There are three core pillars to this trope:
In romantic or dark fantasy variations, the oppressor often rewards obedience with safety or affection. This creates a complex trauma bond. The protagonist begins to crave the approval of the very person who stripped them of their freedom, shifting the narrative from physical captivity to psychological dependency. Why Readers are Addicted to the Trope reincarnated into submission
This is the "sleeper agent" variant. The protagonist acts submissive, but keeps a ledger of every slight. They collect secrets. They learn the layout of the palace not to escape, but to set the fire that will consume the whole rotten structure. There are three core pillars to this trope:
The "Reincarnated into Submission" trope is not going away. As long as economic and social systems demand obedience in exchange for survival, we will project that fear onto our fantasies. We will write stories of heroes who wake up in a new world, look at the chains, and measure them against the alternative—oblivion. Why Readers are Addicted to the Trope This