The Stool Pigeon: Difference between revisions

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However, the motivations of the snitch and how they're regarded in a story can vary wildly. Snitches have the reputation of being cowardly weasels, but there are times where a snitch can be responsible or heroic. Due to the sheer prevalence of this trope, there are several important variations:

'''Petty Patty/Peter:''' A character that's [[Green Eyed Monster|jealous]] of the main character or has a [[Evil Is Petty|petty reason]] to dislike them, and thus relishes the chance to get them in trouble. You can usually spot them [[Smug Snake|smiling smugly]] as the main character is chastised for whatever they did. Naturally, they're going to [[Laser Guided Karma|get some payback]].

'''Petty Patty/Peter:''' A character that's [[Green-Eyed Monster|jealous]] of the main character or has a [[Evil Is Petty|petty reason]] to dislike them, and thus relishes the chance to get them in trouble. You can usually spot them [[Smug Snake|smiling smugly]] as the main character is chastised for whatever they did. Naturally, they're going to [[Laser-Guided Karma|get some payback]].

'''Concerned Claire/Corey:''' A character that turns in a friend or associate out of genuine concern for their well-being. Maybe their friend is sliding towards becoming a [[Well Intentioned Extremist]], maybe they're compromising their cause, or maybe they're going to land themselves in jail ...[[Death Seeker|or worse]]. This character is willing to nobly [[What Were You Thinking|take any hostility from their friend]], because they'd rather [[For Your Own Good|see them alive and safe than continue what they were doing]]. Whether their concern is responsible or misguided can vary.

'''Concerned Claire/Corey:''' A character that turns in a friend or associate out of genuine concern for their well-being. Maybe their friend is sliding towards becoming a [[Well-Intentioned Extremist]], maybe they're compromising their cause, or maybe they're going to land themselves in jail ...[[Death Seeker|or worse]]. This character is willing to nobly [[What Were You Thinking?|take any hostility from their friend]], because they'd rather [[For Your Own Good|see them alive and safe than continue what they were doing]]. Whether their concern is responsible or misguided can vary.

'''Whistleblower Wilma/Wilson:''' A character who sees a villain - [[What the Hell Hero|or even a hero]] - breaking the rules and turns them in because of [[The Fettered|their own moral conscience]]. The most heroic of all snitches, many whistleblowers risk their friendships, careers, or even their lives to tell the truth.

'''Whistleblower Wilma/Wilson:''' A character who sees a villain - [[What the Hell, Hero?|or even a hero]] - breaking the rules and turns them in because of [[The Fettered|their own moral conscience]]. The most heroic of all snitches, many whistleblowers risk their friendships, careers, or even their lives to tell the truth.

'''Disgruntled Daria/Davey:''' A character that [[Only Sane Man|dutifully gives information to their superiors]] but is then unsatisfied with how they deal with it. If they won't listen to her, then she'll find someone who will! This kind of snitch can vary wildly; sometimes the [[Head in The Sand Management|authorities refuse to listen]], so they secretly tell someone else who will take action. However, sometimes [[Reasonable Authority Figure|the authorities]] are just acting in a way she doesn't like and thus is going to [[They Called Me Mad|force their hand]]. This latter variation can be considered treason and can cause [[A House Divided|internal strife]].

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See also [[The Informant]], of which this trope is a [[Sub Trope]].

== [[Anime]] and [[Manga]] ==