History Main / GoodFeelsGood

* ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'', despite being a CrapsackWorld extraordinaire, has an unexpected instance of this in [[spoiler: [[TheAtoner Jaime]] [[NobleDemon Lannister]]]]. He discovers, much to his own surprise, that he quite likes the feeling he gets from enforcing justice, protecting the helpless, keeping his word and preventing massive bloodshed. Inevitably, he is forced to KickTheDog again before long, but (assuming he survives much longer) things are actually looking very hopeful for his further moral development.

* ''Manga/MariaNoDanzai'': Mari Nagare is a woman who was utterly destroyed by her son's death. Learning that her son died because of a prank gone wrong by cruel bullies, she snapped and threw her life away. She divorced her husband, changed her name to her maiden name, Maria Akeboshi, cut off contact with her friends, got plastic surgery, and two years later, she's a nurse at the bullies' school to kill them off secretly. Despite this, Mari shows genuine joy in caring for the students at the school as a nurse; being a kind school nurse who helps students at the school was her original dream before she gave up focusing on being a mother to her son. She turned her nursing room into a safe place where students could ask her for advice. Unfortunately, she knows that this happiness is, at best, temporary, and she remains a broken and depressed woman determined to get revenge for her son.

[[ShapedLikeItself As self-evident as it sounds]], Good Feels Good. TheHero says KeepTheReward because they have already received their reward; the knowledge that they have done good. [[WhatYouAreInTheDark Even if no one will know and no one will thank them, they will know and that's enough]]. This trait is common in the IdealHero, TheCape, and other archetypes.

* ''WesternAnimation/TheCupheadShow'': While he usually [[EvilFeelsGood enjoys being evil]], the season 3 ChristmasEpisode "A Devilish Christmas" sees the Devil wanting to get on Santa's Nice List to get a toy train from him. After [[SubbingForSanta Santa turns the Devil into Santa for a night]] (ItMakesSenseInContext) he gifts his ArchEnemy Cuphead a toy train and at first agrees it feels good. However, after Santa rejects his wish for the train as he already get a better gift, the experience of doing good, [[SubvertedTrope the Devil decides it sucks.]]

** While Zevran never really gets out of the "assassin" mindset unless he is romanced, he will (at a high enough approval rating) admit that helping the Grey Warden to stop the Blight and save Ferelden is the best thing he has ever done with his life. [[It did help that you helped him from his DeathSeeker tendencies and bring his innate nobility that is snuffed out thanks to his brutal training as a Crow.]]

** While Zevran never really gets out of the "assassin" mindset unless he is romanced, he will (at a high enough approval rating) admit that helping the Grey Warden to stop the Blight and save Ferelden is the best thing he has ever done with his life.

* The Team Rocket trio from ''Anime/PokemonTheSeries'' take pretty much every chance they can get to help save the world (mostly in the movies).
* ''Anime/SailorMoon'' also employs this trope in just about every DefeatMeansFriendship situation she runs into.

** ''Manga/DragonBallSuper'': Defied when Frieza is stuck in an EnemyMine with Goku. During that time Goku attempts to convince Frieza to pull off this trope. However, Frieza just [[CardCarryingVillain loves being a bastard too much,]] and [[EvilFeelsGood mockingly declares going back to his evil ways at the end]].
** Played straight in ''Manga/DragonBallZ'' with Majin Buu, or at least the form presented to the audience, Fat Buu. Fat Buu was [[AmbiguousInnocence innocent and childlike]], but having spent his life under Babidi's control meant that he didn't know ''how'' to be anything other than a feared monster. When he uses his HealingHands on a blind boy and later a puppy he expects them to run away as soon as they can, but when they are instead grateful to him, he's obviously happily surprised. It's seeing Buu's interaction with the dog (who is later named Bee) that convinces Mr. Satan that this trope applies and that Buu can be talked down.
* Generally one of the main themes of the series ''Manga/{{Trigun}}'', the only happy people are the good guys. This is best exemplified by Livio who is much happier protecting people than he was when he was a servant of the Eye of Micheal.
* ''Anime/DigimonTamers'': [[spoiler: Impmon]] realizes this after his RedemptionPromotion. Patching things up with his tamers and joining the fight against the D-Reaper made him happier than he'd been all season.
* In ''Literature/FateZero'', Kiritsugu Emiya spent his entire life being a "hero" who [[ShootTheDog Shot the Dog]] repeatedly and earned no real satisfaction from it. In the end, he found fulfillment and peace simply by rescuing and raising a little boy, [[VisualNovel/FateStayNight Shirou]], who was one of the only survivors of the cataclysmic fallout of [[spoiler:Angra Mainyu's release]] during the fourth Grail War. In a way, Shirou saved Kiritsugu too. It's deconstructed with Shirou though. He can ''only'' feel happy when he's helping others, leading him to [[ChronicHeroSyndrome obsessively try to save or help everyone]] and [[MartyrWithoutACause not caring about his own well being at all compared to others he is helping]].
* ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'' plays with this in many ways. [[NiceGirl Krista]] reaps the benefits of being the kindest person around. She's loved by everyone; her team calls her a "goddess" and a couple of them want to marry her. However, she's selfless to the point it approaches a Deconstruction. Ymir criticizes her dangerous behavior for the sake of being loved by others, but [[spoiler: after [[SaveTheVillain saving Bertolt]]]] agrees that it isn't so bad to "play goddess" sometimes. [[TeamDad Reiner]] is a ''firm'' believer in this theory, and as a result is deeply admired by the others as a reliable and heroic "big brother". However, his childhood friend Bertolt implies he's actually a HeroicWannabe prone to putting himself in danger. [[spoiler: He, along with fellow [[TheMole moles]] Annie and Bertolt, end up becoming close to their human comrades and realize that BeingEvilSucks]].
* An odd heroic example in ''Anime/HappinessChargePrettyCure'': [[spoiler: When Iona/Cure Fortune's repowered, she comes to realize that these powers don't run on hate or anger, but [[ThePowerOfLove love and caring]], and she enjoys that feeling]].

* ''Manga/{{Marriagetoxin}}'': What becomes Gero's M.O after he partners up with Kinosaki, moving away from his traditional assassin work into being more of a hero-for-hire on the latter's advice, on the logic that it will help attract women. As it turns out, this approach helps Gero realise that the world is filled with many more kinds of people than the scumbags he's used to dealing with, resulting in a much more fulfilling career path.
* In ''Manga/TheSevenDeadlySins'', [[spoiler:Meliodas]] murdered alongside the other Commandments, and he enjoyed it, but he didn't have any deeper reason to fight. For this reason, he was confused by Zeldris, whose devotion to [[LoveInterest Gelda]] gave meaning to his life and growth. [[spoiler:When Meliodas met Elizabeth he finally understood that feeling]], and switched sides not long after.

* The original run of the ''ComicBook/{{Thunderbolts}}!'', who were a team of villains masquerading as heroes in the hero-starved post-Onslaught Franchise/MarvelUniverse. Baron Zemo's leading the whole team into gaining the trust of the public before really breaking their will... but most of the Thunderbolts really ''like'' being treated like heroes.
-->'''[=MACH-1/The Beetle=]:''' This hero thing... well, I'm starting to think it's ''contagious''.
* In a comics arc in the ''Franchise/StarWarsExpandedUniverse'', after ex-mercenary Nyl takes a dead Jedi's lightsaber and goes in pursuit of the Dark Jedi who killed his son, he is repeatedly mistaken for a Jedi by the people of various worlds. He is drawn into helping them, [[DudleyDoRightStopsToHelp even at the cost of time he could have spent in pursuit]], and is a textbook example, he finds that [[BecomingTheMask he likes it]]. "Lycan said to me, ''Men are not driven by altruism.'' I'll prove him wrong." In a later comic, though, he's bitter and isolationist again, because he tried to do good and be good and failed because that's edgier.
* One ''WesternAnimation/StarWarsDroids'' tie-in comic features a rare Hutt who finds the life of a (relatively) HonestCorporateExecutive to be oddly satisfying.
--> '''Protocol Droid:''' Master Boonda ended his criminal ties several years ago. He finds his new ethics ... amusing.
* In Creator/KurtBusiek's ''ComicBook/TheWizardsTale'', the [[VillainousLineage hereditary]] but [[IneptMage inept]] evil wizard [[spoiler: chooses to cast a banish-evil spell from the TomeOfEldritchLore. With the evil gone, he finds himself casting good magic and liking it very much.]]
* ''Franchise/{{Superman}}'':
** In Pre-Crisis comics, Lex Luthor uncharacteristically does a good deed that saves an alien civilization. The people are so grateful that they rename their planet Lexor and hail him as a hero. Lex is startled by how good it feels. In the following years, he marries a Lexorian woman and at one point even tries to go straight and settle down there. Unfortunately, it can't last. He just can't leave his evil past behind him, and a fight with Superman [[spoiler:accidentally leads to the destruction of the entire planet, for which Luthor blames Superman and comes to hate him far more than he ever had before.]]
** While Superman has the WithGreatPowerComesGreatResponsibility mantra going on, his background as a hard-working, honest Kansas farm-boy means he also simply loves helping people out. In ''ComicBook/AllStarSuperman'' he says that his enhanced sense means he perceives the sheer beauty of ''everything'' and the value and importance of events of other people's lives to a degree that other people simply can't imagine, and as a result, he can't imagine using his powers do anything other than help. When Luthor is able to gain those powers himself, he's overwhelmed by it to where [[VillainousBreakdown he breaks down into tears]].
** In ''ComicBook/RedDaughterOfKrypton'', ComicBook/{{Supergirl}} joins the [[Franchise/GreenLantern Red Lantern Corps]] after a rage-induced breakdown. Although she initially feels elated that she can vent and channel her fury and grief by striking brutally people who deserves it, she eventually decides that being a rage-fueled anti-hero does not suit her, and she feels better when she shows compassion and kindness.
** In ''Wrath of Gog'', the previously mindless [[UltimateLifeForm engineered killing machine Doomsday]] has developed [[ItCanThink intelligence]] and emotions. He decides to experiment with these feelings by [[PetTheDog rescuing a kitten]] from a tree and returning said kitten to its owner, a young boy. Doomsday discovers that this act fills him with [[WhatIsThisFeeling positive feelings]]. He then decides to see if the reverse is true, and [[KickTheDog obliterates both the kid and his kitten]], only to discover that this ''doesn't'' [[BeingEvilSucks make him feel good]]... He [[HeelFaceTurn eventually goes on to be a great hero]] even wearing Superman's symbol after Superman is captured by Gog.
* An unusual example comes in the form of PJ Maybe in ''ComicBook/JudgeDredd''. He started out as a gleeful serial killer and identity thief, and at the end of the story, [[KarmaHoudini managed to become the mayor of Mega-City One]]. In order to keep up the farce, he had to do quite a lot of good work -- and discovered he enjoyed it immensely, so much so that he now works to improve people's lives because he ''wants'' to. That said, he ''still'' loves to kill people, only now he tends to [[SerialKillerKiller focus on the worst criminals]].

** Damian Wayne started out as a homicidal {{Jerkass}} thanks to being raised by the League of Assassins and spoiled rotten since birth. He later finds fighting the good fight as Robin to be far more fulfilling than being the heir of a new world order. When push comes to shove, he ultimately chooses the ideals of the Batman family over those of Ra's Al Ghul. He's still kind of a jerk though.

* In the final act of ''ComicBook/BuckGodotZapGunForHire'', the Beemahs -- bio-engineered living weapons who are, essentially, energy-weapons with legs -- are [[http://www.airshipentertainment.com/buckcomic.php?date=20090328 shown trust for the first time]], by the titular Buck Godot. All of their past associates treated them like wild dogs, using them against enemies but always keeping them in check with some weapon or threat. They find that they LIKE being trusted and respected, and respond by being as good as their word -- and then some.
* In ''The Thing'' series, Nighthawk and Constrictor are among many trapped in Arcadia's AmusementParkOfDoom. Nighthawk suggests that he and Constrictor, instead of fighting each other, work together to free the rest of Arcadia's prisoners. Constrictor is less open to the idea, since he's, y'know, a villain, but Nighthawk points out that he himself [[HeelFaceTurn used to be a villain]] [[NotSoDifferentRemark too.]]
-->'''Constrictor:''' I don't get it, Richmond. Why'd you switch over? Why risk your neck being a good guy?\\
'''Nighthawk:''' Well, I could give you a song-and-dance about doing the right thing. But in all honesty... I do it because it's ''fun!''

** A specific Spider-Man example occurs in the finale of ''The Assassin Nation Plot''. While Spidey's actions (which result in him stopping a terrorist plot aimed at destroying the National Archives, framing Symkaria for it, and possibly starting a war) do earn him a small compensation from the Symkarian embassy, his true reward is acknowledgement and gratitude from ComicBook/SilverSable, ComicBook/CaptainAmerica, and a high ranking general; as the caption on the last panel of the story says, "sometimes... that's enough."
* In ''ComicBook/MegaManArchieComics'', Dr. Wily is supposedly rehabilitated after Ra Moon's attack, but is actually scheming behind Dr. Light's back, and is planning on stealing Light's new robot Gamma after they finish work on it. However, right before the plan is about to go into effect, he hesitates and reflects that the time spent working with his former partner to improve the world felt good. [[IgnoredEpiphany Unfortunately, his jealousy gets the better of him again]], and his Robot Masters set his plan into motion.
* In ''[[ComicBook/AllNewAllDifferentMarvel Avengers #0]]'', ComicBook/{{Deadpool}}, under orders from Old Man [[ComicBook/CaptainAmerica Steve Rogers]], goes on a mission to get a canister of Terrigen Mists with the caveat of not killing anyone. As he performs this superbly, Deadpool notes that Steve is the only man for whom he'd do missions for free and, honestly, he ''loves'' being able to do this. Even if it would ruin his credibility if it got out.
* [[spoiler:Megatron, of all people]] comes to this conclusion in ''ComicBook/TheTransformersMoreThanMeetsTheEye''. He originally joined the crew of the ''Lost Light'' as part of a clever little legal scheme to get out of guaranteed public execution, only to find that he was happier teaching classes on the Knights of Cybertron and rescuing individual Autobots than he'd ever been as a world-conquering warlord with the blood of billions on his hands.
* In ''ComicBook/TheTransformersCombinerWars'', Waspinator and Sparkstalker both get roped into offering aid to Caminus after the colony was rediscovered and damaged by Menasor's rampage. Both were shocked by how nicely the Camians treated them and eventually made permanent {{Heel Face Turn}}s as a result.
* ''ComicBook/AllNewUltimates'': Bombshell seems really enthusiastic about fighting bad guys. The reason she even joined Spider-Woman's team was to do good for once in her life.
* ''ComicBook/GreenLantern'': The Indigo Tribe is entirely composed of really bad guys under HeelFaceBrainwashing. But one member, [[spoiler:their leader Iroque/Indigo 1]], developed true compassion when the brainwashing was temporarily undone, being very repentant of her past crimes.
* ''ComicBook/LevelUp'': After leaving med school, Dennis realizes that he felt good when he was saving lives as a trainee gastroenterologist. Even though he enjoys playing video games as a career, he doesn't feel fulfilled or like he's making a difference the way he did as a doctor.
* ''ComicBook/AstroCity'': A major reason why G-Dog fights crime is because performing heroic acts gives him an overwhelming sense of joy and pride, thanks to the dog half of his nature.

* In one Russian children's story, the main hero fights a clique of bullies led by an evil sorceress (yep). After one of the "villains" fails an operation, his mistress condemns him to a terrible punishment: within a day he must commit... '''[[CoolAndUnusualPunishment THREE GOOD DEEDS]]'''. Naturally, his cronies are dumbfounded by such severity and the delinquent himself can barely brace himself to serve his term. But after the first deed, he suddenly realizes that doing good is not painful but pleasant, goes on a do-good spree, and eventually defects from his gang.
* In one of the ''Literature/{{Dragonlance}}'' stories, Palin Majere, nephew of Raistlin, wonders why he should become one of the "white robes", the good wizards. And why he just shouldn't choose whatever order makes him feel good. After he does a good deed, the head of the White Order mentions that he found that doing good ''does'' help himself.

** Implied in "Change Your Mind". [[spoiler:After Steven finally got White Diamond to realize he was his own person and not an incarnation of his mother, he's finally able to convince her to accompany him and the other Diamonds back to Earth to help restore the corrupted gems. At first, White is extremely uncomfortable with being on Earth, but once Steven's plan works and the corrupted gems return to normal, her expression warms, and she shows an earnest smile rather than the condescending one she usually has. She, Blue, and Yellow Diamond leave Earth on good terms with Steven and the Crystal Gems.]]