A story that makes your head explode because it could have been over in about five minutes if one or more of the character(s) didn't have an IQ below room temperature.

It can also be caused when a character who is presented as being quite smart does something uncharacteristically stupid, and everything goes downhill from there.
Despite their legendary status, Shakespeare's plays are notorious for being massive brain drainers.

One example is Romeo and Juliet, which could have been over very quickly with no deaths if the two families just communicated with each other.

Another example is Julius Caesar, which would have ended after the death of Caesar if Brutus didn't decide to save Mark Antony because "he can't think for himself," and they didn't want people thinking they were terrorists. Long story short, he eventually found out that was a bad move when Antony suddenly dropped the façade and revealed that he is much more intelligent and independent than he seems.
by Someone who kinda exists August 16, 2021
Get the Brain Drainer mug.