Remember that most individuals in the audience have to to identify with at least one protagonist in the drama, (not necessarily the same character). Without identification, no-one cares what happens.

You can't be me, I'm taken

They will go to extremes to silence the whistle-blowers

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See, for example: Blacklisted Economics Professor Found Dead: NC Publishes His Last Letter

Professor  was found dead in his home three days ago; the coroner's report cited natural causes that were left unspecified. Unfortunately, all of the professor's academic work has disappeared; the only trace left appears to be the following letter, which he sent to an admirer shortly before his death. The understandably concerned recipient of the letter has shared its contents with Naked Capitalism, and has insisted that her identity be protected.

A touch of satire? Read the article and the comments.

As the Dutch said while fighting the Spanish: "It is not necessary to have hope in order to persevere."