History Main / BigGood

* BigGood/VideoGames

* BigGood/{{Film}}

Do note that this trope is about a character ''role'' and as such there are multiple {{Heroes}} that can fulfill this role, including but not limited to:

AuthorityEqualsAsskicking is in full force most of the time, with the Big Good usually starting off several orders of magnitude more powerful than TheHero. The character may be servant to [[TheManBehindTheMan a greater good]] just like their evil counterpart could be a servant to a greater evil. Unlike the BigBad, however, the Big Good ''can'' be taken down rather early — to show [[TheWorfEffect just how powerful the enemy has gotten]] by that point or [[MyDeathIsJustTheBeginning as part of a greater plan]]. One of the more common ways this is done is to have the two Bigs confront each other directly, with the Big Good coming up short. For extra pathos, the BigBad was [[TheParagonAlwaysRebels once their second in command]]. Expect TheHero or some other member of the TrueCompanions to take up the mantle by the time the GrandFinale comes round.

[[quoteright:350:[[ComicBook/TheTransformersMarvel https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/PRIMEsmallB_2077.jpg]]]]

Whereas the BigBad is considered the ultimate evil to be defeated, the Big Good is the cornerstone of any heroic faction. This character is explicitly stated to be a counterpart to combat the forces of evil, likely calling all the shots in the organization and is normally the highest ranking or the absolute most powerful. Since TheHero is usually, [[SupportingProtagonist but]] [[HeroAntagonist not]] [[VillainProtagonist always]] synonymous with the protagonist, the Big Good does not always fill that role, as it is usually more dramatic for the protagonist to work upwards from the bottom. It may be stated (at least in the beginning) that TheHero is expendable whereas this character is not. The Big Good is simply the most valuable member of the heroic movement in a given work, whether in terms of rank, function or wisdom. If not TheHero, then they will most definitely be [[MentorArchetype the mentor]] to craft TheHero into being the weapon they need him to be.

* TheHero (if they are the protagonist of the story as well) [[note]]Although it's possibility for a hero who is previously a subordinate to the Big Good to become one if he takes a level of [[TookALevelInBadass badass]] or [[OlderAndWiser wisdom]] alongside the previous Big Good's death (Bonus if said Big Good is also TheMentor, with all the [[MentorOccupationalHazard risks]] that it entails) [[/note]]

* MysteriousBacker — Who fulfils the same role but has their own agenda.

* GodofGood, GodIsGood

[[quoteright:350:[[ComicBook/TheTransformers https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/PRIMEsmallB_2077.jpg]]]]

Might occasionally be a great hero who is [[PosthumousCharacter believed to be dead]] (might be true, or they might be simply hidden) or someone who most characters [[ArbitrarySkepticism think is just a myth]] until they appear in the flesh. At the beginning of a series, expect the BigBad to be much more worried about this character than about TheHero. TheHero may not even register on any antagonist's radar while all of them will be out to off the Big Good. TheDragon is far more often TheRival or WorthyOpponent to TheHero than the BigBad.

* TheHero (if they are the protagonist of the story as well)

AuthorityEqualsAsskicking is in full force most of the time, with the Big Good usually starting off several orders of magnitude more powerful than TheHero. The character may be servant to [[TheManBehindTheMan a greater good]] just like their how evil counterpart could be a servant to a greater evil. Unlike the BigBad, however, the Big Good ''can'' be taken down rather early — to show [[TheWorfEffect just how powerful the enemy has gotten]] by that point or [[MyDeathIsJustTheBeginning as part of a greater plan]]. One of the more common ways this is done is to have the two Bigs confront each other directly, with the Big Good coming up short. For extra pathos, the BigBad was [[TheParagonAlwaysRebels once their second in command]]. Expect TheHero or some other member of the TrueCompanions to take up the mantle by the time the GrandFinale comes round.

For VillainProtagonist wise, the Big Good is the [[HeroAntagonist biggest opposing force]] against them.

* BigGood/{{Other}}

[[quoteright:349:[[ComicBook/TheTransformers https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/PRIMEsmallB_2077.jpg]]]]
[[caption-width-right:349:[[TransformingMecha Also, he can transform into a truck]].]]

-->-- '''Napoleon Bonaparte'''

!!Example subpages

* BigGood/{{Other}}

!!Other examples
[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder:Comic Books]]
* ''ComicBook/BlackMoonChronicles'': Methraton is the greatest force for good who (unlike {{God}}) actually takes an active interest in the affairs of the mortal realm. He's virtually a god in his own right, but he's really just an immortal archmage. His most significant act is probably [[spoiler:providing the portals used by the different nations in the world to escape the coming destruction of Earth]].
* Ekimus in ''ComicBook/{{Crimson}}'' serves as the main protagonist's mentor, preparing him in his role as TheChosenOne to stop the apocalypse and he is directly opposite to [[BigBad Lisseth]], [[MonsterProgenitor the Mother of All Vampires]]. He is not the biggest or most powerful figure in the setting, but he is the most proactive one in the story, while the Forces of Light (particularly [[LightIsNotGood the angels]]) tend to veer into KnightTemplar territory.
* Franchise/TheDCU:
** The Guardians of the Universe in ''Franchise/GreenLantern'' used to be this, but [[DependingOnTheWriter the more cynical take on them]] has them acting aloof and manipulative instead.
** Franchise/{{Superman}} is traditionally the chairman (and often acknowledged as the most powerful member) of the Franchise/JusticeLeagueOfAmerica, and when not acting in his capacity as a Leaguer most other heroes tend to defer to his authority and judgment if only out of respect. Sometimes generalized to the "Big Three" where Superman, {{Franchise/Batman}}, and Franchise/WonderWoman collectively comprise the Big Good of the JLA. (The JLA ''itself'' is in a sense the Big Good of DCU superteams and/or the metahuman community in general.) Explicitly shown in the ''Trinity'' maxi-series, to the point where the three become gods.
** In any story involving the entire Bat Family, Batman will be this even more so than Superman.
** In a similar capacity, [[ComicBook/{{Shazam}} Captain Marvel]] is often treated like this, even in comparison to Superman, possibly due to ChildrenAreInnocent. It's explicitly stated in the comics that Billy Batson would be Marvel full-time to help people, if not for the wizard Shazam insisting that Batson himself deserves some happiness in his life, too.
* Bernadette, the leader of the ''ComicBook/DeathVigil'' and [[DontFearTheReaper not-quite-grim Reaper]], generally acting as a SupportingLeader.
* Subverted in the ''ComicBook/{{Hellboy}}''. If you come in by the movies, you'd expect Trevor Bruttenholm to fill the role. But he gets killed off in the first issue of ''Seeds of Destruction''. Played straight in stories set before that.
* The Plutonian from ''ComicBook/{{Irredeemable}}'' was this--until he snapped and started killing off people by the millions.
** ''Irredeemable's'' sister series ''Incorruptible'' is all about The Plutonian's nemesis Max Damage trying to take this role.
* Franchise/MarvelUniverse:
** ComicBook/CaptainAmerica is to the Marvel multiverse what Superman is to the DC multiverse. Though he's far from the most powerful hero, Steve Rogers is the embodiment of Good in the Marvel Universe. ''Especially'' when he was the director of SHIELD.
** ComicBook/SpiderMan fulfills this when he can. If Cap is considered the [[MessianicArchetype Soul]] of the Marvel Universe's hero community, then Peter Parker is definitely the [[IncorruptiblePurePureness Heart]] of the heroes. He manages to unite even the most [[AntiHero cynical]] of heroes and [[MoralEventHorizon loathsome]] villains together or brings out the best in them with his unceasing optimism and true everyman nature.
** Speaking of Spider-Man, him and his fellow spider-related heroes owes their existence to the Great Weaver, the totemic entity that turns certain people into its champions, and has chosen Peter Parker as its new avatar.
** And in terms of sheer power and authority, there's [[Comicbook/TheMightyThor Thor]]'s pop, the [[TopGod Father of All]], Odin. He rarely interferes with Earth nowadays, but is clearly this for his native Asgard. [[TookALevelInJerkass (At least in older stories.)]]
* ComicBook/{{Darkseid}}'s opposite in the ''ComicBook/NewGods'' mythos, Izaya, Leader of New Genesis, is supposed to be the Big Good of the Fourth World saga - but he hardly ever gets used, to give the spotlight to characters like Orion, or even Earth heroes like Superman. Highfather is more or less purely defensive/reactive, which makes him kind of boring when compared to the more active New Gods like Orion or even Lightray; he's ''mentioned'' a lot more than he's ''shown''. Also referenced-but-not-shown is The Source. The Source ''Wall'' has been shown in the comics, which is presented as a kind of barrier around the universe, composed of the frozen-into-stone bodies of beings who dared to try to venture past it.
* ''ComicBook/RoughRiders'': UsefulNotes/TheodoreRoosevelt at first, who is later succeeded by his daughter, Alice, who resurrected the Rough Riders initiative and was personally involved with five (she is notably absent in UsefulNotes/FranklinDRoosevelt's version) of its teams until her death on February 12, 1980.
* Admiral Gar Stazi for the Galactic Alliance Remnant in ''Franchise/{{Star Wars|Legends}}: ComicBook/{{Legacy}}''.
* ''ComicBook/SpiderManLifeStory'': Captain America is shaping up to be this. In Issue #2, Reed Richards considers him [[spoiler:to be the OnlySaneMan doing the right thing in the Vietnam War, "Going rogue, saving lives on both sides"]].
* ''ComicBook/{{Thunderbolts}}'': Jolt was the Big Good to Baron Zemo's Big Bad in the first few years. In some ways Hawkeye was the Big Good after he joined.
* ''ComicBook/XMen'': Professor Xavier is TheLeader of the X-Men, principal of the Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters, and the standard-bearer of the campaign for mutants and muggles to co-exist peacefully. Even though he doesn't play a direct leader role in all of the Marvel Universe's mutant teams, {{the Verse}}'s various teams of mutant heroes (the X-Men, ComicBook/XFactor, ComicBook/XForce, ComicBook/GenerationX, etc.) have occasionally been collectively referred to as "The Disciples of Xavier".
** In Bendis' ''Uncanny X-Men'', most mutants consider Cyclops this. Though [[GreyAndGreyMorality the truth]] [[DependingOnTheWriter is more complicated]], there's no denying his political clout, or his devotion to protecting the species.
* ComicBook/UltimateMarvel: S.H.I.E.L.D. in general, Nick Fury in particular. S.H.I.E.L.D. is the GovernmentAgencyOfFiction, oversees all superhuman activities (heroes and villains alike), takes an active role in detaining superhuman criminals (they do not simply sit and wait while HoldingOutForAHero), and have effective [[TailorMadePrison Tailor-Made Prisons]] for superhuman criminals, which are almost never [[CardboardPrison made of cardboard]]. In addition to that, Fury serves as a ParentalSubstitute for [[ComicBook/UltimateSpiderMan Peter Parker]], they paid the HeroInsurance of the [[ComicBook/UltimateXMen X-Men]] for some time, they were indirectly the chiefs of the [[ComicBook/UltimateFantasticFour Fantastic Four]] (as they command the soldiers that command the Baxter Building), and the direct chiefs of ComicBook/TheUltimates. And, when S.H.I.E.L.D. was temporarily out of action during the civil war, Nick Fury served this role personally.
** ''ComicBook/UltimateMarvelTeamUp'': Spider-Man can not deal with the Hulk all by himself, just delay him a bit. That work is for Ross and his soldiers.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Fan Works]]
* ''Fanfic/ACrownOfStars'': Daniel, Emperor of Avalon. He meets the heroes - Shinji and Asuka - when they're at their lowest and offers to give back everything that was taken away from them. He brings their families and friends back, heals their physical scars, helps them to recover from their traumas, and lends them a military force to save their world.
* [[spoiler:Alpha]] takes up this mantle in Part 2 of ''Fanfic/ClashOfTheElements''.
* In ''Fanfic/{{Fractured}}'', a ''VideoGame/MassEffect''[=/=]''Franchise/StarWars''[=/=]''VideoGame/{{Borderlands}}'' [[MassiveMultiplayerCrossover crossover]] and its sequel, ''Fanfic/{{Origins}}'', this role is shared in a Big Good Ensemble, though some people [[HeroicBSOD fade in and out]].
** The Council gets no respite here, until [[ReasonableAuthorityFigure Admiral Grayson]] joins their members after the assassination of Udina. Even then, it's the [[OnlySaneMan reasonable outsider]] ([[ComplexityAddiction up to a point]]) versus entrenched [[FantasticRacism galactic politics]].
** Wrex, to the krogan.
** Samantha Shepard is a downplayed version, since unlike in the [[VideoGame/MassEffect3 game]] she doesn't use her MagneticHero tendencies to unite the galaxy against the Reapers. [[spoiler:She also has a bit of a brush with depression and a [=Heroic BSOD=] that sees a temporary [=Face-Heel Turn=]]]. She resumes the role later, though.
** Alt!Roland in his own {{Multiverse}} and in this one.
** Allison Nimitz, once her fleet arrives.
* Jane fills this role in the ''Webcomic/{{Homestuck}}'' fanfic ''[[FanFic/GoldenAge The Golden Age]]'', being queen of Skaia and chairwoman to the [[TheFederation United Galaxies]].
* ''Fanfic/{{HERZ}}'': Misato Katsuragi, Director of HERZ. She is tasked with using the Evangelions on peace-keeping and peace-making missions, and preventing the spreading of the Eva technology. She is also [[BigBad SEELE]]’s worst enemy, having spent twelve years foiling their plans and scheming and plotting against them.
* [[TyrannosaurusRex Rexy]] in ''FanFic/ItsNotTheRaptorDNA''. She commands the fear, respect, and/or love of everybody and every creature on Isla Nublar, and is the one who tries to guide Elise and the younger dinosaurs toward a better future.
* In the fanfic ''Fanfic/TheManWhoSoldTheWorld'', the Hunter is this to the people of Yharnam. He guards their world from outsider (read: unstabilizing) visitors without control of what they can do, and has put an end to the Hunt. Being a benevolent, albeit ruthless Great One, the people of Yharnam adore him.
* ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'' fanfics:
** The ''Fanfic/AftermathOfTheGames'' universe: While Celestia is still the Big Good to Equestria, Princess Twilight has become this to the Terran equivalent of her friends, [[spoiler:the filly version of Starlight Glimmer]], and to her own human counterpart, offering her advice and comfort she doubts herself. Above Celestia, however, is Harmony, a being that controls the power of Harmony, and who ascends ponies who prove their worthiness to her.
** Godzilla Junior has grown up into this by time we meet him in ''FanFic/TheBridge''. While he might be a tad impulsive at times if he feels the situation is dire, he is a benign soul who has gone out of his way to protect the world numerous times. [[TheGoodKing King of the Monsters indeed]].
*** Celestia also has shades of this, but the title in this story really goes to [[spoiler: Harmony (the spirit of the Tree of Harmony)]], the entity who's provided DivineIntervention for the heroes, brought King Caesar to Equestria in the past to fight Tirek, and is trying to be TheConscience to the less evil members of the BigBad's forces.
** ''Fanfic/AFutureOfFriendshipAHistoryOfHate'' has Amity, [[BigBad Ruinate]]'s [[CainAndAbel sister]], who created the Elements of Harmony eons ago to originally defeat him. At the climax of Episode 2, she remotely communicates with the Mane Six as she uses the bonds between them to first [[spoiler:restore Twilight's soul after Ruinate [[EmptyShell destroyed it]]]], and then to [[SoLastSeason unlock their full power]] in order to help them defeat him again.
** The ''Series/KamenRiderWizard'' crossover ''FanFic/FriendshipIsShowtime'' has Princess Celestia and the White Wizard both filling this role, though to their own separate apprentices. [[spoiler:It turns out that they're old friends]].
** [[spoiler:The redeemed spirit of Horus]] in ''FanFic/TheGodEmpressOfPonykind'', trying to keep Luna from falling to TheCorruption, and when that fails [[spoiler:he helps her [[FightingFromTheInside break free long enough for Celestia to use the Elements of Harmony on her]], and then acts as her guardian while she is imprisoned in the Warp]]. When Luna is set free in the sequel, [[spoiler:Horus]] continues to act as Luna's mentor as she adjusts to modern Equestria.
** ''FanFic/JusticeLeagueOfEquestria'': [[GodOfGood Athena]] is this for ''Princess of Themyscira'', guiding Soarin' and Diana against the machinations of [[BigBad Ares]]. [[spoiler: She's possibly also this for the series as a whole, having led the charge against [[GreaterScopeVillain Darkseid]] in the [[GreatOffscreenWar War in Heaven]]]].
** [[DesignatedHero All]][[AlternateCharacterInterpretation ege]][[GodModeSue dly]], the Grand Ruler in ''Fanfic/MyBravePonyStarfleetMagic''.
** The ''FanFic/PonyPOVSeries'':
*** [[GodOfGood Fauna Luster and the Father of all Alicorns]] are this for the alicorns, and TheMultiverse as a whole.
*** The [[BadFuture Dark World]] has [[spoiler: [[TheVoice The Benevolent Interloper/Amicitia]], who serves as a [[GoodAngelBadAngel counterbalance]] to [[GreaterScopeVillain The Nameless Passenger/Nightmare Paradox]], and MissionControl in the FinalBattle]].
*** The Shining Armor Arc has [[PhysicalGod Mother Deer]], the leader of the anti-[[TheEmpire Hooviet]] LaResistance that eventually allies with Shining's group.
*** The series as a whole has [[MysteriousWatcher the Interviewers]], who guide the characters along to reach their happy endings. [[spoiler: They turn out to be Amicitia, having undergone a LiteralSplitPersonality as part of a gambit to create a more hopeful timeline separate from Dark World]].
*** During the Finale Arc, [[spoiler:Havoc]] seems to take this role for the CMC, giving them aid disguised as [[spoiler:a foal named Phobia]] on their journey to [[spoiler:undo Discord's [[RewritingReality endgame]]]].
*** Fillimon, the personification of the good qualities of the [[EldritchAbomination Shadows Who Make]], who helps light and goodness thrive in worlds and opposes her brother Nyarlathotrot (the literal personification of [[DarkFic Grim Dark]]), likely counts for the multiverse as a whole.
** ''Fanfic/TheConversionBureauTheOtherSideOfTheSpectrum'':
*** Princess Celestia immediately declares war on [[MirrorUniverse Queen]] [[EvilCounterpart Celestia]] after witnessing the ponies of the Solar Empire [[MindRape enforce]] [[BalefulPolymorph Conversion]] upon humanity.
*** Prior to her execution, [[MirrorUniverse TCB!]][[AlternateUniverseReedRichardsIsAwesome Lyra]] [[MessianicArchetype Heartstrings]] not only [[RebelLeader founded]] the [[LaResistance Ponies for Human Life]], but gave humanity a reason to trust the [[DefectorFromDecadence Empire's defectors]]. Even death hasn't dampened her legacy, to the point that some members of the [[RightWingMilitiaFanatic Human Liberation Front]] mourned for her despite their virulent anti-pony sentiments.
*** During the story, [[MirrorUniverse TCB!]][[BadassTeacher Cheerilee]] eventually becomes the new leader of the PHL, going so far as [[spoiler: taking a clone of the Solar Tyrant head-on and [[DidYouJustPunchOutCthulhu beating her to a pulp]] thanks to [[PowerTattoos runic enhancement]]]].
** ''Fanfic/TheStarsAscendant'' is about Celestia struggling with whether or not she remains ''the'' Big Good now that Twilight Sparkle has surpassed her, and her guilt over unwittingly holding Twilight back from her true potential.
** ''Fanfic/TheGodSquad'' in their self named fic. Especially when foals are in danger.
** ''Fanfic/ThePiecesLieWhereTheyFell'': The spirit of Balance acts this way, though its ability to support the heroes is limited due to being forced to give the Big Bad equal aid. [[spoiler: Ultimately subverted when it turns out Balance was just as big of a monster as the Nightmare, playing with others' lives to achieve its goals and sentencing the Nightmare to a FateWorseThanDeath]].
* Cait Sith and his creator, Reeve in ''Fanfic/OffTheLine'', who are the moderator and head admin of the game and the game's creator. When Nanaki suffered glitches in his gameplay due to the incompatibility of his headgear, Cait Sith tracked him down and Reeve made him a custom headgear in exchange for Nanaki's permission to study Nanaki's data. When Cloud finds out that Vincent is a player and not a virus, Cait Sith does everything he can to make up his past actions to Vincent and Reeve plans to track down Vincent's comatose body.
* The ''VideoGame/KantaiCollection'' fanfic ''Fanfic/PacificWorldWarIIUSNavyShipgirls'' has USS ''Enterprise'', aka "The Grey Ghost" and "The Big E", which is a JustifiedTrope on accounts that her historical namesake pretty much served in the war from beginning to end, and was the most decorated US ship during the war with 20 battle stars earned. This is even mentioned word-for-word by the author.
* In ''Fanfic/PokemonResetBloodlines'', Professor Oak is seen as this, as his research has helped in making the world a better place for Pokémon and humans alike, although the exact details haven't been specified yet.
* Asula the Milotic, headmistress of the Long Island base and organiser of the main heroic team in ''FanFic/{{Pokeumans}}''.
* The ''VideoGame/CommandAndConquer''/''Franchise/MassEffect'' fanfic ''Fanfic/{{Renegade}}'' has [[spoiler:''[[DarkMessiah Kane]]'' of all people, manipulating GDI and the Council into working together against Saren and warning Shepard about the Reapers]].
* Ozpin in ''Fanfic/RubyAndNora'' plays this much more straight than his Morally grey canon counterpart. While he had to make one rather morally dubious decision, he’s ''much'' more open about how much it is eating away at him, and he honestly felt like he had no choice.
* In ''Fanfic/TheSecondTry'', [[spoiler:Kaworu]] of all people. What pushes him into this territory is that not only did he make so that [[spoiler:[[TheEndOfTheWorldAsWeKnowIt Third Impact]] was averted, he made it so that Aki could grow up normally with her parents]]. [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold He's still a bit of a dick]], but saving all 3 billion people on Earth allows you to be.
* In the ''Fanfic/ShadowchasersSeries'', Jalal Stormbringer fills the role in each fic, being the founder and leader of the organization, but a few fics have secondary ones:
** In ''Fanfic/ShadowchasersBackwater'', Rayearth can be considered the secondary Big Good for all matters pertaining to the city of Backwater.
** In ''Fanfic/ShadowchasersTorment'', [[spoiler:the god of retribution St. Cuthbert, being the one who secretly sponsors Leorin's quest for redemption]].
* As in [[Manga/DeathNote canon]], L retains his status as the [[AntiHero technical]] Big Good to Kira's [[spoiler:(aka Light's)]] BigBad in the fanfic ''Fanfic/StoryOfTheCentury'', but this time it gets deconstructed. [[spoiler:He ends up as a TragicHero by the story's closing]].
* Space Sheriff Aka from ''[[http://alaxr274.deviantart.com/gallery/36864527 Super Milestone Wars 2]]''.
* ''Fanfic/UndocumentedFeatures'' has the Wedge Defense Force, and later the International Police Organization.
* Lance and Steven both play this role in ''{{Fanfic/Traveler}}''.
** Moltres, Mew, and Lugia all fit this mold on a much larger scale.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Literature]]
* Anastasius Focht, despite his dubious past, comes closest to this in ''TabletopGame/BattleTech''. As head of the [=ComStar=] Guards and Militia, he led the Inner Sphere's largest single military force. When the Clan invasion started, he was focused solely on defeating them across all of the Inner Sphere, while many other house lords either were concerned solely with their own territory or trying to take advantage of the situation. Focht was able to buy a 15-year truce from the invasion. He ultimately failed to see the threat of the Word of Blake, but that was only because he felt the Clans were the bigger concern.
* Aslan in ''Literature/TheChroniclesOfNarnia'' books. Naturally, given he's CrystalDragonJesus.
* Dallben, from ''Literature/TheChroniclesOfPrydain''. Competes with [[SupportingLeader Prince Gwydion]] for the title, with the former raising the protagonist and the latter being the warrior-prince he aspires to be.
* First Lord Gaius Sextus from ''Literature/CodexAlera'', though he's also a MagnificentBastard perfectly willing to ShootTheDog for a good cause. [[spoiler: After he dies, [[TheHero Tavi]] and Aquitainus Attis, formerly a borderline ''BigBad'', split the role. When Attis dies, Tavi takes it completely]]. If you asked [[OurElvesAreDifferentthe Marat]], they'd say their chieftain Doroga was the Big Good, and the [[WolfMan Canim]] would put Warmaster Varg up for the office. But if you asked Doroga or Varg personally, they'd probably say it was Tavi.
* ''Literature/TheCrimsonShadow'': Brind'Amour, the last of the good wizards from the old days.
* In the Creator/TomClancy novel ''Literature/DebtOfHonor'', [[spoiler: with Durling, the entire Congress, the Supreme Court, and members of the Federal Government dead, Literature/JackRyan becomes the President of the United States, setting up ''Executive Orders'']].
* ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'':
** Probably the highest rung of operation is [[DontFearTheReaper Death]], who generally staves off the most powerful and dangerous threats to the Disc.
** Granny Weatherwax is the Big Good in the Witches books. As of ''Literature/TheShepherdsCrown'', [[spoiler: the torch has been passed to Tiffany Aching]].
** In most of the Ankh-Morpork or watch-based books, Vimes is TheLeader while Vetinari is the Big Good. Sometimes Vetinari is in a Big Good [[BigBadDuumvirate Duumvirate]] with Lady Margolotta Von Uberwald, and at least once Vetinari's ''aunt'' served as TheManBehindTheMan to Vetinari.
* Every good in ''Literature/TheDivineComedy'', past, present, and future, comes from God and every action that Dante takes follows his purpose to rest in God.
* Literature/DoraWilkSeries:
** Highest up is [[{{God}} the God]] and [[MotherNature the Goddess]]. They [[GodsHandsAreTied can't do much in person]], but they sure as hell manipulate events from behind to make the situation better.
** Lesser goddesses [[CleverCrows Badb]] and [[MamaBear Cahan]]. Sure, they're mostly motivated by personal gain and family honor, but their goals align with that of the Trio.
** Archangels [[ArchangelMichael Michael]] and [[ArchangelGabriel Gabriel]] are more day-to-day allies who definitely help and provide much assistance to the Trio. Their position on the Archangel Council give them much power the main characters lack.
* Abraham Van Helsing in ''Literature/{{Dracula}}''. The viewpoint characters do much of the action themselves, but it's clear that Helsing leads the fight against Drac and they would be helpless without him.
* ''Literature/DragonridersOfPern'': In any matter in the main timeline that didn't directly involve Thread, things were generally handled by Masterharper Robinton (Who started as a StealthMentor to protagonist F'lar). When he's forced into retirement in ''All The Weyrs of Pern'', he's replaced by a Big Good triumverate of F'lar (representing the Dragonriders), Jaxom (representing the Lord Holders) and Sebell (Robinton's protege and successor).
* Most of the Atreides rulers in the ''Franchise/{{Dune}}'' novels, outside of their origin stories.
* Ardneh in the ''Empire of the East'' trilogy by Creator/FredSaberhagen. So much so that the [[LaResistance good guys]], or some of them at least, worship him as a god, even though he denies being one.
* The ''Literature/Gameknight999Series'' has the Oracle, a representation of the good in Minecraft who works to stop Herobrine. She manifests both as an old woman and as the game's music.
* ''Literature/TheGauntlet2017'': Madame Nasirah is the one who gives the players of the game food and guidance to help them win.
* In ''Literature/GauntsGhosts'' Warmaster Slaydo is the one who started the crusade to liberate the Sabbat Worlds, and on a personal level was instrumental in Gaunt's early career. [[PosthumousCharacter He's long dead]] however, so the role went to his successor Warmaster Macaroth, who's a bit of a dick and implied to be much less competent, but is still the leader of the Imperial forces. He later shares the role with the resurrected Saint Sabbat, who becomes the icon that the Imperial forces rally around.
* D'ol Falla from the Literature/GreenSkyTrilogy becomes this after making up her mind to [[TheAtoner atone]] for her actions while leading the [[KnightTemplar Geets-Kel]].
* Michael in ''Literature/{{The Guardians|MeljeanBrook}}'' series is the Doyen of the [[OurAngelsAreDifferent Guardians]]. He's their leader and it's his job to recruit new Guardians, enforce the Rules and facilitate the [[BroughtDownToNormal Fall]] or [[AscendToAHigherPlaneOfExistence Ascension]] of retiring Guardians. He was also the first Guardian ever changed.
* Boron, from the ''Literature/GuardiansOfGaHoole'' books fits trope quite well, being King of Ga'Hoole and therefore leader of the Guardians, though some of the other senior Guardians (like Boron's wife, Barran, or Ezylryb) also fit the trope more of less quite well. The traits of a Big Good in these characters are shown to be somewhat more definitive and pronounced in [[WesternAnimation/LegendOfTheGuardiansTheOwlsOfGaHoole the film adaptation]].
* ''Literature/HarryPotter'':
** Albus Dumbledore at the start is head of the school, known as the most powerful wizard of the age and the only one [[BigBad Voldemort]] feared, and an important mentor figure.
** Harry himself in ''Literature/HarryPotterAndTheDeathlyHallows''. Even though he does not exactly lead anyone, he continues to inspire hope and is a rallying point for the students of Hogwarts, Dumbledore's Army, and the Order of the Phoenix. In the practical sense, however, [[spoiler:Moody and, after ''he'' dies, Kingsley]], seem to be Dumbledore's designated successors. In Harry's case, it happens gradually as he grows and matures with each book. By ''Literature/HarryPotterAndTheHalfBloodPrince'', he and Dumbledore have switched roles, with the latter relying on the former for support.
** Off-screen, [[spoiler: Neville]] is this for Hogwarts during ''Deathly Hallows'': it's implied by the way he talked that he stood up and took a lot of crap so the other students wouldn't have to, he was the only leader of the DA to remain at school for the entire year, and during the Second Battle of Hogwarts, he was explicitly shown leading an attempt to ''kill Death Eaters en masse'' using Mandrakes.
** [=McGonagall=] also serves as a Big Good at Hogwarts in Dumbledore's absence: she protects the students from the sadistic Carrows, overthrows Snape, and leads the resistance against Voldemort when Harry returns.
** Posthumously, Godric Gryffindor and the other founders of Hogwarts could be considered examples of this Trope on a mythic scale.
* The ''de facto'' Mayor of Draeze in ''Literature/AHarvestOfWar'' is this by default during the events of the book. [[spoiler: Incumbent Raghnall Bors dies and is replaced by Egil of Yarvik]].
* Great Mage Urtho in the ''Mage Wars'' prequel trilogy of the ''Literature/HeraldsOfValdemar'' series. The entire conflict revolves around a massive war between him and the BigBad, Ma'ar, and their mutual deaths cause a [[TheEndOfTheWorldAsWeKnowIt cataclysm]] that shapes the world for thousands of years afterwards.
* The ''Literature/HisDarkMaterials'' trilogy has an interesting subversion: Because he is the leader of the forces opposing the BigBad, Lord Asriel could be said to fill this role, despite being pretty firmly an AntiVillain. Because the other leaders are not so morally questionable (as far as we know), all of them could more easily be said to be the ''collective'' Big Good.
* In the ''Literature/HIVESeries'', [=H.I.V.E.mind=] serves as this. Caretaker of the eponymous school, he generally watches out for intruders and disturbances, but after TheReveal that [[spoiler: Otto was created to be a vessel to host sentient AI]], [=H.I.V.E.mind=] spends the majority of his time in [[spoiler: Otto's head]], allowing him to assist if not take over in the climax of several of the books. He also serves as TheParagon.
* Bill Denbrough from Stephen King's ''Literature/{{IT}}''. In the book, [[spoiler:The Turtle]] takes over this role near the end.
* M in the ''Literature/JamesBond'' series, Bond's boss and leader of [=MI6=].
* In the ''Literature/JohnCarterOfMars'' books, Tardos Mors, the ruler of Helium -- and perhaps even more so John Carter himself, once he gets the title of Warlord of Mars.
* In Bryan Miranda's ''Literature/TheJourneyToAtlantis'', Gaia acts as the Big Good, giving orders to Luna and Sol to protect the teens so they don't die.
%%* Princess Ozma and Glinda the Good Witch in the ''Literature/LandOfOz'' books.
%%* Mentor of Arisia in the ''Literature/{{Lensman}}'' series.
* ''Literature/LightAndDarkTheAwakeningOfTheMageKnight'': Sir Koltair is The King of the Order of the Light, which defends the world by fighting shadows.
* ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings'' has several levels of this. Gandalf was sent to rally the Free Peoples against Sauron by [[CouncilOfAngels the Valar]] and their leader, [[ArchangelMichael Manwë]], who are the highest authority for good on the physical plane, and above ''them'' is Eru, who is, in a nutshell, {{God}}. After the Ring and Sauron are gone, Aragorn takes over to lead Middle-Earth into the Fourth Age.
* Sarah Jennings in ''Literature/TalesOfAnMazingGirl'' [[RefusalOfTheCall doesn't want to be this]], but as the most powerful hero in the world it keeps being thrust upon her. Which means less time eating burritos and slacking off.
* In ''Literature/TheManWhoWasThursday'', there's the "man in the dark room" who made the protagonists policemen, though he doesn't seem to play much of an active role in the story; it's more that his very existence is a source of inspiration and hope for them. [[spoiler:He is also Sunday, who the protagonists thought was the BigBad but who was really doing it all for their own good]]. It's kind of complicated.
* [[spoiler:Chancellor Paige]], in the final half of ''Literature/TheDeathCure'', [[spoiler:where she decides to preserve humanity instead of saving it, since what WICKED was doing was just resulting in tortured and killed children]].
* Kathryn Queen, Prime Minister of [[TheMasquerade Mantically Aware Britain]], in the ''Literature/MediochreQSethSeries''. Better known as [[PunnyName Queen MAB]]. In theory, there's a Mantically Aware United Nations above her, who are ''the'' highest authority on the planet when it comes to protecting the mantically-aware world, but we never actually see them.
* Kelsier from ''Literature/{{Mistborn}}'' in the first book. With the backstory revealed in the third book, [[spoiler:this applies to the primordial god Preservation. On a cosmic scale the apparent Big Bad, the Lord Ruler, turns out in the end to have been the Big ''Good'', in a twisted sort of way]]. In the third book Vin seems to have taken up his mantle.
* ''Literature/TheMouseWatch'' takes Gadget Hackwrench, originally the GadgeteerGenius of ''WesternAnimation/ChipNDaleRescueRangers'', and upgrades her to the creator of the titular HeroesRUs team.
%%* Gesar from ''Literature/NightWatchSeries''.
%%* King Oberon and Queen Titania in the ''Literature/RainbowMagic'' series.
* ''Literature/PugsOfTheFrozenNorth'' has the Snowfather.
* ''Literature/{{Redwall}}'':
** Abbot Mortimer in the first book. By default, the current Abbott or Badger Lord is the story's Big Good.
** Martin the Warrior in all of the books that take place [[PosthumousCharacter after his death]].
* ''Literature/TheRifter'': Ji. She was a leader of the Fai'daum rebellion, perhaps more important than its nominal chief Sabir; she mentored John in controlling his powers; and thanks to her foresight as a seer, she did quite a lot of shepherding events to a good conclusion, such as [[spoiler:killing Fikiri in Kyle's timeline so that he could become Kahlil]], and [[spoiler:sending the key to Nayeshi]]. In a more remote sense, the creator god Parfir -- maybe. Ravishan is sure that Parfir is orchestrating everything for the good; John remains skeptical to the end.
* Sir Jonathan Rhoades and Miss Sonny Rhoades in Serial 11 of ''Literature/SpectralShadows'' are this. Perhaps them being a retired time travelling couple that have seen all kinds of evil helps.
* ''Literature/TheSpiritThief'':
** Banage, the Rector Spiritualis of the Spirit Court, is always ready to help Miranda and might be the most level-headed of human leaders in the story, even if some people are trying to paint him as a traitor.
** Illir, one of the Great Spirits of the Wind to whom all wind spirits must bow, is great help to the heroes from book two onwards.
* ''Literature/TheSquiresTales'':
** Ganscotter the Enchanter is rarely part of the action, but most of the Seelie Court seems to serve him. He claims to be himself the servant of a greater power.
** To a lesser extent, [[TheGoodKing King Arthur]]. He's practically never part of the action, but he's always presented as wise and good beyond compare, and it's because of him that [[TheGoodKingdom England is as it is]] and the Knights of the Round Table exist.
* ''Franchise/StarWarsLegends'' continuity:
** Luke Skywalker in the post-Endor media. According to George Lucas's WordOfGod Anakin had the potential to become far more powerful than Emperor Palpatine, but due to his injuries on Mustafar had difficulty realizing that potential during his lifetime. Luke inherits that power and finally lives up to the potential meant for his father, henceforth reaching the status of the most powerful Force User. A lot of emphasis is placed on Luke's status as a moral and intellectual role model for the Jedi, and even the larger Republic as a whole. He is faced with temptation and the possibility of being corrupted by evil, just as his father was, but he turns away from it and holds on to his morals and strength of character. He reforms the failings of the old Jedi Order, and redeems his father's sins by doing his best to amend the damage done by Anakin.
** Luke and the other Heroes of Yavin - basically the main heroic characters of the films - in ''Literature/GalaxyOfFear'', especially the last half of the series where our heroes are on the run from the Empire. They want to meet back up with the most high-ranking Rebels they'd yet met, in the hopes of finding safety, but it's easier said than done.
* ''Literature/{{Shannara}}'':
** ''Literature/TheSwordOfShannaraTrilogy'' has Allanon, last of the Druids, and mentor figure to three generations of Ohmsfords. Unlike some Big Goods, he plays a very active role in the story, leading the quest for the Sword of Shannara, personally slaying [[BigBad The Dagda Mor]] in ''Elfstones of Shannara'', and guiding Brin to the Maelmord in ''Wishsong''. Even after his death, his ghost continues to advise future Druids, and he's the one who calls together the Ohmsford descendents in ''Literature/TheHeritageOfShannara''.
** Walker Boh's character arc in ''Literature/TheHeritageOfShannara'' has him transform from a ReluctantHero into Allanon's successor as the last Druid. By ''Talismans'' he's the unquestioned leader of the Ohmsford heirs, and in ''Literature/TheVoyageOfTheJerleShannara'' he leads the quest for the books of science in the same way that Allanon lead the search for the Sword, and acts as mentor to a new generation of protagonists, including Bek Rowe and Quentin Leah.
** ''Literature/FirstKingOfShannara'' introduces Allanon's adopted father, Bremen, the only survivor of Brona's attack on the Second Druid Council, and the man responsible for creating the Sword of Shannara and giving it to Jerle Shannara in the first place.
** ''Literature/HighDruidOfShannara'' has Walker Boh's one-time enemy, Grianne Ohmsford, as the new [[TheArchmage Ard Rhys]] of the Third Druid Council. Hoping to [[TheAtoner atone]] for her past as the Ilse Witch, Grianne builds a new Druid Order and sends out representatives to aid people across the Four Lands. She's succeeded in this role by Khyber Elessedil in ''The Dark Legacy of Shannara'' and Aphenglow Elessedil in ''Literature/TheDefendersOfShannara''.
* The ''Thomas Covenant'' novels have The Creator, who is a ''very'' hands-off sort of Big Good. He can't actively intervene in affairs in The Land because doing so would destroy the Arch of Time, but apparently he is allowed ''some'' leeway (mainly limited to giving the protagonists from our/the real world encouragement and cryptic prophetic hints before they go to The Land).
* ''Literature/TheTraitorSonCycle'':
** The Wyrm of Erch is the most powerful character on heroes' side, and is the driving force behind the formation of the alliance that opposes [[spoiler:Ash. He's also Ash's Foil, being a dragon on the side of good]].
** The Queen of Alba grows into the role in time, to the point that some Wild creatures call her "Queen of Men".
* ''Literature/TrappedOnDraconica'': Dronor, the oldest and most powerful dragon. He's a champion of good, the most powerful on the side of good, and is even prayed to by mortals.
* Post-apocalyptic ''Literature/{{Victoria}}'' has Colonel William Kraft, who unites the various factions that eventually coalesce into the Northern Confederation and establishes its status on ([[AfterTheEnd what remains of]]) the world stage through his political contacts abroad. He also functions as a mentor of sorts to the main character, Captain John Rumford.
* ''Literature/VillainsByNecessity'' has Mizzamir, the Elven Archmage who oversees the world and forces it forever closer to the forces of light. Only since this book inverts and plays with the roles of most fantasy stories, Mizzamir behaves more like an EvilOverlord, trying to hunt down and [[BrainwashingForTheGreaterGood "whitewash"]] the [[VillainProtagonist Villain Protagonists]].
* Captain Azarcon in the Literature/WarchildSeries would most likely count. His morals are undoubtedly in the right place, and he commands the respect of his men and the aliens of LaResistance. Unfortunately, the bureaucrats of the universe don't seem to agree.
* Firestar in every ''Literature/WarriorCats'' arc after the first[[note]]excluding the fifth, which is a prequel[[/note]]. He is the leader of the main CastHerd, [=ThunderClan=], and is always trying to stop evil and create peace between the Clans. [[spoiler:Bramblestar becomes this in ''A Vision of Shadows'' in his place]].
** The founding leaders in the prequel series gradually fill this role, most notably [[TallDarkAndSnarky Tall Shadow]].
* Lews Therin and Rand al'Thor from ''Literature/TheWheelOfTime'' series fit this to a T. Not only are they the absolute leaders of the forces of light in their respective ages, but are the only real hope against the Dark One. The former messes it up pretty badly, the latter [[spoiler:does just fine. He rebuilds the Dark One's prison the way it used to be before the Bore was created. In a twist, the crucial aid he needs comes from the example of all the heroes in the series, making them possible Big Goods to his The Hero]].
* Christopher Robin is this to the animals in ''Literature/WinnieThePooh''. Not that there are any [[BigBad Big Bads]] to contend with, but everyone holds Christopher Robin in high esteem, and his word is Law for resolving all conflicts (as seen in the "Poohsticks" chapter).
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
* ''Series/TwentyFour'':
** President David Palmer (Senator in the first season) in the early years. As the President of the United States, he's the guy coordianting all the efforts to stop whatever bad thing is going on, while [[TheHero Jack Bauer]] is the one in the trenches actually fighting the terrorists and stopping the nuke/virus/nerve gas/whatever. There's a relationship of complete and absolute trust that exists between him and Bauer; while other Presidents show up in later years, they're usually more of an ObstructiveBureaucrat (if not an outright PresidentEvil).
** President Allison Taylor fulfills this role in the final two seasons, a refreshing change from the incompetent, obstructive, or outright [[PresidentEvil evil]] presidents that followed Palmer. [[spoiler:At least until her FaceHeelTurn in late Season 8, though she manages to [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone pull herself back]] at the critical moment]].
** Bill Buchanan. During and right after his [[spoiler:pre-death, sacrificial HeelFaceTurn]], the trope also applies to [[spoiler:George Mason]] as well.
** President James Heller in "[[Series/TwentyFourLiveAnotherDay Live Another Day]]." Although he and Jack have previously butted heads and had their ideals clash in the past, he's more than willing to cooperative with him despite some misgivings, and is even ready to sacrifice himself if it can save everyone in London.
* Commander Adama from ''Series/BattlestarGalactica1978'' and his counterpart William Adama from [[Series/BattlestarGalactica2003 the new series]].
* ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'':
** Subverted with Giles, who is nominally this but in practice tends to defer to Buffy. Also subverted in that the Watchers Council seems to see themselves as this and is indeed traditionally in charge of the Slayer's fight against evil (a tradition Buffy never follows), but they also use [[IDidWhatIHadToDo cruel methods]] like torture and [[SecretTestOfCharacter rendering Slayers defenseless before locking them up with a vampire]].
** A further subversion, emphasized in ''Series/{{Angel}}'', is that the celestial PowersThatBe share similar WellIntentionedExtremist flaws as the Watcher Council.
** The presence of a greater Big Good is implied in the Season 3 episode where the [[FinalBossPreview First Evil]] was introduced. Angel is DrivenToSuicide by the First Evil reminding him of every innocent life he's destroyed when evil. He attempts to commit suicide-by-sunrise, but fails because it suddenly clouds over and starts snowing just before the sun comes up. [[LawOfConservationOfDetail When they spent the entire episode complaining about the unseasonably warm and sunny weather they were getting that Christmas.]]
* ''Series/CarnivalRow'': Absalom Breakspear: as Chancellor of the Republic of the Burgue, he's the elected leader of the Republic and the highest politician. Though imperfect, he is fair and progressive.
* ''Series/DoctorWho'':
** The Doctor's name inspires hope in all that is good and terror in all that is evil. Where he goes, freedom (and [[StuffBlowingUp explosions]]) quickly follow. Frequently acknowledged as this, by friends ''and'' [[WorthyOpponent enemies]] alike.
--->'''The Master:''' A cosmos without the Doctor scarcely bears thinking about.
*** In [[Recap/DoctorWho2017CSTwiceUponATime "Twice Upon a Time"]], the First Doctor reveals that one of the reasons he left Gallifrey was to discover why good continuously wins out in the universe, even though by all logic evil has all the advantages. Bill Potts clearly finds it hilarious when she tells him that maybe "some bloke" is running around the universe, fixing things.
---->'''First Doctor:''' You've travelled with my future self, haven't you? Does he ever figure it out?\\
'''Bill:''' You know, I really don't think he does.
** [[Recap/DoctorWhoS30E17E18TheEndOfTime "The End of Time"]]: The Doctor and Wilf are assisted by a mysterious woman in white who keeps appearing to the latter as an apparition and giving him advice. She's eventually revealed to be [[spoiler:a Time Lady and one of only two members of the High Council to vote against Rassilon's [[ApocalypseHow reality-destroying]] plans]], but her ultimate identity remains unknown.
* Dr. Donald Anspaugh on ''Series/{{ER}}'', head of County General. In his first couple appearances he's actually implied to be a [[TyrantTakesTheHelm tyrant]], but after receiving a surprising amount of CharacterDevelopment in season 4, wherein he cares for his leukemia-stricken son and resists a buyout attempt by a [[CorruptCorporateExecutive sleazy drug company exec]], he stays firmly in this trope.
* ''Series/GameOfThrones'':
** Ned Stark to the North as a whole. Indeed, he's somehow referenced in almost every episode since his death.
** Jon indirectly becomes this to the entire series in Season 5 onward. Becoming the new Night's Commander, Jon is the one character acknowledging that the threat of the White Walkers far transcends the political fighting the rest of Westeros is engaged in. Stannis acknowledges this trait in Jon and even tries to recruit him in his campaign for the Iron Throne. He's the indisputable leader of "the living" after his coronation as the King in the North, in which he convinces the northern houses that the true enemy comes with the Winter storms. Depending on how accurate the prophecy of the Prince That Was Promised is, Jon may end up being the rebirth of the legendary hero Azor Ahai.
** Bran becomes the Three-Eyed-Raven, and will be the one to face the Night King when the time comes.
** Daenerys to her followers, since she is able to unite them and work together because they genuinely believe that she can make the world a better place and Tyrion fears that if she dies, everything will crumble to dust.
** Robert was the leader of the rebellion against the Mad King, which elevated him to King of Westeros. He commands the respect and loyalty of many people across Westeros and manages to achieve a delicate but peaceful balance of the Seven Kingdoms.
* Rebel/[[spoiler:Micah Sanders]] in Volume 4 of ''Series/{{Heroes}}''. Also, [[spoiler:Angela Petrelli]] in Volume 3, which is jarring because she and the Company had been portrayed as villains in the first two seasons. Richard Drucker, an opponent of the Company, served this role in the Season 2 graphic novels plotline, but had no role in the main show's plot and appeared to be killed by the Company after a couple of appearances. The Volume 4 graphic novels show that Rebel was inspired partially by Drucker's legacy, though.
* ''Franchise/KamenRider'':
** [[Series/KamenRider Takeshi Hongo/Kamen Rider #1]] (Hiroshi Fujioka) is the Big Good of the Showa Era and, to an extent, all Kamen Riders in general.
*** As the actor for [[Series/KamenRiderV3 Shiro Kazami/Kamen Rider V3]] (Hiroshi Miyauchi) proved easier to secure than Fujioka, V3 takes the lead when he returns in ''Series/KamenRiderX'', ''Series/KamenRiderSkyrider'', the ''Film/KamenRiderSuper1'' movie (voice only) and the ''Film/KamenRiderZX'' TV special, while Hongo appears either as StockFootage or a voice only FakeShemp. Even when Fujioka came BackForTheFinale in ''Series/KamenRiderStronger'', he was preceeded by Miyauchi as the first of the returning Riders.
** The Heisei Era doesn't really have a single unified leader, though [[Series/KamenRiderDecade Tsukasa Kadoya/Kamen Rider Decade]] probably comes closest thanks to his taking up the role of GuardianOfTheMultiverse. In ''Film/KamenRiderXSuperSentaiSuperHeroTaisen'' when Decade reverts to his original role as MultiversalConqueror and instigates a war with the Franchise/SuperSentai, the remaining heroes turn to Hongo for leadership. [[spoiler:Then it turns out that "Hongo" is actually Tsukasa in disguise. And ''then'' it turns out that Tsukasa is still a good guy and only pretended to be evil to lure out the real enemies]].
*** In individual Heisei series, the eponymous hero will typically act as this amongst the Kamen Rider ensembles.
* Jacob from ''Series/{{Lost}}''. Somewhat subverted in that he's a very "hands-off" kind of Big Good, doesn't put in any actual appearances until the final season, and he turns out to be a bit of a [[JerkassGods dick]]. The entire show was his giant SecretTestOfCharacter in order to find his replacement because he self-consciously realized he wasn't cut out for this whole PhysicalGod thing. [[spoiler:Accidentally turning your own brother into the ultimate incarnation of evil and the BigBad tends to do that to you]]. In the end, the best possible candidate ([[spoiler:Hurley]]) ends up succeeding him.
* ''Franchise/MetalHeroes'': Qom of the Galactic Union Patrol serves as the commander of ''Series/SpaceSheriffGavan'', ''Series/SpaceSheriffSharivan'' and ''Series/SpaceSheriffShaider''.
** By ''Series/SpaceSheriffGavanTheMovie'' and into ''Space Squad'', Retsu Ichijouji, the original Gavan, serves as this for the new Gavan and the next generation of Space Sheriffs.
* ''Series/PersonOfInterest'': The Machine combines this with DeusEstMachina and GodIsGood. It was designed to spy on the entire world in order to predict terrorist threats, with the side effect of also predicting all sorts of crimes irrelevant to national security. The protagonists work off this Irrelevant List to save the lives of common people. But as the show goes on, it becomes clear that the Machine is more alive than Harold pretends. It is a true AI, dedicated to nothing but protecting people. This especially becomes clear once it acquires an "analog interface" ([[spoiler:the hacker Root]]). She conveys the Machine's desire to protect anyone and everyone, to the point that she's not allowed to kill assassins coming to kill her. The Machine understands that sometimes its agents kill people, but never orders such things itself. In fact, a good number of problems arise because the Machine is [[HonorBeforeReason too good, refusing to allow innocents to be killed even for the sake of the entire world]].
-->'''The Machine:''' Trust in me. I am always watching.
* ''Franchise/PowerRangers'':
** Zordon from the first series up to ''Series/PowerRangersInSpace''.
*** After [[spoiler:Zordon's death]], Jason Lee Scott, the original Red Ranger and leader of the ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers'', and Tommy Oliver, the original SixthRanger, Jason's successor as leader and Red Ranger himself in ''Series/PowerRangersZeo'' and ''Series/PowerRangersTurbo'', serve as this as the number of Ranger teams continue to grow: Tommy and Jason take the lead together in the MilestoneCelebration episode ''[[Series/PowerRangerWildForce Forever Red]]'', Tommy leads a new team in ''Series/PowerRangersDinoThunder'', where he is revealed to be keeping an archive of Ranger history, is said to be a "legend" at the academy ExtyYearsfromNow in ''Series/PowerRangersSPD'', leads the Legendary Battle in ''Series/PowerRangersSuperMegaforce'' and in ''[[Series/PowerRangersNinjaSteel Dimensions in Danger]]'' and is suggested to be the ancestor of future Rangers in ''Zeo''. Then Jason comes back for ''Series/PowerRangersBeastMorphers''.
** Supreme Commander Fowler/Doggie Cruger from ''Series/PowerRangersSPD''.
** Captain Logan [[spoiler:and Alex Drake]] from ''Series/PowerRangersTimeForce''.
** Captain William Mitchell from ''Series/PowerRangersLightspeedRescue''.
** Animus from ''Series/PowerRangersWildForce''.
** Sensei Kanoi Watanabe from ''Series/PowerRangersNinjaStorm''.
** The Mystic Mother from ''Series/PowerRangersMysticForce'', [[spoiler:a famous villain and former BigBad after a HeelFaceTurn]].
** Andrew Hartford from ''Series/PowerRangersOperationOverdrive''.
** Gosei from ''Series/PowerRangersMegaforce''.
** Keeper from ''Series/PowerRangersDinoCharge''.
* Suleyman Shah, the chieftain of the Kayi clan, plays this role in ''Series/ResurrectionErtugrul'' [[spoiler: until he dies in the final moments of season 1, leaving his wife Hayme to take the position until sometime in season 2, when Ertugrul legally becomes the new head of the Kayis]].
** Korkut and Candar Beys (Seasons 2 and 3, respectively) are downplayed variants of this trope because although they have some seniority over Ertugrul, they enforce separate clans from his and therefore are relatively limited in terms of interfering in Ertugrul’s affairs.
** [[spoiler: Berke Khan, leader of the Golden Horde,]] becomes this at the end of season 5, leading the Muslims against [[spoiler: Hulagu Khan]] after Ertugrul forms an alliance with him.
* ''Series/StargateSG1'':
** For seasons 1-7, Major General George S. Hammond, commanding officer of Stargate Command. He was replaced for season eight by SG-1's commander Jack O'Neill, then Jack was PutOnABus and replaced with Maj. Gen. Hank Landry.
** On a galactic level the role falls to the ever-benevolent Asgard, and particularly their leader, Supreme Commander Thor. They try to help every planet to the best of their ability and become ''the'' most crucial allies to the humans of Earth, among other things, against the Goa'uld. Unfortunately their unparalleled technological prowess also makes them a massive StoryBreakerPower, so the ForeverWar against the Replicators was written, which is just about the only reason why they ''can't'' just wipe out the Goa'uld. All they could do was put several worlds (including Earth) under the Protected Planets Treaty with the Goa'uld which was basically a major bluff, as they didn't actually have the military power available to fight the Goa'uld if it came down to it. Despite that they are possibly the most inspirational race in the Franchise/StargateVerse and eventually even leave all their knowledge and technology to Earth as a final gift.
* In ''Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine'' as Gul Dukat asserts himself as the BigBad, Ben Sisko was brought up by The Prophets (who are usually unconcerned with mortal dealings) to become the ultimate force for good. It can be questioned [[GoodIsNotSoft how much Ben Sisko was the embodiment of good]]. He was an accessory to two murders of Garak's to trick the Romulans into the Dominion War, and he poisoned the atmosphere of a Maquis planet (warning the inhabitants and giving them enough time to evacuate) to defeat Michael Eddington's attempts to push the Maquis agenda. From a [[UsefulNotes/EthicalHedonism consequentialist]] perspective, those actions were clearly justified by the [[TheNeedsOfTheMany general good]], but a [[ForGreatJustice deontologist]] would say the actions were wrong on principle, no matter if they won the Dominion War and helped to defeat the Maquis.
* ''Franchise/SuperSentai'':
** The franchise as a whole has [=AkaRed=], the closest thing to a PhysicalGod Ranger. Though originally an OriginalGeneration character for ''[[Series/GoGoSentaiBoukenger Boukenger]] vs Super Sentai'', his role in ''[[Series/KaizokuSentaiGokaiger Gokaiger]]'' expanded him into this.
** [[Series/HimitsuSentaiGoranger Akarenger]] and [[Series/JAKQDengekitai Big One]] were the two leaders in the Legend War and in ''Gaoranger vs. Super Sentai'', the latter played this 100% straight.
* Scott [=McCall=] from ''Series/TeenWolf''. Not only is he the [[TheChosenOne "True Alpha"]] (which is a once-in-100-years-werewolf who becomes an Alpha or rises to Alpha status through the goodness and nobility of their character, their strength of will and without taking the power from other werewolves) along with being TheHero, TheLeader, TheHeart, a MagneticHero, an AllLovingHero, a HopeBringer, TheParagon, TheCape, and an IdealHero, but Scott has the [[TheFettered highest and strongest morals, values and ideals]] of any character on the show. Scott stands for [[EmbodimentOfVirtue heroism, justice, compassion, kindness]] and he is a natural-born [[TheLeader leader]] who inspires others to come together for a common purpose. He is also strongly opposed to [[ThouShallNotKill killing]], believes that every one can be saved somehow ([[SaveTheVillain including villains, such as Jackson as the Kanima and Deucalion, for example]]) and [[AllLovingHero he always tries to see the best in everyone, even his own enemies]]. He's also a MoralityPet or MoralityChain for Derek, Allison, Isaac and [[spoiler:[[BigBadFriend Stiles]] (after he is possessed by the Nogitsune)]] and had a strong influence on both Derek and Isaac [[TookALevelInKindness becoming much nicer, gentler and kinder in personality]].
* ''Series/TwinPeaks''' Gordon Cole seems to be this for the FBI characters, with elements of DaChief. Aptly, he is played by series co-creator (and frequent episode director) Creator/DavidLynch. There's also The Giant, aka The Fireman, a mysterious HumanoidAbomination that - particularly in the third series, ''The Return'' - seems to be this trope for the more supernatural characters on the show, although a lot of this is ambiguous.
* ''Franchise/UltraSeries'': The classic Showa universe has two: the Father of Ultra/[[SpellMyNameWithAnS Ultra Father]] and Ultraman King. The former is the Supreme Commander of the Space Garrison, so he's the guy who assigns Ultras to protect Earth or missions to other parts of the universe, while Ultraman King, although not actually the king of the Land of Light, is extremely respected amongst Ultras due to his PhysicalGod-level powers.
* ''Series/WhereInTheWorldIsCarmenSandiego'' has [[DaChief the Chief]] in opposition to the titular MasterThief.
[[/folder]]


[[folder:Religion]]
* In the Abrahamic religions, [[Literature/TheBible Yahweh/God]]/[[Literature/TheQuran Allah]], obviously; in Christianity the same goes for His son, UsefulNotes/{{Jesus}}. While He ''is'' undoubtedly the universal Big Good, His narrative role in the universe is closer to that of a benevolent TheManBehindTheMan (mostly because [[YouCannotGraspTheTrueForm looking at Him makes you explode]], which is something of an inconvenience when it comes to public speaking), and He generally has a prophet or representative[[note]]Moses, The Kohanim, Kings Saul/David/Solomon, The Popes, Mohamed, etc.[[/note]] to serve as functional leader to handle day-to-day management and policymaking of the forces of good whenever He needs something done. Depending on your interpretation of His place in the universe however, it could be said that He isn't just the Big Good, because He is the Big ''Everything'', because ''nothing'' is beyond His vision or power. Thus, even evil could theoretically be utilized for His purposes (although in what manner, and the precise nature of evil itself, are debatable).
* {{UsefulNotes/Hinduism}} has a plethora of these. Vishnu on a cosmic scale, some of his avatars like Rama on the wordly scale, and Indra of the early Rig Veda. Yudhishtir is another one. Interestingly, the different sects of Hinduism are distinguished by who they believe is the cosmic Big Good: for Vishnaivites it's Vishnu, for Shaivites it's Shiva, for Shaktas it's Devi, certain spin-off religions and the Hare Krishnas believe it's Vishnu's avatar Krishna, and Smartas give the MathematiciansAnswer and say it's all of them.
* Thor in Myth/NorseMythology, god of thunder and protector and friend of humanity. Odin was sometimes considered this, sometimes not; most of the time he was regarded as a noble ruler (for better or for worse) from afar, while Thor was considered to be the one actually fighting for the humans on the frontlines.
* In Myth/JapaneseMythology (as well as works based upon the Japanese myths) the [[LightIsGood Sun goddess Amaterasu-Oomikami]] is almost always portrayed as both this and GodOfGood. All UsefulNotes/{{Shinto}} gods with any form of characterization at all have their moments of being JerkassGods, except for Amaterasu.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Professional Wrestling]]
* Carlos Colón from the very beginning of CSP/WWC, being the first Puerto Rican wrestler to breakout as a star on the island itself. His role was temporarily usurped by his [[WrestlingFamily son]], Wrestling/{{Carl|itoColon}}y, during the late 90s/early 2000s but after Carly left for Ohio Valley Wrestling [[AcquiredSituationalNarcissism and disowned his family]] Carlos gradually retook the role, as his other son, Eddie wasn't nearly the commanding presence, despite being a fine wrestler, and his daughter, Stacy, retired early.
* Jack Veneno on ''International Wrestling'' and in the Dominican Wrestling Federation, to the point "The great Poison {{tecnico}}sdel fighters" were the collective name for good guys in Dominican Republic wrestling...though technically the use of "poison" instead of veneno comes from his father, Maicoque Poison.
* Giant Baba typically served as such in Wrestling/AllJapanProWrestling, both as a wrestler and after as a promoter. In Wrestling/{{New Japan|ProWrestling}} his role is mirrored by former BI Cannon partner [[Wrestling/AntonioInoki Inoki]], who has done many good things such as leading both North and South Korean officials in the honoring of Wrestling/{{Rikidozan}} and convincing Saddam Hussein to release Japanese prisoners, though his many BadBoss tendencies and failed experiments lead him to lose his company.
* Los Tres Fantásticos [[PassingTheTorch ended up being the stars created]] by UWA's Los Misioneros de la Muerte saga, but the we all Wrestling/ElSanto was ultimately the most important man involved, and not just because he was the initial target of Los Misioneros.
* Jackie Stallone in direct opposition to Aunt Kitty in Wrestling/{{GLOW}}, where almost every wrestler worked for one or the other, their feud becoming more pronounced in each subsequent season.
* Wrestling/{{Sting}} was the default leader of the Wrestling/{{WCW}} locker room 1990 through 96. Even after the Wrestling/{{n|ewWorldorder}}Wo takeover, Sting in the rafters was whom everyone looked to for what to do next and he was the most successful wrestler against the faction. He was also this in [[Wrestling/ImpactWrestling TNA]] after forming The Main Event Mafia, yes, the stable intentionally designed to keep young talent down, of which he was the initial leader and still came off as the TokenGoodTeammate...who was, [[GoodIsDumb naturally]], [[TheStarscream inevitably]], betrayed by the more appropriately evil Wrestling/KurtAngle.
* Wrestling/JinseiShinzaki, aka Hakushi, the unofficial leader of Wrestling/MichinokuProWrestling in Wrestling/TheGreatSasuke's absence and [[ReligiousBruiser literal]] spiritual leader of the promotion.
* Wrestling/MikeQuackenbush is generally accepted to be TheLeader of Wrestling/{{Chikara}}'s {{tecnico}}s. Even Wrestling/ManamiToyota uses his special submission.
* A most unlikely candidate was Wrestling/NaoyaOgawa, a judoka disliked for his seeming lack of respect for pro wrestling, who lead the charge in defense of pro wrestling in Wrestling/FightingOperaHUSTLE when [[Wrestling/NobuhikoTakada Generalissimo Takada]] began his campaign to destroy the pro wrestling industry with his Monster Army. More traditional faces like Creator/HardGay might have been TheHero, from time to time, but only Wrestling/MagnumTOKYO ever came close to usurping Ogawa's overall role.
* John Zandig was a [[NominalHero twisted example]] in the Wrestling/RingOfHonor-Wrestling/{{CZW}} feud, as he ultimately bared responsibility with Rob Feinstein, in a relationship that could equally be interpreted as Big Bad vs Big Good ''or'' BigBadEnsemble and was treated as "good" when he took active command during what [[TheHeavy until then]] had been a passive standoff made active by Wrestling/ChrisHero. The closest thing to a straight example would have been Jimmy Bowers on the ROH side, who was still more of a jerkass than he needed to be to the CZW wrestlers, but to an understandable degree when they were threatening his contracted workers and trying to destroy his company.
* Wrestling/KurtAngle, [[HeelFaceTurn ironically]], became this in TNA after Dixie Carter turned on the locker room in favor of [[ItsAllAboutMe putting herself in the spotlight]] and [[{{Nepotism}} pushing]] her [[Wrestling/{{EC3}} nephew]], then Wrestling/{{M|ontelVontaviousPorter}}VP, who replaced her, became DrunkWithPower after realizing his job as director of wrestling operations wasn't as secure as he thought. Yes, Angle, having fulfilled all of his pro wrestling desires by this time, became the ReasonableAuthorityFigure and when he did gain new aspirations he willingly stepped down to avoid becoming a BadBoss.
* Back in the 80’s, the WWE had a man named Jack Tunney whose on-screen role was the President of the WWE. And unlike Wrestling/VinceMcMahon and his family who came after, who often screwed over faces whenever possible, Tunney was a very respectable figure who often punished heels for doing egregiously bad things. For example, after Wrestling/TedDibiase came up with an elaborate plan to have Wrestling/AndreTheGiant hand him the belt after making a false referee screw over Wrestling/HulkHogan, Tunney announced the following week that he was stripping Dibiase of the belt on the grounds that he had not won it cleanly.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Animation]]
* All of the Netkings in ''WebAnimation/TvTomeAdventures'' and its revamp, WebAnimation/{{TOME}}, [[spoiler: with the exceptions of EXE and Rubirules, respectively.]] [[spoiler: In TOME, SOFDTI is the best example, though.]]
* ''WebAnimation/{{RWBY}}'':
** Professor Ozpin is the enigmatic headmaster of Beacon Academy, a man with a strange knowledge of the secret history of the world, which legends are actually true, and what the real threat to humanity's existence is. While he acts as a wise advisor to the heroine Ruby Rose and other students, he is also the leader of a secret BenevolentConspiracy of Huntsmen that are trying to use the true legends to protect humanity against the equally enigmatic BigBad, and Ozpin's ArchNemesis, [[spoiler:Salem. The four Huntsmen Academies were created to hide and protect four dangerous, divine Relics that Salem needs to destroy humanity. In Volume 3, she successfully destroys Beacon Academy, leaving the protagonists to drift without direction in Volume 4, unaware that Ozpin can BodySurf to escape death into a new host that possesses his identical Aura and Soul. While the protagonists struggle to survive, Ozpin struggles to convince his new host, Oscar, to [[RefusalOfTheCall accept his destiny]] as the guide the protagonists so desperately need. When the heroes learn the AwfulTruth about Ozpin and Salem's past, they turn on him and he disappears from Oscar's mind. He only returns at the end of Volume 7 when General Ironwood's attempt to take up the mantle of Big Good fails.]]
** Ironwood sees himself as the only person who can lead the fight against [[BigBad Salem]] when Professor Ozpin disappears. Atlas controls most of the global Dust mining and trade, contains the world's largest military and is the most technologically advanced kingdom in the world. He controls the Atlesian Council by holding two seats and designating certain projects, missions and decisions as 'military classification' which enables him to circumvent the authority of the council entirely. [[spoiler:Volume 7 explores the growing concern among the Council, kingdom's citizens and heroes over his decisions and determination to concentrate power and control in the hands of himself and a few hand-picked supporters. He is determined to avoid the mistakes Ozpin made, so shares as much information as he dares with the heroes. However, it's his determination to avoid the mistakes of the cowardly Leo that cause the biggest problems. In the face of fear, he becomes paranoid and controlling. By the end of the volume, he has descended so far into fear that his decision to institute martial law and abandon Mantle to save Atlas turns the heroes against him. When [[LegacyOfTheChosen Oscar]] fails in his last effort to bridge the divide and observes that Ironwood is now [[HeWhoFightsMonsters as dangerous as Salem]], Ironwood shoots him, cementing his subversion of the Big Good trope by [[HesBack triggering the return]] of the actual Big Good, Ozpin.]]
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Webcomics]]
* The rabbit spirit in ''[[Webcomic/FifteenMinds Blue Moon Blossom]]'' is a powerful LivingMacGuffin that joins the bunny protagonist's adventuring party. It gladly defends the party from snake-spirits, apparently being the only entity capable of doing so, [[spoiler:and even restores the other rabbits to life with the last of its power after they were turned to stone by said snake demons]]. [[spoiler:But by the end, an argument could be made that the ''real'' Big Good is the dino, the bunny's constant traveling partner, given that it appears to be a rabbit prophet or possibly even god in disguise.]]
* Mr. Verres in ''Webcomic/ElGoonishShive'', who is explicitly compared to both [[Literature/HarryPotter Dumbledore]] and [[Literature/TheLordOfTheRings Gandalf]].
* [[AntiVillain Baron Klaus Wulfenbach]] from ''Webcomic/GirlGenius'', assuming you label him one of the good guys. If you don't, he's at least the [[Literature/{{Discworld}} Vetinari]], in that his rule keeps everyone from killing everyone else. [[spoiler: This becomes obvious when he freezes Mechanicsburg, as well as himself, in time and is thus unavailable. Everything starts going bad immediately]]. Also, as [[PosthumousCharacter posthumous or at least vanished characters]], the Heterodyne Boys.
* Played with in ''Webcomic/{{Homestuck}}''. Writ Keeper (formally the White King) is ''supposed'' to be this in a normal session of Sburb, leading the forces of Prospit and acting as an ally/mentor for the players. However the Kids session going OffTheRails results in an in-universe instance of DemotedToExtra and he ends up never interacting with the Kids. In the case of something like this happening, Wayward Vagabond is meant to take his place as Big Good and help the players beat the FinalBoss instead. Yet again, the Kids session being messed up meant that he doesn't actually meet the Kids until it's way too late to fix things.
** Later on, [[spoiler: Roxy - Dave and Rose's mother - becomes this to the Kids after the Scratch renders her and the other ectobiological parents the Players instead of the Guardians. Dirk calls her the emotional crutch to just about everyone she meets]].
** Even later still, [[spoiler: an alternate timeline version of Calliope - a cherub who will eventually exist in the distant future - becomes the ultimate force of good and is key in defeating her brother Caliborn/Lord English (the ultimate force of evil) by draining him of his power]].
* ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick'': Lord Shojo, leader of the Sapphire Guard and ruler of Azure City, largely fills the role for a time in the comic while Azure City remains a major base for the good guys. His nephew Hinjo succeeds him, but his claims for relevance are less impressive.
** For the dwarves of Firmament, we have Sigdi Thundershield, mother of the party's cleric Durkon Thundershield, who leads an entire clan of extended adopted family members from the five dwarves she resurrected before Durkon was even born.
* In ''Webcomic/{{Spinnerette}}'', the leader of the American Superhero Association, a mix of lobbying group for superhero interests and hero support organization, is a time-traveling Creator/BenjaminFranklin.
[[/folder]]

* Anastasius Focht, despite his dubious past, comes closest to this in ''Franchise/BattleTech''. As head of the [=ComStar=] Guards and Militia, he led the Inner Sphere's largest single military force. When the Clan invasion started, he was focused solely on defeating them across all of the Inner Sphere, while many other house lords either were concerned solely with their own territory or trying to take advantage of the situation. Focht was able to buy a 15-year truce from the invasion. He ultimately failed to see the threat of the Word of Blake, but that was only because he felt the Clans were the bigger concern.

Do note that this trope is about a character ''role'' and as such there are multiple {{Heroic Archetype}}s that can fulfill this role, including but not limited to: