Audience expectations are that The Protagonist has Plot Armor. But like most audience expectations, some writers like to subvert this. Which leads to the trope title; although it is not quite Exactly What It Says on the Tin since The Protagonist does not have to be a Hero Protagonist for this trope to apply, and this trope does not apply if The Hero is a Hero Antagonist. As long as they don't end up bringing the hero back later , this can also be a good way to show that Anyone Can Die. However, it can use a different protagonist afterward, either through Take Up My Sword or switching perspective.