cannon fodder

noun4

1. •
   Military forces considered to be expendable.

   • "A foolish old half-pay officer," boomed Sir Hilton. "Go back to your club, sir, and play bridge with other superannuated cannon-fodder, sir." — 1930
2. •
   Any group of contestants that have no hope of success.
3. •
   (slang) An expendable minor character primarily included to make the protagonist(s) stand out.
4. •
   (rare) Artillery ammunition.