As an expert in the field of superhero narratives and cinematic universes, I can provide an analysis of how the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) characters defeated Thanos in the storyline.

In "Avengers: Endgame," the culmination of the MCU's Infinity Saga, the heroes devise a plan to travel back in time to collect the Infinity Stones before Thanos can. They use the concept of the time heist, which involves the heroes splitting into teams and going to different points in the past to retrieve the stones. Once they have all the stones, they use Tony Stark's (Iron Man) technology to create a set of Infinity Gauntlets for the heroes who can withstand the power of the stones.

The final battle takes place in the past, where an older Thanos from the 2014 timeline has learned of the future events and has come to the present to destroy the universe and recreate it in his image. The heroes from the present and past join forces in a massive battle to stop him. During the fight, Captain America is able to wield Thor's hammer, which is a significant moment as it shows his worthiness.

The climax of the battle sees Iron Man, who has been struggling with the weight of the stones, snap his fingers while wearing the Infinity Gauntlet, thus disintegrating Thanos and his army. However, the power of the snap is too much for Iron Man to handle, and he sacrifices himself to save the universe.

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He imprisons Kronos and taunts Kree hero Captain Marvel, who with the aid of superhero team the Avengers and ISAAC (a super-computer based on Titan), is eventually able to defeat Thanos by destroying the Cube. ... Thanos is finally stopped by Warlock, whose spirit emerges from the Soul Gem and turns the Titan to stone.read more >>