This phrase refers to individuals manipulated or controlled by larger forces, often without their full understanding or consent. They are the expendable pieces, sacrificed for strategic gains in a broader conflict or power struggle. An example might be a character unwittingly used as a messenger in a spy novel, unaware of the true contents of the delivered information.
Understanding this concept provides insight into the complexities of power dynamics and strategic manipulation. Recognizing such manipulation is crucial for critical analysis, whether in literature, history, or current events. It fosters awareness of how seemingly minor actors can become pivotal, albeit tragically, in larger narratives of control and influence. Historically, this concept has been used to analyze political conflicts, social movements, and even economic systems.
