Being a genuinely nice character doesn’t mean that you have to smile and be polite to people throughout the entire episode. What it means is that deep down that character has a heart of gold and will treat anyone that is kind or respectful to them with the same amount of kindness they are given. It doesn’t necessarily mean turning the other cheek in the face of unwanted adversity, or being blind enough to forgive every last slight ever levied against them. In the words of the immortal Patrick Swayze, “I want you to be nice, until it’s time not to be nice.”
Here are a few of those that you hope will retain that genuinely nice side, simply because it’s so much better.
5. Danny Rand – Iron Fist
So far he’s shown that the power he wields can do a lot of damage and that his skills are more than a match for many people. His own allies have tried to teach him to temper his more impulsive ways, but apart from the few moments of anger he’s had recently Danny Rand has also shown that he can be a very affable and down to earth person. He would rather be kind to those that are kind in turn, but he won’t hesitate to get nasty when it’s time.
4. Eleven – Stranger Things
Eleven is kind because she knows no other way to be, apart from scared and angry. Her most basic emotions are what drive her, and kindness is a very strong emotion for this young woman. She cares deeply about those that came to befriend her and seeks to keep them from harm at every step, no matter what it means doing. Kindness is not just a matter of being positive towards others, it is also not allowing the world to victimize another.
3. Dev – Master of None
Aziz is sometimes a bit crass and even rude but deep down on a more basic level he is a guy that seems to want a connection with people that is enriching for both parties. He might make a funny quip or a joke when he seems nervous or otherwise intimidated but that’s usually an attempt to defend himself against any seeming insecurity. Inside he’s a good guy.
2. Sue Heck – The Middle
Sue is the kind of person that is so kind that she can’t help but try and spread that feeling in every direction. Unfortunately when that happens the concentration of kindness kind of dilutes and it turns into something a little less than anticipated. She really wants to please people and show them that life can be this great, wonderful adventure, but she tries just a little too hard.
1. Podrick Payne – Game of Thrones
You’ve got to be wondering how anyone on Game of Thrones could possibly be considered nice, right? Aside from poor old Hodor many of GoT’s cast seemed bent on being the worst imaginable sort they can be at times. But Podrick is a little different. He’s not a knight, but he’s several steps away from being a commoner. Yet for all that he’s risen he is still a polite and engaging individual. He actually cares about people in a place where caring is the equivalent of wearing a large KICK ME sign on his back and a target on his chest.
Know of any other genuinely nice characters on TV? I’d love to hear suggestions.
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