How Overpowered Characters Undermine Story Tension

While overpowered characters can be thrilling to watch in action-packed sequences, they often undermine the narrative tension that makes a story compelling. When a protagonist seems invincible or has abilities that make every challenge trivial, the stakes of the story can feel nonexistent. Viewers want to see their heroes face real challenges that test their abilities, beliefs, and growth. Characters like Superman or The Flash can sometimes feel too powerful, and without a real sense of danger or limitation, the drama and conflict in the story evaporate.

Take Avengers: Endgame as an example. The heroes are powerful, but they face the overwhelming threat of Thanos, which brings the stakes to a higher level. Their struggle, though difficult, is balanced because their opponents are formidable and their own abilities are not unlimited. On the other hand, characters who are overpowered, like some versions of The Flash, often face conflicts that don’t feel consequential, since they can easily reverse time or defeat enemies with minimal effort.

To keep audiences engaged, a protagonist must be challenged—whether by a physical adversary, moral dilemmas, or emotional conflicts. Overpowered characters without vulnerabilities or limitations run the risk of making the story feel predictable or empty. True tension arises when the hero’s victory is hard-earned, and the threat they face feels like a genuine obstacle to overcome.