History Main / NervesOfSteel

* ''Anime/PuellaMagiMadokaMagica'': Subverted with Homura Akemi when her backstory is revealed.

* Miyata Ichirou from ''Manga/HajimeNoIppo''.

* Soldiers using the 3D Maneuver Gear properly in ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'' need to be able to react and change directions in an instant to avoid disaster while maintaining perfect balance. Levi, who is the WorldsStrongestMan, is consistently stoic and calm that it's near impossible to break him from that state.

Reasons for this demeanor vary. They probably have SeenItAll, are naturally [[TheSpock Spock-like]], have an iron-clad StepfordSmiler facade (though on the inside they probably ''are'' banging their head against his cage) or emotionally ''can't'' be made to feel extreme emotion, such as the TinMan. This doesn't count if the character is an EmptyShell since there isn't anyone home to excite. The ExtremeDoormat may count depending on the individual case (some are just too listless to care at all, not requiring any emotional control at all). AffablyEvil villains and TheChessmaster are always composed as a result of everything [[AllAccordingToPlan going according to plan]].

* {{Subverted}} with King in ''Manga/OnePunchMan''. Identified as one of the strongest heroes in the world, he never publicly shows anything but a neutral, stoic expression even when in a dangerous situation, nor does he rush into fights.[[note]]Note that this is unlike the expressionless Saitama in that Saitama can lose his cool at more mundane threats, and get excited in a fight if it's challenging, it's just that he no longer finds any fights that would be any danger or challenge to him.[[/note]] His heart starts audibly beating like an engine when battle approaches, though, and it's claimed no monster has heard that sound and lived. What's actually going on is that [[spoiler:King is hiding his terror in the knowledge that he's actually got no powers or fighting ability at all (his "victories" were actually Saitama's before he registered with the Hero Association), so he'd be in huge trouble if he actually had to fight. Good thing for him]] he's TheDreaded for monsters and bad guys, so usually they don't dare to fight him.

* ''WebComic/MierukoChan'': Miko is shown to quickly develop an uncanny level of calm when facing [[ISeeDeadPeople the strange and horrific ghosts and spirits she sees everyday]].

* ''WebComic/TowerOfGod'': Apparently common trait in the Khun family, primarily seen in Khun Aguero Agnes, one of the main characters. (The anime adaptation downplays this a bit, since he's shown as getting upset and aggressive at things other people say more easily.) He can think his way through anything, even in combat, as long as it isn't something that looks more complicated than it is, in which case he can starts overthinking. The young version of the head of the family, Khun Edahn, looks to have been similar, as do Princess Khun Maschenny Jahad and Khun Kiseia. Khun Ran is ''kind'' of like this, but his cool thinking is usually limited to thinking up clever tactics, since "not fighting" never seems to occur to him as an option.

** This becomes a plot point in the third case of ''[[VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorneyJusticeForAll Justice For All]]'': Phoenix realizes that the culprit, [[spoiler:a very experienced former acrobat, would be ballsy enough to hide the murder weapon itself under his wheelchair, since he didn't have an opportunity to put it anywhere else because Franziska performed a surprise raid on his room.]]

* ''ComicBook/TheBoys'': James Stillwell, the man from Vought-American who is in charge of the heroes-division. He is a completely normal human without powers of any kind and is regularly surrounded by people who could reduce him to a stain on the walls, floor, and ceiling without effort. Yet he always remains completely calm and unperturbed at all times, even when threatened with death by said supers. [[spoiler:The Homelander]] remarks that he might just have met a ''real'' superhuman.

** ''VideoGame/TalesOfVesperia'''s Yuri Lowell, as a partial {{Expy}} of the above Jade, is also similarly unfazed in the face of danger. It doesn't freak out his TrueCompanions but they certainly think it's ''weird'' that facing death in the face only worries him somewhat. [[SubvertedTrope Subverted]] when it comes to [[BloodKnight Judith]] in regards to her saying she would cut her way out of a monster's stomach to win a fight. Yuri ''believes'' she could do that and finds her terrifying for that reason. Speaking of, Judith also fits this even ''[[UpToEleven more]]'' thanks to that.

* ''Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog''. Very few things faze him. Danger and strong opponents [[ChallengeSeeker only excite him]], and his official profiles describe as being good at keeping his cool under pressure. [[ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogArchieComics The Archie comic series]] notably tended to [[AdaptationPersonalityChange make him more childish and excitable]] until Sega put a stop to it, decreeing a mandate that it's not in Sonic's character to showcase extreme emotions.

* Dante from ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry''. This guy's reaction to things like giant demon birds threatening him, a three-headed ice dog trying to block his way, or a demon snake trying to eat him? Dodging or no selling whatever they try and taunting them.

* In the Big Five personality model, people who score low in neuroticism tend to be this, remaining calm in stressful situations.

** This becomes a plot point in the third case of ''[[VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorneyJusticeForAll Justice For All]]'': Phoenix realizes that the culprit, [[spoiler:a very experienced former acrobat, would be ballsy enough to hide the the murder weapon itself under his wheelchair, since he didn't have an opportunity to put it anywhere else because Franziska performed a surprise raid on his room.]]

* ''Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog''. Very few things faze him. Danger and strong opponents [[ChallengeSeeker only excite him]], and his official profiles describe as being good at keeping his cool under pressure. [[ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogArchieComics The Archie comic series]] notably tended to [[AdaptationPersonalityChange make him more childish and excitable]] until Sega put a stop to it, decreeing a mandate that it wasn't in Sonic's character to showcase extreme emotions.

* ''Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog''. Very few things faze him. Danger and strong opponents [[ChallengeSeeker only excite him]], and his official profiles describe as being good at keeping his cool under pressure. [[ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogArchieComics The Archie comic]] notably tended to [[AdaptationPersonalityChange make him more childish and excitable]] until Sega put a stop to it, enforcing a mandate that it wasn't in his character to showcase extreme emotions.

* Post-Parallax members of the ''Franchise/GreenLantern'' Corps tend toward this since they are now selected not for their lack of fear, but their ability to overcome it.
* ''ComicBook/JudgeDredd'': Street Judges are [[{{Tykebomb}} trained from early childhood]] to be stoic and calm at all times. Dredd is the oldest judge on the force, having been active for more than half a century, so really has SeenItAll. He tends to approach any crisis with complete serenity, for instance hunting down a [[Franchise/{{Alien}} Xenomorph]] with the same routine attitude as a plumber fixing a kitchen sink. He even punched Fear itself in the face!
* ''Comicbook/{{Supergirl}}'':
** ''ComicBook/ElseworldsFinestSupergirlAndBatgirl'': Comicbook/LexLuthor is an utter, rotten bastard... who is never fazed by anything. ''Comicbook/TheJoker'' has kidnapped him? He looks calm. [[spoiler:A mad [[Franchise/{{Superman}} Kryptonian]] is after his blood? He looks calm. His Kryptonian deterrent is gone? He looks calm. ''Comicbook/{{Supergirl}}'' is about to crush his windpipe? He looks calm. ''Comicbook/{{Batgirl}}'' has just exposed his crimes?]] He looks calm.
** In ''Comicbook/TheSupergirlFromKrypton2004'', Batman always looks calm, composed and imperturbable. At a point, an enraged Kryptonian is floating behind him, and he keeps working without turning around.

* ''Franchise/WonderWoman'': Phillip Darnel, ComicBook/SteveTrevor's superior in the USAAF and later a general in the USAF is remarkably calm in the face of superhuman and extraterrestrial threats he's had no training to deal with, and treats having a enemy spy sitting on his desk and threatening him while he's unarmed like just another day at the office.

* ''Westernanimation/{{Mulan}}'' has the Emperor of China, that even after the Huns have taken over the city and [[EvilIsBigger their hulking menacing leader]] is threatening him (or attempting to attack with his sword), never loses his cool.
--->'''Shan-Yu''': I tire of your arrogance, old man. Bow to me!\\
'''Emperor''': No matter how the wind howls, the mountain cannot bow to it.

* Film/{{Aliens}}: Corporal Hicks defines this trope. It's illustrated early in the film when he spends most of the drop down to the colony ''asleep'', in contrast to Gorman's nervousness and the boisterous behavior of his fellow Marines. After his unit gets largely wiped out, unlike Gorman, (who freezes up under pressure and then gets knocked out), Hudson (who becomes a nervous wreck), and Vasquez, (who enters a murderous rage), Hicks never once loses his cool.

* Comicbook/{{Batman}} in ''Film/BatmanVSupermanDawnOfJustice''. After Comicbook/{{Superman}} causes the Batmobile to crash and rips the hood off, Batman's response is to stand up, stare the Kryptonian down and deliver a BadassBoast. Later, when Doomsday brings down the Batplane with its EyeBeams and Bruce finds himself about to be vaporized by the rampaging, unstoppable, Kryptonian abomination, his response is simply a fairly calm [[OhCrap "oh shit"]].

-->'''Charles:''' You know, I once read an interesting book which said that, uh, most people lost in the wilds, they, they die of shame.
-->'''Robert:''' What?
-->'''Charles:''' Yeah, see, they die of shame. "What did I do wrong? How could I have gotten myself into this?" And so they sit there and they... die. Because they didn't do the one thing that would save their lives.
-->'''Robert:''' And what is that, Charles?
-->'''Charles:''' Thinking.

** Nobody is braver than [[Film/CaptainAmericaTheFirstAvenger Captain Steve Rogers]], not [[ComicBook/IncredibleHulk a humanoid tsunami who can punch through mountains]], nor even [[ComicBook/TheMightyThor the god of thunder himself]], and hence it is he, but a mere mortal, who leads ''Film/{{The Avengers|2012}}'' to a crushing victory against an army of alien invaders.
** Only one other Avenger may give Steve a run for his money when it comes to bravery, that being a certain [[Film/IronMan Anthony Edward Stark]] the man who personally flew a nuke that was going to destroy New York through a portal, fully knowing it was one-way trip but managed to save the day and gained Steve’s respect in the process. [[spoiler: ''Film/AvengersInfinityWar'' takes this even further as Tony having had Thanos throw a moon at him and seen him defeat all his teammates including Doctor Strange, still stands up to Thanos and fights him till his armour breaks and he gets impaled. Even the Mad Titan himself states Tony [[VillainRespect has won his respect]] for sheer bravery]].
** [[OneWomanArmy Hela,]] who [[RetiredMonster used to be Odin's]] [[MakeAnExampleOfThem Executioner]], fought the entire [[BadassArmy army of Asgard]] without showing any sign of fear [[spoiler: and won, though it turned out that [[NighInvulnerability she had little reason to be afraid of them,]] [[TheWorfEffect despite how formidable they were shown to be in the past.]]]] However, later, when confronted with both [[AttackOfThe50FootWhatever Surtur]] and [[spoiler: [[TheEndOfTheWorldAsWeKnowIt the prophesized destruction of Asgard]]]], she only paused for a moment before determinately raising her sword to attack him, [[spoiler: even though it was an unwinnable fight.]]
** Special mention to Nebula as she’s the only hero who doesn’t despair after [[spoiler: half the universe is turned to dust and still remains stoic in the face of dying stranded in space at the start of ''Film/AvengersEndgame''.]]
* ''Film/BlackPanther'': Nakia is horrified to see Killmonger apparently kill T'Challa in ritual combat, but she immediately pulls it together and hustles T'Challa's (understandably) distraught mom and sister into hiding, because she understands that it's not safe to be related to the old king after a new king usurps the throne.

* Franchise/MonsterVerse: There are several examples amongst the humans. Mason Weaver and Alan Jonah both respond very much this way when they find themselves staring down the barrel of a gun respectively, whilst Lieutenant Brody and Lieutenant Colonel Packard respectively handle themselves very calmly in intense situations, and Director Guillerman doesn't panic when in the radius of Godzilla's rampage.

-->'''Elizabeth''': I propose a deal.
-->'''Beckett''': I'm listening.
-->''*Elizabeth puts a gun to his head*''
-->'''Beckett''': (''without changing expression'') I'm listening ''intently''.

'''Finn''': Okay, stay calm. Stay calm.\\

'''Finn''': I was talking to myself.\\
'''Poe:''' ''[Shoots Finn a DisapprovingLook]''

-->'''Malory''': You're really not scared, are you?\\
'''Lana''': No.\\
'''Malory''': Then how would you like a job?

--> '''Spongebob:''' Patrick, your snail is a ''rock.''
--> '''Patrick:''' Thanks, I know. He's got nerves of steel!

* A villainous example is Lex Luthor in ''WesternAnimation/YoungJustice'', Lex never once loses his cool, and always stays calm even though he is targeted by [[spoiler: the real Roy Harper]] who is out to get revenge on him.

* The protagonist from ''VideoGame/Persona4'' has them, even more so should you pick the right dialogue choices. Not to say he doesn't show emotions like confusion or panic, it's just that he manages to stay calm and collected regardless. When emotions run high, he often gets the option to tell others to calm down. In fact, late in the game, [[spoiler:telling the others this is crucial should you want to avoid the first BadEnding.]]
** ''[[UpdatedRerelease Golden]]'' has a scene that exemplifies this: [[spoiler: On the route to the true ending, if the Jester Link has been ranked up to 6 before the DiscOneFinalDungeon, it will auto-advance at certain points past it. After Rank 9, the protagonist has a choice to confront the character in question... whom then pulls a gun on them. One of his responses to this is "You won't shoot me.", and in response the character does! Said bullet whizzes dangerously close to the protagonist's head... whom doesn't even ''flinch'' from it.]]

** Godot in ''VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorney: Trials & Tribulations''. Thuggish LoanShark in the courtroom with an intimidating roar and BrooklynRage got everyone else in the courtroom hiding under desks or behind walls? Godot simply boasts about being the one to bring in said thug.
** This becomes a plot point in the third case of ''Justice for All'': Phoenix realizes that the culprit, [[spoiler:a very experienced former acrobat, would be ballsy enough to hide the the murder weapon itself under his wheelchair, since he didn't have an opportunity to put it anywhere else because Franziska performed a surprise raid on his room.]]