of the adaptation of ''[[Trainspotting]]''. It's the closing monologue to the film that closely mirrors his opening monologue.

* ''[[Lord of the Rings (~~Film~~)|Lord of the Rings]];; film series:

* ''[[The Lord of the Rings (film)|Lord of the Rings]];; film series:

** ''The Two Towers'':

{{quote| '''Sam''': I know. It's all wrong. By rights we shouldn't even be here. But we are. It's like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo; the ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger, they were. And sometimes you didn’t want to know the end... because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was, when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines, it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you, that meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn’t. They kept going... because they were holding on to something

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{{quote| "500 fights. That's the number I figured when I was a kid. 500 street fights and you could consider yourself a legitimate tough guy. You need them for experience. To develop leather skin. So I got started. Of course along the way you stop thinking about being tough and all that. It stops being the point. You get past the silliness of it all. But then, after, you realize that's what you are. You learn a lot of things on the way to 500. None more important than this." ''[headbutt]''}}

* Villainous example in ''[[Last Action Hero]]''.

{{quote| '''Benedict:''' Gentlemen. Since you are about to die anyway, I may as well tell you the entire plot. Think of villains Jack. You want [[Dracula]]? Dra-cool-la? Hang on, (''takes out the [[Plot Coupon|ticket]]'') I'll fetch him. Dracula? Huh. I can get [[King Kong]]! We'll have a [[A Nightmare On Elm Street|nightmare with Freddy Krueger]], have a surprise party for [[Adolf Hitler]]; [[Silence of the Lambs|Hannibal Lecter]] can do the catering, and then we'll have a christening for [[~~Rosemarys~~ Baby]]! All I have to do is snap my fingers and they'll be here. They're lining up to get here, and do you know why Jack? Should I tell you why? Hmm? Because here, in this world, the bad guys can win!}}

{{quote| '''Benedict:''' Gentlemen. Since you are about to die anyway, I may as well tell you the entire plot. Think of villains Jack. You want [[Dracula]]? Dra-cool-la? Hang on, (''takes out the [[Plot Coupon|ticket]]'') I'll fetch him. Dracula? Huh. I can get [[King Kong]]! We'll have a [[A Nightmare on Elm Street|nightmare with Freddy Krueger]], have a surprise party for [[Adolf Hitler]]; [[Silence of the Lambs|Hannibal Lecter]] can do the catering, and then we'll have a christening for [[Rosemary's Baby]]! All I have to do is snap my fingers and they'll be here. They're lining up to get here, and do you know why Jack? Should I tell you why? Hmm? Because here, in this world, the bad guys can win!}}

* The final battle in ''[[~~Eight~~ Mile ~~(Film)~~|Eight Mile]]'' is B. Rabbit making one giant World of Cardboard Speech in free style form.

* The final battle in ''[[8 Mile|Eight Mile]]'' is B. Rabbit making one giant World of Cardboard Speech in free style form.

* ''[[~~Inception (Film)|~~Inception]]'' has an interesting version of this, in that {{spoiler|the emotional conflict and the physical conflict are the same thing, through the character of Mal.}}

* ''[[Inception]]'' has an interesting version of this, in that {{spoiler|the emotional conflict and the physical conflict are the same thing, through the character of Mal.}}

** It is an interesting version of the relationship between the physical/emotional conflict, but the World of Cardboard Speech comes in this dialog:

{{quote| '''Cobb''': I can't stay with her anymore because she doesn't exist.

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* At the climax of ''[[The Prestige]]'', Angier delivers one of these, {{spoiler|also a [[Final Speech]]}}.

{{quote| ''You never understood... why we did this. The audience knows the truth. The world is simple, miserable, solid all the way through. But if you can fool them, even for a second... then you can make them wonder. And you get to see something very special. ... You really don't know. ... It was the look on their faces.''}}

* ''[[Watchmen (~~Film~~)|Watchmen]]'' has Dr. Manhattan recite one to Ozymandias towards the end after Ozymandias {{spoiler|attempted to kill him by tricking him into going through the same accident that turned him into Dr. Manhattan in the first place, and thought he succeeded.}}

* ''[[Watchmen (film)|Watchmen]]'' has Dr. Manhattan recite one to Ozymandias towards the end after Ozymandias {{spoiler|attempted to kill him by tricking him into going through the same accident that turned him into Dr. Manhattan in the first place, and thought he succeeded.}}

{{quote| "Do you really think you can kill ''me''? Reassembling myself was the ''first'' trick I learned. I've walked on the surface of the sun. I've witnessed events so small and having occurred so fast that one could hardly say that they have even occurred at all. The world's smartest man is no more threat to me than the world's smartest termite."}}

* ''[[A Nightmare On Elm Street]]''. "I take back every bit of energy I ever gave you. You're nothing, Freddy. You're ''shit''."

* ''[[A Nightmare on Elm Street]]''. "I take back every bit of energy I ever gave you. You're nothing, Freddy. You're ''shit''."

{{quote| {{spoiler|"It's too late, Krueger. I know the secret now. This is just a dream. You're not alive. This whole thing is just a dream...I want my mother and friends again."}}}}

* ''[[Return of the Jedi]]'': A [[The Hero's Journey|farmboy grows]] into a [[La Résistance|rebel hero]] to defeat [[The Empire]], and distraught when he discovered that his [[I Am Your Father|father was his sworn enemy]]. He's tempted with [[The Dark Side]] in order to defeat them only to realize that he was falling down the same [[Not So Different|path as his father]]. Teetering on the edge, Luke Skywalker defied the [[Xanatos Gambit|plans and foresight]] of the Emperor and said:

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{{quote| '''Luke:''' ''"I'll not leave you here, I've got to save you."''

'''Anakin:''' ''"[[Redemption Equals Death|You already have, Luke...]] You were [[The Chosen One|right about me.]]"'' }}

* Batman gets one at the end of ''[[~~Batman Forever (Film)|~~Batman Forever]]''.

* Batman gets one at the end of ''[[Batman Forever]]''.

{{quote| '''Batman''': I'm both Bruce Wayne and Batman. Not because I have to be. Now, because I choose to be.}}

* At the end of ''[[Terminator|Terminator 2: Judgement Day]]'' Sarah Conner gave an epilogue that showed where both her and John Conner had changed over the course of the movie. The entire time they were thinking that Judgement Day was inevitable and that all machines were the enemy, when they were surprised by the compassion shown by [[Terminator Twosome|the terminator sent to protect them]]. It ends up overlapping with a [[Patrick Stewart Speech]].

{{quote| ''"The unknown future rolls toward us. I face it for the first time with a sense of hope... because if a machine, a Terminator, can learn the value of human life... maybe we can too."''}}

* ''[[Harry Potter (~~Film~~)|Harry Potter]]'': Neville Longbottom gets a particularly Badass one in the eighth movie when he's invoking [[As Long As There Is One Man]]:

* ''[[Harry Potter (film)|Harry Potter]]'': Neville Longbottom gets a particularly Badass one in the eighth movie when he's invoking [[As Long as There Is One Man]]:

{{quote| '''Neville Longbottom''':'' It doesn't matter that Harry's gone. People die everyday! Friends, family. Yeah, we lost Harry tonight. He's still with us, in here. So's Fred, Remus. Tonks, all of them. They didn't die in vain. But you will! Because you're wrong! Harry's heart did beat for us! For all of us! It's not over!''}}

* Hal Jordan in the ''[[Green Lantern (~~Film~~)|Green Lantern]]'' movie has one when he talks to the Guardians just before the climax. He was told that he was given the ring because he embodies the Corp ideal of being fearless, but he constantly doubts himself because he knows full well what he is afraid of and refuses to share them. When confronted with Parallax coming to destroy Earth, Carol told him that he isn't fearless, but courageous. He can overcome fear. This made him realize why the Corp had so much trouble with Parallax, they were "too afraid to admit they were afraid." Talking to the Guardians, he confessed his human weakness and explained that overcoming fear is the key to beat Parallax.

* Hal Jordan in the ''[[Green Lantern (film)|Green Lantern]]'' movie has one when he talks to the Guardians just before the climax. He was told that he was given the ring because he embodies the Corp ideal of being fearless, but he constantly doubts himself because he knows full well what he is afraid of and refuses to share them. When confronted with Parallax coming to destroy Earth, Carol told him that he isn't fearless, but courageous. He can overcome fear. This made him realize why the Corp had so much trouble with Parallax, they were "too afraid to admit they were afraid." Talking to the Guardians, he confessed his human weakness and explained that overcoming fear is the key to beat Parallax.

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* Sondra Marshak's published ''[[Star Trek]]'' novel ''The Prometheus Design'' is ''all'' about Spock doing this. Pick up a copy of—well, any of her published Star Trek novels, or [http://www.simegen.com/fandom/startrek/kraith/ go read anything in the ''Kraith'' series starting with Volume Four]. Her obsessions border on [[Author Appeal]].

* In ''[[Harrison Bergeron]]'', Harrison goes down to the TV station, and before he takes off his handicaps, says "even as I stand here -- crippled, hobbled, sickened -- I am a greater ruler than any man who ever lived! Now watch me become what I can become!" And then it's all [[Crapsack World|heavily subverted]] when he promptly becomes {{spoiler|a corpse, thanks to a dictatorial surgeon general armed with a shotgun}}.

* In ''[[Discworld ~~(Literature)~~/Lords and Ladies|Lords and Ladies]]'', Granny Weatherwax gives the {{spoiler|Queen of the Elves}} one of these when she explains why she's better than her.

* In ''[[Discworld/Lords and Ladies|Lords and Ladies]]'', Granny Weatherwax gives the {{spoiler|Queen of the Elves}} one of these when she explains why she's better than her.

** Even closer example: the all-powerful Coin, from ''[[Discworld ~~(Literature)~~/Sourcery|Sourcery]]'', describes living in the fragile world of non-sourcerers as "like trying to sleep on a bed of eggs". It's implied that all such sourcerers eventually feel obliged to leave the Discworld's reality to avert living in a World of Cardboard.

** Even closer example: the all-powerful Coin, from ''[[Discworld/Sourcery|Sourcery]]'', describes living in the fragile world of non-sourcerers as "like trying to sleep on a bed of eggs". It's implied that all such sourcerers eventually feel obliged to leave the Discworld's reality to avert living in a World of Cardboard.

*** The same applies (though not nearly to the same extent) to wizards in general. The average wizard has so much protection from magical attack that trying to kill them magically would be like trying to kill a fish by holding it under water. Unfortunately for the rest of the non-magical world, in the days when wizards didn't spend their days confined within Universities generally being lazy, they ''would'' use magic to battle one another, and it nearly tore the Discworld apart. Especially under Ridcully's administration, people outside the University are frequently reminded that the "rule" that forbids wizards from using magic on non-wizards in anything but self-defense is just a self-imposed guideline.

* Bill Fitzhugh's ''Pest Control'' has this when Bob and Klaus are cornered by an armed assassin. Klaus says they need a weapon. Then a lightbulb goes off in Bob's head, and Klaus actually watches his shoulders square with [[Heroic Resolve]] as he declares that {{spoiler|the entire city of New York is a weapon, and then proves it by killing their pursuer by running through a few restauraunts.}} Any further detail would spoil the book, so I'll just say it makes Jason Bourne look like a putz.

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** There were two in the season 3 finale. One by Lee Adama (which is too long to put here, but is in the quotes page), and a short one by:

{{quote| My name is '''Saul Tigh'''. I am an officer in the Colonial Fleet. Whatever else I am, whatever else it means, that's the man I want to be. And if I die today, that's the man I'll be.}}

* A particularly dark use, and inversion, of this trope in ''[[Star Trek Deep Space Nine]]''. The "in"famous episode "In the Pale Moonlight" had Sisko [[Whole-Episode Flashback|relate his story]] in a computer log about his efforts to convince the Romulans to participate in the Dominion War. Finding that simple logic wouldn't work, he sought the help of Garak and [[Recruiting the Criminal|other criminals]] to falsify evidence. He struggled with the serious moral and ethical compromises he had to go through to achieve this. By the end he stood up and instead of being morally untouchable he stated with growing conviction that the benefits ''outweighed'' the moral standing of one officer, even himself... and then erased the log.

* A particularly dark use, and inversion, of this trope in ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]]''. The "in"famous episode "In the Pale Moonlight" had Sisko [[Whole-Episode Flashback|relate his story]] in a computer log about his efforts to convince the Romulans to participate in the Dominion War. Finding that simple logic wouldn't work, he sought the help of Garak and [[Recruiting the Criminal|other criminals]] to falsify evidence. He struggled with the serious moral and ethical compromises he had to go through to achieve this. By the end he stood up and instead of being morally untouchable he stated with growing conviction that the benefits ''outweighed'' the moral standing of one officer, even himself... and then erased the log.

{{quote| "At oh-eight-hundred hours, station time... the Romulan Empire formally declared war against the Dominion. They've already struck fifteen bases along the Cardassian border. So, this is a huge victory for the good guys! This may even be the turning point of the entire war! There's even a "Welcome to the Fight" party tonight in the wardroom!... So... I lied. I cheated. I bribed men to cover up the crimes of other men. I am an accessory to murder. But most damning of all... I think I can live with it... And if I had to do it all over again... I would. Garak was right about one thing – a guilty conscience is a small price to pay for the safety of the Alpha Quadrant. So I will learn to live with it...Because I can live with it...I can live with it. Computer – erase that entire personal log."}}

* ''[[~~Farscape (TV)|~~Farscape]]'': Crichton {{spoiler|who makes the wormhole weapon and decides to go and tell everyone that they suck for wanting it, and threatening to let them all die. He explains why he shouldn't have made it in the first place}}. Also a [[Crowning Moment of Awesome]].

* ''[[Farscape]]'': Crichton {{spoiler|who makes the wormhole weapon and decides to go and tell everyone that they suck for wanting it, and threatening to let them all die. He explains why he shouldn't have made it in the first place}}. Also a [[Crowning Moment of Awesome]].

* ''[[~~Firefly (TV)|~~Firefly]]'': the speech that Simon gives Jayne at the end of ''Trash'', where Jayne suffered an accidental neck injury immediately after Simon {{spoiler|learned that Jayne tried and failed to collect on their bounty in a previous episode}}:

* ''[[Firefly]]'': the speech that Simon gives Jayne at the end of ''Trash'', where Jayne suffered an accidental neck injury immediately after Simon {{spoiler|learned that Jayne tried and failed to collect on their bounty in a previous episode}}:

{{quote| '''Simon:''' No matter what you do, or say or plot, no matter how you come down on us... I will never, ever harm you. You're on this table, you're safe. 'Cause I'm your [[The Medic|medic]], and however little we may like or trust each other, [[True Companions|we're on the same crew]]. Got the same troubles, same enemies, and more than enough of both. Now, we could circle each other and growl, or sleep with one eye open, but that thought ''wearies'' me. I don't care what you've done, I don't know what you're planning on doing, but I'm trusting you. I think you should do the same. 'Cause I don't see this working any other way.}}

** Which is then capped off by:

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{{quote| '''[[Mighty Morphin Power Rangers|Green Ranger]]:''' You passed the test.

'''Tommy:''' Test? What are you talking about?

'''[[Power Rangers ~~ZEO~~|Red Zeo Ranger]]:''' You haven't been fighting us... you've been fighting for your life.

'''[[Power Rangers Zeo|Red Zeo Ranger]]:''' You haven't been fighting us... you've been fighting for your life.

'''[[Mighty Morphin Power Rangers|White Ranger]]:''' And you've proven the will to live is stronger than any Ranger power. }}

** [[Atop the Fourth Wall ~~(Web Video)~~|Linkara]] in ''[[History of Power Rangers]]'' goes into great depths trying to describe the meaning of this whole episode, initially dismissing it as an unnecessary lesson cause Tommy has never faltered in his fight against evil. But taken the entire season into account, he figured that after spending so much time fighting evil Tommy came to associate himself as being a set of powers (Mighty Morphin', Zeo, Turbo, Dino) and that without his powers he couldn't do anything. The lesson was that he was Tommy Oliver and he made the powers worthwhile, not the other way around.

** [[Atop the Fourth Wall|Linkara]] in ''[[History of Power Rangers]]'' goes into great depths trying to describe the meaning of this whole episode, initially dismissing it as an unnecessary lesson cause Tommy has never faltered in his fight against evil. But taken the entire season into account, he figured that after spending so much time fighting evil Tommy came to associate himself as being a set of powers (Mighty Morphin', Zeo, Turbo, Dino) and that without his powers he couldn't do anything. The lesson was that he was Tommy Oliver and he made the powers worthwhile, not the other way around.

* In ''[[Rescue Me]]'', Needles delivers one to his crew in season 5. He's been the consummate nice guy and something of a doormat up to this point, but he realizes after breaking up a fight that his crew will never respect him unless he's a hardass.

* In the 2005 ''Hercules'' [[Miniseries]], Hercules becomes a bit demoralized when he finds out that {{spoiler|his father is the villain Antaeus, not Zeus}}, but he immediately bounces back with:

Line 312:

Ev'rything's coming up roses!

Ev'rything's coming up roses, this time for me!'' }}

* Elphaba's ''Defying Gravity'' from ''[[Wicked (~~Theatre~~)|Wicked]]'' overlaps with [[I Am What I Am]].

* Elphaba's ''Defying Gravity'' from ''[[Wicked (theatre)|Wicked]]'' overlaps with [[I Am What I Am]].

* ''[[Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (~~Theatre~~)|Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street]]'' has not one but ''two'' dark versions of this: the first, "My Friends", when Todd rediscovers his razors and formulates his exact revenge upon the Judge; and the second, "Epiphany", when Todd's mind cracks and he becomes the mass-murdering pie-meat supplier of legend.

* ''[[Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (theatre)|Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street]]'' has not one but ''two'' dark versions of this: the first, "My Friends", when Todd rediscovers his razors and formulates his exact revenge upon the Judge; and the second, "Epiphany", when Todd's mind cracks and he becomes the mass-murdering pie-meat supplier of legend.

* In ''[[~~Anyone Can Whistle (Theatre)|~~Anyone Can Whistle]]'', after J. Bowden Hapgood refused to help Nurse Faye Apple tackle the corrupt town administration and reveal that the "miracle" was a fake, she admitted her limitations - and her intention of overcoming them - in "See What It Gets You:"

* In ''[[Anyone Can Whistle]]'', after J. Bowden Hapgood refused to help Nurse Faye Apple tackle the corrupt town administration and reveal that the "miracle" was a fake, she admitted her limitations - and her intention of overcoming them - in "See What It Gets You:"

{{quote| "And when the hero quits,

Then you're left on your own.

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== Video Games ==

* ''[[Metal Gear Solid]]'' has several <s>per game</s> per ''cutscene.''

* One of the possible endings for ''[[Planescape Torment]]'' has the Nameless One making a World of Cardboard Speech... and ''{{spoiler|beating the [[Big Bad]] just with that.}}''

* One of the possible endings for ''[[Planescape: Torment]]'' has the Nameless One making a World of Cardboard Speech... and ''{{spoiler|beating the [[Big Bad]] just with that.}}''

{{quote| '''The Nameless One:''' {{spoiler|If there is anything I have learned in my travels across the Planes, it is that many things may change the nature of a man. Whether regret, or love, or revenge or fear -- whatever you believe can change the nature of a man, can. I've seen belief move cities, make men stave off death, and turn an evil hag's heart half-circle. This entire Fortress has been constructed from belief. Belief damned a woman, whose heart clung to the hope that another loved her when he did not. Once, it made a man seek immortality and achieve it. And it has made a posturing spirit think it is something more than a part of me.}}}}

* ''[[Prince of Persia]]: The Two Thrones'' had [[No Name Given|the Prince]] discovering {{spoiler|his slain father}} in a deep cavern. Being taunted by his evil side, he had a revelation that gave him the mental fortitude to reject his [[Super-Powered Evil Side]].

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'''Dark Prince''': What is this?! You have no water! How did you--?

'''Prince''': You hold no power over me now! Be gone! Retreat to whatever dark hole spawned you, and do not trouble me again. }}

* Delivered collectively by the heroes at the end of ''[[~~Final Fantasy VI (Video Game)|~~Final Fantasy VI]]'' as they're about to fight [[Nietzsche Wannabe]] Kefka. See [[World of Cardboard Speech/Quotes|the quote page]] for the whole thing, including the villain's hilarious reply.

* Delivered collectively by the heroes at the end of ''[[Final Fantasy VI]]'' as they're about to fight [[Nietzsche Wannabe]] Kefka. See [[World of Cardboard Speech/Quotes|the quote page]] for the whole thing, including the villain's hilarious reply.

* ''[[Dissidia Final Fantasy]]'' is full of these, often combined with a [[Heroic Second Wind]] moment. In fact, pretty much all of the cutscenes in the ten Destiny Odyssey storylines before the battle with the villain, consists of the hero giving one of these: [[Final Fantasy VII ~~(Video Game)~~|Cloud]] refuses to let Sephiroth psyche him out, [[Final Fantasy VI ~~(Video Game)~~|Terra]] learns not to let her powers define who she is, [[Final Fantasy IV ~~(Video Game)~~|Cecil]] decides to fight for what he really cares about, etc. Here's [[Final Fantasy II (Video Game)|Firion's]] for an example:

* ''[[Dissidia Final Fantasy]]'' is full of these, often combined with a [[Heroic Second Wind]] moment. In fact, pretty much all of the cutscenes in the ten Destiny Odyssey storylines before the battle with the villain, consists of the hero giving one of these: [[Final Fantasy VII|Cloud]] refuses to let Sephiroth psyche him out, [[Final Fantasy VI|Terra]] learns not to let her powers define who she is, [[Final Fantasy IV|Cecil]] decides to fight for what he really cares about, etc. Here's [[Final Fantasy II (Video Game)|Firion's]] for an example:

{{quote| '''Emperor''': "You should have disposed of your fantasy and accepted me as master."

'''Firion''': "There is no meaning in strength only used to hurt others! I have dreams... dreams worth dying for!"

'''Emperor''': "What will an insect like you do?"

'''Firion''': "Believe in the future! And persist in the present! That's what I'll do!" }}

** And here's [[Final Fantasy III ~~(Video Game)~~|Onion Knight's]]. Bit of backstory. Trhoughout his Destiny Oddyssey, Onion Knight acted as a bit of a [[Straw Vulcan]], arrogantly trusting only his intelligence, running from every encounter with people that he thought he "can't defeat", and pushing Terra to go to the source of a strange power, to prove that he wasn't "without valor" despite that. So, after that backfires horribly, he's learned a little more about how to be a hero, and faces the Cloud Of Darkness, who multiple people said is too powerful for him:

** And here's [[Final Fantasy III|Onion Knight's]]. Bit of backstory. Trhoughout his Destiny Oddyssey, Onion Knight acted as a bit of a [[Straw Vulcan]], arrogantly trusting only his intelligence, running from every encounter with people that he thought he "can't defeat", and pushing Terra to go to the source of a strange power, to prove that he wasn't "without valor" despite that. So, after that backfires horribly, he's learned a little more about how to be a hero, and faces the Cloud Of Darkness, who multiple people said is too powerful for him:

{{quote| '''Onion Knight:''' "I finally got it. I was a fool to defy my heart, just to bind myself to reason. I will protect Terra with my own strength. That's what's most imporant to me! Don't get me wrong--I still won't fight against anyone I can't beat. But I've decided in my heart to fight. That's why I'm going to beat you!"}}

* Near the end of the last case in ''[[Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney]]: Justice For All'', {{spoiler|after discovering that his client is guilty,}} Phoenix begins to question what it means to be a lawyer. Edgeworth reveals what he learned in his time overseas. It's not about "winning", it's about revealing the truth.

* Near the end of the last case in ''[[Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney]]: Justice For All'', {{spoiler|after discovering that his client is guilty,}} Phoenix begins to question what it means to be a lawyer. Edgeworth reveals what he learned in his time overseas. It's not about "winning", it's about revealing the truth.

{{quote| '''Edgeworth:''' We prosecutors use anything we can to attack the defendant. But [...] It doesn't matter how many underhanded tricks a person uses... The truth will always find a way to make itself known. The only thing we can do is to fight with the knowledge we hold and everything we have. Erasing the paradoxes one by one... It's never easy... We claw and scratch for every inch. But we will always eventually reach that one single truth. That's the reason why prosecutors and defense lawyers exist.}}

* Before the [[Final Boss]] battle of ''[[~~Mega Man Zero (Video Game)|~~Mega Man Zero]] 4'' (in a [[Grand Finale]], to boot), Zero delivers this speech as a [[Shut UP, Hannibal]] to [[Big Bad|Dr. Weil's]] attempt at a [[Hannibal Lecture]]. It is <s>one of</s> '''''the''''' [[Mega Man ~~(Franchise)~~/Awesome|best moment]] in the ''entire'' series:

* Before the [[Final Boss]] battle of ''[[Mega Man Zero]] 4'' (in a [[Grand Finale]], to boot), Zero delivers this speech as a [[Shut UP, Hannibal]] to [[Big Bad|Dr. Weil's]] attempt at a [[Hannibal Lecture]]. It is <s>one of</s> '''''the''''' [[Mega Man/Awesome|best moment]] in the ''entire'' series:

{{quote| '''Zero:''' If I destroy Weil's core, the explosion will take [[Colony Drop|Ragnarok]] out with it... If Ragnarok is blown apart, it no longer poses a threat!

'''Weil:''' Are you even capable of it? The Reploid hero, protecting justice and humanity! I am one of those humans you have sworn to protect! Do you have it in you to defeat me?!

(cue [[One-Winged Angel]])

'''Zero:''' I never cared about justice and I don't recall ever calling myself a hero...I have always only fought for the people I believe in. I won't hesitate...If an enemy appears in front of me, I will destroy it! }}

** The best part about it is, Zero has finally learned what he was really fighting for, a question that has [[Heroic BSOD|plagued him]] since {{spoiler|Iris' death}} in the ''[[Mega Man X ~~(Video Game)~~|X]]'' series, proceeding to kick the [[Big Bad]]'s ass, save the world ''again'', and ''finally'' end the '''''centuries'''''-long [[Robot War]].

** The best part about it is, Zero has finally learned what he was really fighting for, a question that has [[Heroic BSOD|plagued him]] since {{spoiler|Iris' death}} in the ''[[Mega Man X|X]]'' series, proceeding to kick the [[Big Bad]]'s ass, save the world ''again'', and ''finally'' end the '''''centuries'''''-long [[Robot War]].

** He has another one in a flashback from the [[All There in the Manual|Drama Tracks]], delivered to Omega. This one more or less speaks for his earlier incarnation and says more or less the same stuff.

{{quote| '''Zero:''' Omega, I finally knew because I fought with myselfâ€¦ What kind of fighting I have done so far? What exactly my hesitation has been so far? Now I can say that my power is not for destruction. It's for my friends; my power is to protect my friends' beliefs! Be gone, my nightmare! }}

** At the end of ''X8'', Zero delivers one ''again'':

{{quote| Even if we Reploids are destined to join the scrap heap when that evolutionary step does come about...we still have to fight...Not only against Mavericks, but against our own destiny as well.}}

* In ''[[Fate ~~Stay Night~~]]'', Shirou delivers a World of Cardboard Speech in the Unlimited Blade Works route on how, even if he knows it's only because he's selfish and naive and knowing where he may end up if he keeps it, he'll still try to work towards his ideal of saving everyone to {{spoiler|Archer}}—who can't hear a word of the speech because Shirou is busy fighting him and can't speak loudly enough to be heard. The trope also shows up in Heaven's Feel, {{spoiler|where Kotomine lays out his own convictions on letting Angra Manyu loose on the world, which opposes Shirou's equally selfish and [[Not So Different]] ideal to destroy it to save Sakura (of course, one of these selfish ideals ''won't'' also eradicate humanity, but that's not really the issue here)}}.

* In ''[[Fate/stay night]]'', Shirou delivers a World of Cardboard Speech in the Unlimited Blade Works route on how, even if he knows it's only because he's selfish and naive and knowing where he may end up if he keeps it, he'll still try to work towards his ideal of saving everyone to {{spoiler|Archer}}—who can't hear a word of the speech because Shirou is busy fighting him and can't speak loudly enough to be heard. The trope also shows up in Heaven's Feel, {{spoiler|where Kotomine lays out his own convictions on letting Angra Manyu loose on the world, which opposes Shirou's equally selfish and [[Not So Different]] ideal to destroy it to save Sakura (of course, one of these selfish ideals ''won't'' also eradicate humanity, but that's not really the issue here)}}.

* In one of the bonus maps of ''[[~~Disgaea 2 Cursed Memories (Video Game)|~~Disgaea 2 Cursed Memories]]'', [[The Atoner|Kurtis]] faces an army of clones of his old [[Anti-Hero]] self, seeking to eliminate him for being an "outdated" kind of hero. Seeing them as incarnations of his previous mistakes, he gives a lengthy speech about true heroism and proceeds to kick ass.

* In one of the bonus maps of ''[[Disgaea 2 Cursed Memories]]'', [[The Atoner|Kurtis]] faces an army of clones of his old [[Anti-Hero]] self, seeking to eliminate him for being an "outdated" kind of hero. Seeing them as incarnations of his previous mistakes, he gives a lengthy speech about true heroism and proceeds to kick ass.

* Alicia of ''[[Valkyria Chronicles]]'' has one when she's standing against an enemy battleship fortress {{spoiler|as an activated Valkyria}}, stating that she knows how to give her life {{spoiler|as a Valkyria}} meaning. {{spoiler|Her impending [[Heroic Sacrifice]] is stopped by a 1-2-3 punch from Welkin consisting of a confession of love, a marriage proposal, and a [[Cooldown Hug|Cooldown Kiss]].}}

* In ''[[Final Fantasy Tactics Advance]]'', Marche, after being captured, accidentally gets teleported into the fourth crystal room. While the totema cannot defend the crystal, Babus stands in Marche's way and Cid reminds him that he's alone, asking him if he believes he can do it. Marche notes that he hasn't always been confident in himself, but while he enjoys the world, it isn't real and he must destroy the crystal to go back home.

* In ''[[Modern Warfare]] 2'', {{spoiler|Captain Price}} gets two ''epic'' such speeches, back to back, in the final two levels.

{{quote| ''' {{spoiler|Price:}}''' "The healthy human mind doesn't wake up in the morning thinking this is its last day on earth. But I think that's a luxury, not a curse. To know you're close to the end is a kind of freedom. Good time to take... inventory. Out-gunned. Outnumbered. Out of our minds. On a suicide mission. But the sand and rocks here stained with thousands of years of warfare... they will remember us. For this. Because out of all our vast array of nightmares this is the one we choose for ourselves. We go forward like a breath exhaled from the earth. With vigor in our hearts and one goal in sight: We. Will. Kill him."

''' {{spoiler|Price:}}''' "This is for the record... [[Written By the Winners|History is written by the victor]]. ''History is filled with liars''. If he lives, and we die, his truth becomes written, and ours is lost. {{spoiler|Shepherd}} will be a hero, 'cause all you need to change the world is one good lie and a river of blood. He's about to complete the biggest trick a liar ever played on history. His truth will be the truth. But only if he lives, and we die " }}

''' {{spoiler|Price:}}''' "This is for the record... [[Written by the Winners|History is written by the victor]]. ''History is filled with liars''. If he lives, and we die, his truth becomes written, and ours is lost. {{spoiler|Shepherd}} will be a hero, 'cause all you need to change the world is one good lie and a river of blood. He's about to complete the biggest trick a liar ever played on history. His truth will be the truth. But only if he lives, and we die " }}

* Short and to the point:

{{quote| "What you see is what you get: just a guy that loves adventure. I'm [[Sonic the Hedgehog]]!"}}

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* ''[[Tsukihime]]:

{{quote| I'll show you. This is what it means to kill something.}}

* In the freeware RPG ''[[~~Last Scenario (Video Game)|~~Last Scenario]]'', what was meant to be a [[Rousing Speech]] takes the form of one of these. Prince Wilhelm delivers a speech to his disheartened troops, explaining how selfish he's been while people like the protagonists risked their lives to see him rise to the throne. Until then, he was bitter about the new responsibilities thrust on him, and never realized how much his people were sacrificing while he did nothing. He promises that he'll finally become the leader they've idealized him as if they'll just keep fighting a little longer. {{spoiler|The speech alone is enough to convince the enemy commander to order a retreat, since his entire plan hinged on getting the soldiers to give up on their weak-willed leader.}}

* In the freeware RPG ''[[Last Scenario]]'', what was meant to be a [[Rousing Speech]] takes the form of one of these. Prince Wilhelm delivers a speech to his disheartened troops, explaining how selfish he's been while people like the protagonists risked their lives to see him rise to the throne. Until then, he was bitter about the new responsibilities thrust on him, and never realized how much his people were sacrificing while he did nothing. He promises that he'll finally become the leader they've idealized him as if they'll just keep fighting a little longer. {{spoiler|The speech alone is enough to convince the enemy commander to order a retreat, since his entire plan hinged on getting the soldiers to give up on their weak-willed leader.}}

* Near the end of ''[[God of War (~~Video Game~~)|God of War]] 2''.

* Near the end of ''[[God of War (series)|God of War]] 2''.

{{quote| '''Kratos''': If all on Olympus will deny me my vengance, then all on Olympus will die. I have lived in the shadow of the gods for long enough. The time of the gods has come to an end!}}

* In the final battle of ''[[~~Wild Arms 2 (Video Game)|~~Wild Arms 2]]'', what starts with the protagonist extends to ''all of humanity'' delivering a speech about how they should stop relying on heroes to do all their fighting and making [[Heroic Sacrifice]]s. They promise to fight together to protect the world... while the protagonist is fighting alone in the one place they can never physically reach. Cue [[Combined Energy Attack]] and [[Crowning Music of Awesome]]. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y37qRomvY6Y It starts around 2:50 and extends through the entire fight.]

* In the final battle of ''[[Wild Arms 2]]'', what starts with the protagonist extends to ''all of humanity'' delivering a speech about how they should stop relying on heroes to do all their fighting and making [[Heroic Sacrifice]]s. They promise to fight together to protect the world... while the protagonist is fighting alone in the one place they can never physically reach. Cue [[Combined Energy Attack]] and [[Crowning Music of Awesome]]. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y37qRomvY6Y It starts around 2:50 and extends through the entire fight.]

* ''[[The Force Unleashed]] 2''.

{{quote| '''Starkiller''': (''narrating while slaughtering stormtroopers and droids'') Betrayed by Vader for the ''last'' time. A new journey begins... With something worth fighting for... ''Someone'' worth dying for... And I will not stop... I will not rest. Vader can't stop me now! (''quietly'') Vader can't stop me now. Nothing can.}}

** That's just in the trailer. There's one in the actual game too at the very end:

{{quote| '''Starkiller''': {{spoiler|(''to Vader who has been captured by the rebels'')}} I let you live. You tell me I'm a clone but I ''chose'' to spare you. (''*beat*'') Maybe Kota's right. Maybe this is all a trick --a way to get me so confused... that I'd forget who I really am and become your slave again. But either way... ''[[This Is Sparta|I]]''[[This Is Sparta|. Let. You. Live.]] I've finally broken your hold over me.}}

* In the ''[[~~Assassin's Creed II (Video Game)|~~Assassin's Creed II]]'' Bonfire of the Vanities DLC, Ezio delivers one of these after Savonarola is killed, coupled with a bit of [[Shaming the Mob]].

* In the ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' Bonfire of the Vanities DLC, Ezio delivers one of these after Savonarola is killed, coupled with a bit of [[Shaming the Mob]].

{{quote| ''Silencio! Silencio! Twenty-two years ago, I stood where I stand now....and watched my loved ones die, betrayed by those I called friends. Vengeance clouded my mind, and it would have consumed me, were it not for the wisdom of a few strangers, who taught me to look past my instincts. They never preached answers, but guided me to learn for myself. We don't need anyone to tell us what to do. Not Savonarola, nor the Medici. We are free to follow our own path. There are those who would take that freedom from us, and too many of you gladly give it up. But it is our ability to choose - whatever ''you'' think is true - that makes us human. There is no book or teacher to give you the answers, to show you the path. Choose your own way. Do not follow me, or anyone else.''}}

* Towards the end of the first ''[[Kingdom Hearts]]'' game, Sora is all about these.

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* From ''[[Misfile]]'', Rumisiel delivers [http://www.misfile.com/index.php?page=986 this] speech:

{{quote| '''Rumisiel:''' You want to see spirits? You want to look into the eyes of the beings who will watch over the end of days? I have seen the fall of empires and the murder of millions! I have shoved that data into files like so many numbers! I have seen a great many things, but little as ignorant and dangerous as a conceited little girl who has used so called "spiritual devices" to turn her own unbridled ID into a demon capable of killing the one she's too stupid to realize she loves!}}

* In ''[http://bobandgeorge.com/comics/gamer/14 Captain Gamer]'', while he's fighting a mind-controlled [[King of Fighters|Mai Shiranui]], who tells him that [[As Long As There Is Evil|there will always be evil and he'll never change that]], Captain Gamer responds that she's right—there will always be evil, but there will ''also'' always be good, and ''that'' is why he continues to fight.

* In ''[http://bobandgeorge.com/comics/gamer/14 Captain Gamer]'', while he's fighting a mind-controlled [[King of Fighters|Mai Shiranui]], who tells him that [[As Long as There Is Evil|there will always be evil and he'll never change that]], Captain Gamer responds that she's right—there will always be evil, but there will ''also'' always be good, and ''that'' is why he continues to fight.

* In ''[[Captain SNES]]'', [[Chrono Trigger ~~(Video Game)~~|Lucca]] gives a truly memorable one to the Eater of Dreams in [http://www.captainsnes.com/2011/03/14/647-playing-with-fire/ comic 647].

* In ''[[Captain SNES]]'', [[Chrono Trigger|Lucca]] gives a truly memorable one to the Eater of Dreams in [http://www.captainsnes.com/2011/03/14/647-playing-with-fire/ comic 647].

{{quote| '''Lucca:''' When there is no hope...there's nothing to lose by trying. Maybe I am {{spoiler|destined to become a puppet}}. Maybe there's nothing I can do to stop what's coming. BUT I'LL BE '''DAMNED''' IF I GO DOWN QUIETLY. Even if I have to {{spoiler|twist the very fabric of reality}}...'''I won't lose!'''}}

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** Of course, it's something of a subversion since while Darkseid was outclassed on a physical level, he had access to extremely advanced technology ( {{spoiler|the combination of Apokolips technology and his merging with Brainiac}}) that allowed him to subdue Superman. The entire sequence can be seen [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwU0QkcrNVQ&feature=related here.]

* In ''[[Batman Beyond]]: [[The Movie|Return of the Joker]]'', Terry was always being chided by the Joker for not being "the real Batman". At the climax, Terry found himself slightly outmatched but came to realize that the original Batman was unable to fully beat the Joker at his mind games. To counter this, Terry turned the tables through an [[Hannibal Lecture|epic verbal beatdown]] that actually got [[Crowning Moment of Awesome|the Joker to stop smiling.]] He got the Joker to finally lose his cool by doing exactly what Joker had wanted Batman to do ever since they started fighting: laugh. Terry makes the Joker ''flip out'' by ''laughing'' at him. Granted, the [[Ax Crazy|immediate result]] was not what Terry had in mind, but it was to show that Terry had a quality that allowed him to combat the Joker better than the original Batman ever could. It can be viewed [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LikMS5gDDI&NR=1 here].

* At the climax of the ''[[~~Spongebob~~ SquarePants]]'' movie, Plankton has beaten the heroes, and states in his [[Breaking Speech]] that Spongebob was doomed from the beginning because he was a kid. His response?

* At the climax of the ''[[SpongeBob SquarePants]]'' movie, Plankton has beaten the heroes, and states in his [[Breaking Speech]] that Spongebob was doomed from the beginning because he was a kid. His response?

{{quote| ''"I guess you're right Plankton. I am just a kid. And ya know, I've been through a lot in the past six days, five minutes, twenty seven and a half seconds, and if I've learned anything during that time, it's that you are who you are. And no amount of mermaid magic, or managerial promotion, or [[Rule of Three|some other third thing]], can make me anything more than what I really am inside, a kid. But that's okay! Cause I did what everyone said a kid couldn't do! I made it to Shell City, and I beat the cyclops, and I rode the [[David Hasselhoff|Hasselhoff]], and I brought the crown back! So yeah I'm a kid, and I'm also a goofball, and a wingnut, and a knucklehead mcspazzetron! But most of all... I'm... I'm... I'm... [[Crowning Music of Awesome|I'M A GOOFY GOOBER, ROCK!]]"''}}

** However, one of the episodes of the same series has a rather hilarious subversion of the trope; Mermaid seems to be making such a speech, but it soon spirals into nonsense:

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{{quote| '''Tai Lung''': You cannot defeat me. You... you're just a big... fat... panda!

'''Po''': I'm not a big fat panda. I'm '''the''' big fat panda. }}

* ''[[Danny Phantom]]'' villain Spectra [[Powered By a Forsaken Child|uses the misery of children to permanently appear young]]; naturally, she would go out of her way to traumatize her victims to provide enough angst to maintain her appearance. Danny's humiliation and psychological breakdown at her hands gave Spectra and her servant the upper hand during their earlier fights with Danny, until Danny realizes that [[An Aesop|being hard on himself only makes things worse.]]

* ''[[Danny Phantom]]'' villain Spectra [[Powered by a Forsaken Child|uses the misery of children to permanently appear young]]; naturally, she would go out of her way to traumatize her victims to provide enough angst to maintain her appearance. Danny's humiliation and psychological breakdown at her hands gave Spectra and her servant the upper hand during their earlier fights with Danny, until Danny realizes that [[An Aesop|being hard on himself only makes things worse.]]

{{quote| ''"Man, I'm so tired of you dumping on me, and I'm so tired of dumping on myself. [[Brother-Sister Team|Jazz]] never did that, even when I was mad at her, [[And This Is For|and I won't let her DOWN!]]"''}}

* Twilight Sparkle from ''[[My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic ~~(Animation)~~|My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic]]'' combines this with [[Shut UP, Hannibal]] against Discord {{spoiler|after confronting him with her restored friends and the Elements Of Harmony.}}

* Twilight Sparkle from ''[[My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic|My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic]]'' combines this with [[Shut UP, Hannibal]] against Discord {{spoiler|after confronting him with her restored friends and the Elements Of Harmony.}}

{{quote| '''Discord''': Will you ever learn?

'''Twilight Sparkle''': I'll tell you what we've learned, Discord! We've learned that friendship isn't always easy, but there's ''no doubt'' it's worth fighting for! }}