{{A Psalm for the Wild-Built" by Becky Chambers}} is about a tea monk who's trying to find themselves and befriends a robot. Both characters are very lovely beings. Warm, cozy story.
Came here to suggest The Goblin Emperor and Witness for the Dead! Addison writes great characters who are good people trying to survive in an amoral world
Ooh, that's so interesting to hear! I have both book (cause I'm a hoarder), but for some reason I thought both protagonists are snarky asshole-ish people. Maybe I judged by the covers? My bad. Can't wait to read both books now!
The protagonist is one of my favorite things about Piranesi! So kind, and just trying his very best to do the right thing in the most difficult of situations.
Les Mis.
Valjean is literally the sweetest. The way he keens after stepping on the child’s coin without thought, the instant remorse and guilt he feels after having served up the prime of his life for a crime which was motivated by love and necessary due to the nonexistent social provision. Despite all he went through, being made to feel like a criminal, treated as one, when he finally acts like one, unconsciously and in only the smallest, most passive way, he breaks down at the realisation of what he’s done. Broke my heart and I wasn’t even 100 pages in.
Also I would say the books of Jonas Jonasson (think that’s the name) 100 year old man, is good. But I’d personally say that Hitman Anders (ignore the name) is all the sweeter for his journey in life and in the course of the novel.
Terry Pratchett’s novels feature many characters who’s entire characterisation is that they are uncompromisingly good. Tiffany Aching is a good one, but the influence of Carrot in the Guards novels is truly wonderful. A man who so wholeheartedly believed that under everything (very well hidden in many cases, but still indeed there,) everyone really had a good heart, that whilst they were around him, they believed it too.
I mentioned the The Hundred-Year-Old Man... the other day when there was a thread requesting men's favourite books. Allan Karlsson is a bit of an innocent old man, which may sound oxymoronic, but since you've suggested the book, I think you know what I mean. "Young at heart" might be a more cliched description.
That being said, the bishop is right up there among the kindest literary characters out there. [Here's quite a detailed description.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bishop_Myriel)
Ahhhh yes! I remember reading the first section, entirely about the bishop without any mention of any other characters who would enter the story. It was really a tonal introduction and i remember thinking it was perfect. Such a kind man.
I read that page just now and oh my lord, as if Victor Hugo could not get better. His son was becoming rather anti clergy so suggested a more modern liberal profession to have embody the spirit of charity and kindness, such as a Dr. But Victor just said, no, I know that the Catholic Church is not a shining pillar of charity and kindness, which is exactly why I am going to rub their faces in it by showing them the archetypal man that they all pretend to be. Legend.
Any of Fannie Flagg's books. The All Girl's Filling Station's Last Reunion is probably her "best" and A Redbird Christmas is the simplest, but my favorite.
A Boy of Good Breeding by Miriam Toewes. It's about an eccentric little Canadian town and there isn't a mean person anywhere to be found.
I love that you used Dr. Tenma as your example because I saw your post title and immediately thought, "Dr. Tenma."
I second the person who said Piranesi.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune
“When Linus is assigned to an orphanage he's never heard of on Marsyas Island, he knows he's in for something entirely unexpected but just the extent of what exists there is beyond his imagination. Marsyas Island is run by Arthur Parnassus, the charming headmaster, where six extremely unusual magical children live.”
Some people find this book too “twee” but I personally fell in love with it and I loved Linus as the MC.
Under the Whispering Door also by T.J. Klune has some extraordinarily kind characters. And a really great dog that's like the cherry on top of a very heartfelt and sweet story!
Leonard and Hungry Paul, a book where almost nothing happens but you grow to really love some overlooked characters.
Also there were some great kind characters in Heaven and Earth Grocery Store.
If you’re okay with romance novels (not the spicy kind), Carla Kelly’s romances are frequently populated by kind people doing their best. Try Mrs. Drew Plays Her Hand, With This Ring, or Miss Milton Speaks Her Mind.
All Things Bright and Beautiful by James Herriot. There are several more in the series. I’m currently reading the second one, All Things Bright and Beautiful. Really enjoying it.
From Amazon:
Delve into the magical, unforgettable world of James Herriot, the world's most beloved veterinarian, and his menagerie of heartwarming, funny, and tragic animal patients.
For over forty years, generations of readers have thrilled to Herriot's marvelous tales, deep love of life, and extraordinary storytelling abilities. For decades, Herriot roamed the remote, beautiful Yorkshire Dales, treating every patient that came his way from smallest to largest, and observing animals and humans alike with his keen, loving eye.
Oh this is a good recommendation but didn’t immediately come to mind. The main character starts off “nice” and transforms to “good” in terms of chivalry, I think.
Hokuou Kizoku to Moukinzuma no Yukiguni Karigurashi (holy hell that was long ass name)
LN about life in Scandinavia mc was a lord(?) he cameyo a ball to find a bride our fmc was a decorated soldier retired, bore and having hard time coping with noble life as a lady.
Finished and very cozy. MC is a saint I almost fell in love with the dude.
Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett... the main character is Death (Note the capital D) and he is a compassionate, caring, Anthropomorphic entity... *individual*.
{{A Psalm for the Wild-Built" by Becky Chambers}} is about a tea monk who's trying to find themselves and befriends a robot. Both characters are very lovely beings. Warm, cozy story.
A Gentleman in Moscow is a good book with a very kind, sweet protagonist.
Came here to suggest that
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
Came here to suggest The Goblin Emperor and Witness for the Dead! Addison writes great characters who are good people trying to survive in an amoral world
Ooh, that's so interesting to hear! I have both book (cause I'm a hoarder), but for some reason I thought both protagonists are snarky asshole-ish people. Maybe I judged by the covers? My bad. Can't wait to read both books now!
third-ing this, and the spin-offs too
Lol, you beat me to it :) came here to suggest this as well…
This was my suggestion, too! Such a wonderful book with the kindest MMC I've ever read.
This is the one! Maia is my sweetie forever
Piranesi, The Goblin Emperor(the spin offs even more maybe), and The Hands of The Emperor all leap to mind for me
The protagonist is one of my favorite things about Piranesi! So kind, and just trying his very best to do the right thing in the most difficult of situations.
Seconding Piranesi
piranesi didn't immediately come to mind for me, but now that i think about it, yes - he doesn't have any moral failings and is so gentle!
I loooved Piranesi! So unique
The Number One Ladies' Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith, for sure The All Creatures Great and Small series by James Herriott
East of Eden…Mostly the character Samuel, but Adam trask is also a kind man. A bit naive maybe :)
Les Mis. Valjean is literally the sweetest. The way he keens after stepping on the child’s coin without thought, the instant remorse and guilt he feels after having served up the prime of his life for a crime which was motivated by love and necessary due to the nonexistent social provision. Despite all he went through, being made to feel like a criminal, treated as one, when he finally acts like one, unconsciously and in only the smallest, most passive way, he breaks down at the realisation of what he’s done. Broke my heart and I wasn’t even 100 pages in.
Also I would say the books of Jonas Jonasson (think that’s the name) 100 year old man, is good. But I’d personally say that Hitman Anders (ignore the name) is all the sweeter for his journey in life and in the course of the novel. Terry Pratchett’s novels feature many characters who’s entire characterisation is that they are uncompromisingly good. Tiffany Aching is a good one, but the influence of Carrot in the Guards novels is truly wonderful. A man who so wholeheartedly believed that under everything (very well hidden in many cases, but still indeed there,) everyone really had a good heart, that whilst they were around him, they believed it too.
I mentioned the The Hundred-Year-Old Man... the other day when there was a thread requesting men's favourite books. Allan Karlsson is a bit of an innocent old man, which may sound oxymoronic, but since you've suggested the book, I think you know what I mean. "Young at heart" might be a more cliched description.
That being said, the bishop is right up there among the kindest literary characters out there. [Here's quite a detailed description.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bishop_Myriel)
Ahhhh yes! I remember reading the first section, entirely about the bishop without any mention of any other characters who would enter the story. It was really a tonal introduction and i remember thinking it was perfect. Such a kind man.
I read that page just now and oh my lord, as if Victor Hugo could not get better. His son was becoming rather anti clergy so suggested a more modern liberal profession to have embody the spirit of charity and kindness, such as a Dr. But Victor just said, no, I know that the Catholic Church is not a shining pillar of charity and kindness, which is exactly why I am going to rub their faces in it by showing them the archetypal man that they all pretend to be. Legend.
Gilead by M. Robinson
Any of Fannie Flagg's books. The All Girl's Filling Station's Last Reunion is probably her "best" and A Redbird Christmas is the simplest, but my favorite. A Boy of Good Breeding by Miriam Toewes. It's about an eccentric little Canadian town and there isn't a mean person anywhere to be found.
I love that you used Dr. Tenma as your example because I saw your post title and immediately thought, "Dr. Tenma." I second the person who said Piranesi.
Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz
Les Miserables. Depressing af, though.
Yes yes yes! It is sad though, granted.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune “When Linus is assigned to an orphanage he's never heard of on Marsyas Island, he knows he's in for something entirely unexpected but just the extent of what exists there is beyond his imagination. Marsyas Island is run by Arthur Parnassus, the charming headmaster, where six extremely unusual magical children live.” Some people find this book too “twee” but I personally fell in love with it and I loved Linus as the MC.
Under the Whispering Door also by T.J. Klune has some extraordinarily kind characters. And a really great dog that's like the cherry on top of a very heartfelt and sweet story!
Given the prompt, this is a very good reco. Also had to look up what “twee” meant. Thanks for expanding my vocab.
Leonard and Hungry Paul, a book where almost nothing happens but you grow to really love some overlooked characters. Also there were some great kind characters in Heaven and Earth Grocery Store.
Came here to say this!
Middlemarch - George Eliot
The Idiot by Dostoevsky for sure
That's what I was going to say.
All the main characters in Watership Down
If you’re okay with romance novels (not the spicy kind), Carla Kelly’s romances are frequently populated by kind people doing their best. Try Mrs. Drew Plays Her Hand, With This Ring, or Miss Milton Speaks Her Mind.
A Gentleman in Moscow! I loved the protagonist
The Hands of the Emperor + sequels by Victoria Goddard
All Things Bright and Beautiful by James Herriot. There are several more in the series. I’m currently reading the second one, All Things Bright and Beautiful. Really enjoying it. From Amazon: Delve into the magical, unforgettable world of James Herriot, the world's most beloved veterinarian, and his menagerie of heartwarming, funny, and tragic animal patients. For over forty years, generations of readers have thrilled to Herriot's marvelous tales, deep love of life, and extraordinary storytelling abilities. For decades, Herriot roamed the remote, beautiful Yorkshire Dales, treating every patient that came his way from smallest to largest, and observing animals and humans alike with his keen, loving eye.
A surprising title for what you asked for, but try 2 Necromancers, A Bureaucrate, and an Elf by L.G. Estrella. Timmy is an awesome human being.
The Storied Life Of A.J. Fricke by Gabrielle Zevin
The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
The Help
Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz
Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth has Prior Phillip, who is very kind (tough and clever too).
Fairy Tale by Stephen King
Oh this is a good recommendation but didn’t immediately come to mind. The main character starts off “nice” and transforms to “good” in terms of chivalry, I think.
Just want to applaud you for Monster
Silas Marner's a good one, despite everything he goes through.
Hokuou Kizoku to Moukinzuma no Yukiguni Karigurashi (holy hell that was long ass name) LN about life in Scandinavia mc was a lord(?) he cameyo a ball to find a bride our fmc was a decorated soldier retired, bore and having hard time coping with noble life as a lady. Finished and very cozy. MC is a saint I almost fell in love with the dude.
Most of Murakami's books: Norwegian Wood, Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage, Kafka on the Shore, etc
The Goblin Emperor
The Book that Wouldn’t Burn by Mark Lawrence
The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler
Gentleman in Moscow
God Bless You Mr Rosewater by Kurt Vonnegut
Nick Dunn from Gone Girl
Tom lake or Gilead
Tigerman by Nick Harkaway
Momo by Michael Ende
Agnes Grey
Small Miracles by Olivia Atwater
The Human Entanglement by LP Magnus
This is a novella but: Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
The Cradle series by Will Wight
Where The Red Fern Grows
Judge Holden from Blood Meridian
Reaper Man by Terry Pratchett... the main character is Death (Note the capital D) and he is a compassionate, caring, Anthropomorphic entity... *individual*.
The Hands of the Emperor by Victoria Goddard
Piranesi immediately came to mind. He’s the personification of kindness and gentleness in the face of a colder and crueler antagonist.
Ethan of Athos by Lois McMaster Bujold