History Main / ReformedButNotTamed

# The reformed character may still have issues with one or more of the members of the group whom he initially opposed.
# He is still hung on the ways of villainy, and he was very sour grapes on joining the heroes.
# He may be just naturally mean due to some FreudianExcuse. When it comes to this trope, turning over a new leaf is more complex than people would want it to be.

Very common in a setting of BlackAndGrayMorality. This is how a character develops into an AntiHero. This type of character is more likely to become TheHero's [[TheLancer lancer]]. This can often invoke the thought that HumansAreFlawed or at least [[HumansAreBastards bastards whether good or bad]]. Not to be confused with ReformedButRejected where a character turns for the better, but others don't acknowledge it.

This is when a character can go [[HeelFaceTurn from evil to good]] and still retain the characteristics they had as a villain. There are plenty of reasons for why his immoral or unpleasant behavior remains the same despite changing his alignment. 1., the reformed character may still have issues with one or more of the members of the group who he initially opposed. 2., he is still hung on the ways of villainy, and he was very sour grapes on joining the heroes. 3., he may be just naturally mean due to some FreudianExcuse. When it comes to this trope, turning over a new leaf is more complex than people would want it to be.

Here are the tropes which involve a character changing his alignment, but not his personality. In short, this is more of a character turning into heroic versions of what they started off as:
* AlphaBitch --> LovableAlphaBitch
* ArchEnemy --> TheRival and WorthyOpponent and FriendlyEnemy.
* TheBaroness --> DefrostingIceQueen and SugarAndIcePersonality
* BigBrotherBully --> AloofBigBrother
* TheBully --> LovingBully
* CardCarryingVillain --> NobleDemon and AntiHero.
* DarkIsEvil --> DarkIsNotEvil
* DirtyCop --> CowboyCop
* EvilMentor and TreacherousAdvisor --> StealthMentor and CynicalMentor
* {{Heel}} --> WildCard
* {{Jerkass}} and {{Jerk Jock}} --> JerkWithAHeartOfGold, GoodIsNotNice, and LovableJock.
* TheNeidermeyer --> DrillSergeantNasty and SergeantRock
* PoliticallyIncorrectVillain --> PoliticallyIncorrectHero and NobleBigot
* SadistTeacher, EvilTeacher, and DeanBitterman --> SternTeacher
* SinisterMinister --> DarkShepherd and NunTooHoly
* TheSociopath --> SociopathicHero and HeroicComedicSociopath
* TheVamp --> FemmeFatale
* WellIntentionedExtremist and KnightTemplar --> PragmaticHero

Regarding to the whole morality subject, NoRealLifeExamplesPlease.

!!Examples:

[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
* Vegeta from ''Manga/DragonBall Z'' pulled a HeelFaceTurn, but this was because he [[TheOnlyOneAllowedToDefeatYou wanted to be the one to defeat Goku]], in which he went as far as to temporarily turn Heel to do so. At the end of the Buu Saga, he pulls a genuine HeelFaceTurn by reviving all of the people he has killed while he [[MoreThanMindControl deliberately allowed himself to be hypnotized by Babidi's spell earlier]] as well as making peace with Goku. Even then, he still remains his gruff attitude.
** Piccolo is the same way. Even though [[MoralityPet Gohan]] was the reason he softened up and became a part of the good guys, he still remains aloof and distant toward the other fighters.
* Sakurako Sanjou from ''Manga/HanaYoriDango'' is a [[RichBitch Rich]] BitchInSheepsClothing as well as very nasty when crossed. After her HeelFaceTurn, despite having a kinder disposition, she still remains spoiled and childish.
* Seto Kaiba from ''Anime/YuGiOh'' was a FauxAffablyEvil SmugSnake. Even if he's undergone some CharacterDevelopment and even if he's helped Yugi and his friends, he still remains a grumpy, arrogant, and insufferable {{Jerkass}} (and his [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold heart of gold]] doesn't show that much unless if it involves his brother [[MoralityPet Mokuba]]). Also, he is still [[TheOnlyOneAllowedToDefeatYou obsessed about defeating Yugi]].
* Sesshomaru started as a villain trying to kill his own half-brother ''Manga/InuYasha'', but turned into his protector due to taking a young orphan girl under his wing. This doesn't mean he really enjoys showing kindness to others, even Inuyasha.
* Much like the [[VideoGame/SonicAdventure2 game continuity]], Shadow in ''Anime/SonicX'' pulled a HeelFaceTurn by sacrificing himself to save the world from the Space Colony ARK. In the Metarex saga, however, Shadow returns (with his memories erased), still the PerpetualFrowner, still cold and aloof around others, and still ruthless in his goals, even to the point of fighting Sonic and his friends if it's necessary. Believe it or not, he's largely more ruthless and less personable than his game incarnation (who mellowed out a bit more after [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog his own title]]).

[[folder:Comic Books]]
* Exeter from ''Comicbook/{{Scion}}'' was as a menacing minor villain, but becomes TheBigGuy of the main group who is less merciful than Ethan might like.
* Thugboy and Ninjette from ''ComicBook/{{Empowered}}'' started as {{Punch Clock Villain}}s, but also thanks to the influence of the protagonist, they developed into [[AntiHero Anti-Heroes]].
* ''ComicBook/{{Venom}}'', who was a ''Franchise/SpiderMan'' villain, became Anti-Venom, who tries to become TheAtoner as well as graduating into a full-fledged AntiHero.
* ''Franchise/{{Batman}}'' villainess ComicBook/{{Catwoman}} develops into an anti-heroine who often at times teams up with Batman in his missions. Then there's that whole [[DatingCatwoman relationship status of theirs]].
* Emma Frost from ''ComicBook/{{X-Men}}'' started as a villainess who is cold, aloof, arrogant, sociopathic, and likes to [[{{Stripperiffic}} underdress]]. Even after she joins the team, nothing has changed about her attitude and behavior, although she seems to [[DefrostingIceQueen let her coldness melt a little]].

[[folder:Film]]
* On ''WesternAnimation/IceAge'', Diego pulled a HeelFaceTurn after befriending Manny and Sid, and remains a [[DeadpanSnarker sarcastic prick]], but with a [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold heart of gold]].
* The film adaption of ''Film/HowTheGrinchStoleChristmas'' has the main character learning the true meaning of Christmas. Even so, he still behaves like a jerk, but his heart is still a half-size too small, so that's good enough for everyone.
* Catwoman again in ''Film/TheDarkKnightRises''. Her HeelFaceTurn ultimately comes about by her expanding on her good traits, and Batman encouraging her to consider others more (though she always had a soft spot for the little guy). But even when she has fully completed her HeelFaceTurn and fights alongside Batman, shes still more than willing to use lethal force against lethal force, as opposed to Batman's ThouShallNotKill [[spoiler: and is the one to shoot Bane in the face with a rocket launcher]].

[[folder:Light Novels]]
* Accelerator in ''LightNovel/ACertainMagicalIndex'' killed ten-thousand teenaged girls, but transitions into TheAtoner. He will do good to others, but he'll still behave like a utter jerk in doing so.

[[folder:Literature]]
* In ''Literature/AClockworkOrange'', two of the Droogs become policemen after Alex is released from prison and proceed to abuse him when he encounters them.
* In C.S. Lewis' ''Literature/TheChroniclesOfNarnia'', Edmund Pevensie is actually somewhat of an AntiHero, even after his HeelFaceTurn, because of his constant [[DeadpanSnarker snarkiness]], his [[DeathGlare death glares]] and his temptation to beat the crap out of his cousin [[{{Jerkass}} Eustace]]. And he's almost always [[PerpetualFrowner frowning or scowling]].
* As described on ''Literature/{{Nightside}}'', Razor Eddie, "Punk God of the Straight Razor", is a reformed - but not ''retired'' - SerialKiller, who now targets those who threaten children and the homeless. He's been known to leave buildings soaked in blood but conspicuously absent of corpses; the narration calls him "an extremely disturbing agent of good. The forces of good didn't get a say in the matter".
* Severus Snape from ''Franchise/HarryPotter''. Eternally loyal to Dumbledore after his HeelFaceTurn, but still a moody JerkAss, more than willing to punish Harry for the sins of his father and take revenge on his enemies (even gleefully allowing one of his old bullies to be taken off by the Dementors to have his soul removed!), and blatantly biased against Grfydinor, but still on the good side.

[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
* Spike from ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'' started off as a villain in season 2, but by season 3 (and a due to a dose of BadassDecay), he joined the Scoobies while still keeping his mean streak as a vampire.
** Faith post HeelFaceTurn is very much a darker version of Buffy, particularly on {{Angel}} where to the series end she's immoral, rough 'n tumble and aggressive. It would be exaggerated earlier in the comics before she takes a big dose of maturity, and is now regarded InUniverse as better than the main character.
* In LegendOfTheSeeker, Cara retains a strong vicious streak after her HeelFaceTurn. Understandable, considering that training Mord-Sith includes massive amounts of [[KickTheDog dog-kicking]] and [[BreakTheCutie cutie-breaking]].
* Bialar Crais from ''Series/{{Farscape}}'' was the StarterVillain for the first season chasing after the heroes until Scorpious came and take his place. While he underwent a HeelFaceTurn and backslid a couple of times, he never seem to lose his nasty streak.
* In ''Series/OnceUponATime'', [[spoiler:Regina]] is an example of a character who undergoes a realistic HeelFaceTurn. She is still depressed and bitter, and still holds a grudge against someone who is innocent, and not a lot of people trust her. But she stops her daily KickTheDog habits and doesn't act on her IrrationalHatred, and despite never returning to her [[TheCutie sweet]], [[{{Adorkable}} childish]] pre-FaceHeelTurn persona, she shows that [[PetTheDog it's]] [[LoveMartyr not]] ''[[StoicWoobie quite]]'' [[StepfordSmiler gone]].

[[folder:Professional Wrestling]]
* This is quite common in the professional wrestling world. A good number of wrestlers begun their careers as heels, but were so loved by the fans that they just have to turn face despite still behaving the same way they started. A noticeable example is Wrestling/StoneColdSteveAustin during the rise of his popularity.
* Wrestlers who previously had a FaceHeelTurn, but then turned back into a face also qualify. [[Wrestling/DwayneJohnson The Rock]] started as a clear-cut face, but [[XPacHeat wasn't well received]]. Then along came his heel turn and [[RescuedFromTheScrappyHeap a lot of fans were behind him]]. He turned face after being kicked out of The Corporation, but still continues his backstage bullying and remains as one of the biggest [[TrashTalk trash-talkers]] in pro wrestling.

[[folder:Video Games]]
* Jin from ''VideoGame/BlazBlue'' pulls a HeelFaceTurn at the end of [[VideoGame/BlazBlueContinuumShift the second game]], [[GoodIsNotNice but still remains one of the biggest jerks of the game]].
* Joshua Graham from ''VideoGame/FalloutNewVegas'' actually had a HeelFaithTurn after becoming one of the most ruthless and cruel men in the Legion. Even though he now fights for a noble cause, he still retains his ferocity and KillEmAll mentality.
* Proto Man used to work for Dr. Wily [[VideoGame/MegaMan3 in his debut]] (as he felt indebted to Wily for repairing him) and constantly fights against his brother VideoGame/MegaMan, but after being defeated, he soon turned from [[CainAndAbel enemy big brother]] to AloofBigBrother.
** Granted, Proto Man's defining trait is that he's an aloof loner. His few skirmishes with Mega Man after ''3'' are more a test of his brother's mettle and resolve. Curiously, ''VideoGame/MegaMan4'' implies that Proto Man, despite learning of Wily's true nature and [[BigDamnHeroes saving his brother at the end of the previous game]], was still working for Wily up to that point (albeit as a ReverseMole) due to Wily's reaction to Proto Man saving Kalinka.
* Sagat from ''Franchise/StreetFighter'' aligns himself with [[BigBad Shadaloo]] after succumbing a loss to Ryu in the first ''SF'' tournament. He [[HeelRealization realizes]] that his revenge-driven desire in defeating Ryu isn't the right path, so in ''VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha 3'', he reforms from his ways, but still retains a heated yet [[WorthyOpponent healthy]] rivalry with Ryu.

** Knuckles started off as a HeroAntagonist to Sonic, thinking he was out to steal the Chaos Emeralds. He graduates into a [[VitriolicBestBuds grudging]], yet loyal friend to Sonic, and also a JerkWithAHeartOfGold.
** Shadow pulls a HeelFaceTurn after Amy convinces him to save the world, thus [[HeroicSacrifice sacrificing himself to prevent the Space Colony ARK from crashing to earth]]. Even after his return to the series (amnesia aside), he still remains the dark, aloof, and anti-heroic foil to Sonic.

* The Star Wolf team in ''VideoGame/StarFox'' started as a mercenaries and {{Evil Counterpart}}s to The Star Fox team. They even worked for Andross in ''VideoGame/StarFox64'' to take down Fox. In the later games, they graduate into [[AntiHero anti-heroes]] who will sometimes, and grudgingly, [[EnemyMine team up with Star Fox in their missions]].

[[folder:Web Original]]

[[folder:Western Animation]]
* [[AntiVillain Prince Zuko]] from ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'' pulls a HeelFaceTurn but still retains his JerkassFacade. Then he [[FaceHeelTurn backslid into his old ways]], but becomes remorseful and becomes genuinely reformed, although Team Avatar (especially Katara) [[ReformedButRejected won't give him a second chance]] until at the end of the series.

---> '''Trixie:''' Don't you think the great and ''apologetic'' Trixie is the most magnificent and humble pony you have ever seen?
---> '''Twilight Sparkle:''' *Rolls eyes*

This is when a character can go from evil to good and still retain the characteristics they had as a villain, mostly if it's being unpleasant in character. There are plenty of reasons for why his behavior is still the same despite changing the alignment. 1., the reformed character may still have issues with one or more of the members of the group who he initially opposed. 2., he is still hung on the ways of villainy, and he was very sour grapes on joining the heroes. 3., he may be just naturally mean due to some FreudianExcuse. When it comes to this trope, turning over a new leaf is more complex than people would want it to be.

This is when a character can go from evil to good and still retain the characteristics they had as a villain, especially if it's being unpleasant in character. There are plenty of reasons for why his behavior is still the same despite changing the alignment. 1., the reformed character may still have issues with one or more of the members of the group who he initially opposed. 2. he is still hung on the ways of villany, and he was sour grapes on joining the hero. 3., he may be just naturally mean due to some FreudianExcuse. When it comes to this trope, turning over a new leaf is more complex than people would want it to be.

* {{Jerkass}} and {{Jerk Jock}} --> JerkWithAHeartOfGold and GoodIsNotNice and LovableJock.

* Catwoman again in DarkKnightRises . Her HeelFaceTurn ultimately comes about by her expanding on her good traits, and Batman encouraging her to consider others more (though she always had a soft spot for the little guy). But even when she has fully completed her HeelFaceTurn and fights alongside Batman, shes still more than willing to use lethal force against lethal force, as opposed to Batman's ThouShallNotKill [[spoiler: and is the one to shoot Bane in the face with a rocket launcher]].

* Snape. Eternally loyal to Dumbledore after his HeelFaceTurn, but still a moody JerkAss, more than willing to punish Harry for the sins of his father and take revenge on his enemies (even gleefully allowing one of his old bullies to be taken off by the Dementors to have his soul removed!), and blatantly biased against Grfydinor, but still on the good side.

* TheSociopath --> SociopathicHero and HeroicComedicSociopath

Very common in a setting of BlackAndGrayMorality. This is how a character develops into an AntiHero. This type of character is more likely to become TheHero's [[TheLancer lancer]]. This can often invoke the thought that HumansAreFlawed. Not to be confused with ReformedButRejected where a character turns for the better, but others don't acknowledge it.

In fiction, you will see the most nastiest villain of the series who is outright evil and unbelievably mean. Then, he gets [[DefeatMeansFriendship defeated by the protagonist]] and the rest of his [[TrueCompanions crew members]]. What happens next? [[HeelRealization He had a change of heart]]. He became repentant of all the crimes he has committed. And is now is a [[TheSixthRanger newest member]] of the heroes. This is a simple story of a [[HeelFaceTurn baddie gone good]].

Often at times, this doesn't usually has to be the case. This is when a character can go from evil to good and still retain their characteristics they had as a villain, especially if it's being unpleasant in character. There are plenty of reasons for why his behavior is still the same despite changing the alignment. One, the reformed character may still have [[DividedWeFall issues with one or more of the members of the group]], particularly TheHero, who he initially opposed most of the time. Two, he is still hung on the ways of villany, and he was sour grapes on joining the hero. Three, he may be just naturally mean due to the [[FreudianExcuse abuse of his parents or being picked on by children when he was younger]]. When it comes to this trope, turning over a new leaf is more complex than people wouldn't want it to be.

* ArchEnemy --> TheRival and WorthyOpponent

* CardCarryingVillain --> NobleDemon (if he's an AntiHero)

* {{Jerkass}} and {{Jerk Jock}} --> JerkWithAHeartOfGold and GoodIsNotNice (a.k.a. Jerkass Hero)

* Vegeta from ''Manga/DragonBall Z'' pulled a partial HeelFaceTurn, but this was because he [[TheOnlyOneAllowedToDefeatYou wanted to be the one to defeat Goku]], in which he went as far as to temporarily turn Heel to do so. At the end of the Buu Saga, he pulls a genuine HeelFaceTurn by reviving all of the people he has killed while he [[MoreThanMindControl deliberately allowed himself to be hypnotized by Babidi's spell earlier]] as well as making peace with Goku. Even then, he still remains his gruff attitude.

Often at times, this doesn't usually has to be the case. When it comes to this trope, a character can go from evil to good and still retain their unpleasant characteristics they had as a villain. There are plenty of reasons for why his behavior is still the same despite changing the alignment. One, the reformed character may still have [[DividedWeFall issues with one or more of the members of the group]] (particularly TheHero). Two, he is still hung on the ways of a villain and he was sour grapes on how he has changed his ways. Three, he may be just naturally mean due to the [[FreudianExcuse abuse of his parents or being picked on by children when he was younger]]. When it comes to this trope, turning over a new leaf is more complex than people wouldn't want it to be.

Here are the tropes which involve a character changing his alignment, but not his personality:

Very common in a setting of BlackAndGrayMorality. This is how an AntiHero undergoes this development. For that, see [[Analysis/AntiHero the Analysis page]]. This type of character is more likely to become TheHero's [[TheLancer lancer]]. This can often invoke the thought that HumansAreFlawed. Not to be confused with ReformedButRejected where a character turns for the better, but others don't acknowledge it.

Regarding to the whole morality thing, NoRealLifeExamplesPlease.

Often at times, this doesn't usually has to be the case. When it comes to this trope, a character can go from evil to good and still retain their unpleasant characteristics they had as a villain. There are plenty of reasons for why his behavior is still the same despite changing the alignment. One, the reformed character may still have [[DividedWeFall issues with one or more of the members of the group]] (particularly {{The Hero}}). Two, he is still hung on the ways of a villain and he was sour grapes on how he has changed his ways. Three, he may be just naturally mean due to the [[FreudianExcuse abuse of his parents or being picked on by children when he was younger]]. When it comes to this trope, turning over a new leaf is more complex than people wouldn't want it to be.

* {{Alpha Bitch}} -> {{Lovable Alpha Bitch}}.
* {{Arch Enemy}} -> {{The Rival}} and {{Worthy Opponent}}.
* {{The Baroness}} -> {{Defrosting Ice Queen}} and {{Sugar And Ice Personality}}.
* {{Big Brother Bully}} -> {{Aloof Big Brother}}.
* {{The Bully}} -> {{Loving Bully}}.
* {{Card Carrying Villain}} -> {{Noble Demon}} (if he's an {{Anti Hero}}).
* {{Dark Is Evil}} -> {{Dark Is Not Evil}}
* {{Dirty Cop}} -> {{Cowboy Cop}}.
* {{Evil Mentor}} and {{Treacherous Advisor}} -> {{Stealth Mentor}} and {{Cynical Mentor}}
* {{Heel}} -> WildCard
* {{Jerkass}} and {{Jerk Jock}} -> {{Jerk With A Heart Of Gold}} and {{Good Is Not Nice}} (a.k.a. Jerkass Hero).
* {{The Neidermeyer}} -> {{Drill Sergeant Nasty}} and {{Sergeant Rock}}.
* {{Politically Incorrect Villain}} -> {{Politically Incorrect Hero}} and {{Noble Bigot}}.
* {{Sadist Teacher}}, {{Evil Teacher}}, and {{Dean Bitterman}} -> {{Stern Teacher}}.
* {{Sinister Minister}} -> {{Dark Shepherd}} and {{Nun Too Holy}}.
* {{The Sociopath}} -> {{Sociopathic Hero}} and {{Heroic Comedic Sociopath}}.
* {{Well Intentioned Extremist}} and {{Knight Templar}} -> {{Pragmatic Hero}}.

Very common in a setting of {{Black And Grey Morality}}. This is how an {{Anti Hero}} undergoes this development. For that, see {{Analysis.Anti Hero}}. This type of character is more likely to become {{The Hero}}'s [[TheLancer lancer]]. This can often invoke the thought that {{Humans Are Flawed}}. Not to be confused with {{Reformed But Rejected}} where a character turns for the better, but others don't acknowledge it.

Regarding to the whole morality thing, {{No Real Life Examples Please}}.

[[folder: Anime & Manga]]
* Vegeta from ''[[Manga/{{DragonBall}} Dragonball Z]]'' pulled a partial {{Heel Face Turn}}, but this was because he [[TheOnlyOneAllowedToDefeatYou wanted to be the one to defeat Goku]], in which he went as far as to temporarily turn heel to do so. At the end of the Buu Saga, he pulls a genuine {{Heel Face Turn}} by reviving all of the people he has killed while he [[MoreThanMindControl deliberately allowed himself to be hypnotized by Babidi's spell earlier]] as well as making peace with Goku. Even then, he still remains his gruff attitude.

* Sakurako Sanjou from ''Manga/HanaYoriDango'' is a [[RichBitch Rich]] {{Bitch in Sheeps Clothing}} as well as very nasty when crossed. After her {{Heel Face Turn}}, despite having a kinder disposition, she still remains spoiled and childish.
* Seto Kaiba from ''Anime/{{Yu Gi Oh}}'' was a {{Faux Affably Evil}} {{Smug Snake}}. Even if he's undergone a {{Character Development}} and even if he's helped Yugi and his friends, he still remains a grumpy, arrogant, and insufferable {{Jerkass}} (and his [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold heart of gold]] doesn't show that much unless if it involves his brother [[MoralityPet Mokuba]]). Also, he is still [[TheOnlyOneAllowedToDefeatYou obsessed in defeating Yugi]].
* Sesshoumaru started as a villain trying to kill his own half-brother ''Manga/{{Inu Yasha}}'', but turned into his protector due to taking a young orphan girl under his wing. This doesn't mean he really enjoys showing kindness to others, even Inu Yasha.
* Much like the [[VideoGame/SonicAdventure2 game's version]], Shadow in ''Anime/SonicX'' has pulled a {{Heel Face Turn}} by sacrificing himself to save the world from the Space Colony ARK. In the Meterax saga, however, Shadow returns (with his memories erased), still the {{Perpetual Frowner}}, still cold and aloof around others, and still ruthless in his goals, even to the point of fighting Sonic and his friends if it's necessary.

[[folder: Comic Books]]
* Exeter from ''Comicbook/{{Scion}}'' was as a menacing minor villain, but becomes the {{Big Guy}} of the main group who is less merciful than Ethan might like.
* Thugboy and Ninjette from ''ComicBook/{{Empowered}}'' started as [[PunchClockVillain Punch Clock Villains]], but also thanks to the influence of the protagonist, they developed into [[AntiHero Anti Heroes]].
* ''ComicBook/{{Venom}}'', who was a ''ComicBook/{{Spider-Man}}'' villain, became Anti-Venom, who tries to become {{The Atoner}} as well as graduating into a full-fledged {{Anti Hero}}.
* ''Franchise/{{Batman}}'' villainess ''ComicBook/{{Catwoman}}'' develops into an anti-heroine who often at times teams up with Batman in his missions. Plus their [[DatingCatwoman relationship status]].
* Emma Frost from ''ComicBook/{{X-Men}}'' started as a villainess who is cold, aloof, arrogant, sociopathic, and likes to underdress. Even if she joins the team, nothing has changed about her attitude and behavior, although she seems to [[DefrostingIceQueen let her coldness melt a little]].
* {{Deadpool}} debuted as a mercenary villain in ''{{New Mutants}}'' and in ''{{X Force}}''. After the events, he still a mercenary, but evolves into a {{Heroic Comedic Sociopath}} who only does good deeds not because it was the right thing to do, but because either he felt like it or for selfish motives.

[[folder: Film]]
* On ''WesternAnimation/IceAge'', Diego pulled a {{Heel Face Turn}} after befriending Manny and Sid, and remains a [[DeadpanSnarker sarcastic prick]], but with a [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold heart of gold]].

[[folder: Light Novels]]
* Accelerator in ''LightNovel/ACertainMagicalIndex'' killed ten-thousand teenaged girls, but transitions into {{The Atoner}}. He will do good to others, but he'll still behave like a utter jerk in doing so.

[[folder: Literature]]

* In C.S. Lewis' ''Literature/TheChroniclesOfNarnia'', Edmund Pevensie is actually somewhat of an {{Anti Hero}}, even after his {{Heel Face Turn}}, because of his constant [[DeadpanSnarker snarkiness]], his [[DeathGlare death glares]] and his temptation to beat the crap out of his cousin [[{{Jerkass}} Eustace]]. And he's almost always [[PerpetualFrowner frowning or scowling]].
* As described on ''Literature/{{Nightside}}'', Razor Eddie, "Punk God of the Straight Razor", is a reformed - but not ''retired'' - {{Serial Killer}}, who now targets those who threaten children and the homeless. He's been known to leave buildings soaked in blood but conspicuously absent of corpses; the narration calls him "an extremely disturbing agent of good. The forces of good didn't get a say in the matter".

[[folder: Live-Action TV]]
* Spike from ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'' started off as a villain in season 2, but by season 3 (and a due to a dose of {{Badass Decay}}), he joined the Scoobies while still keeping his mean streak as a vampire.
* In {{Legend Of The Seeker}}, Cara retains a strong vicious streak after her {{Heel Face Turn}}. Understandable, considering that training Mord-Sith includes massive amounts of [[KickTheDog dog-kicking]] and [[BreakTheCutie cutie-breaking]].
* Bialar Crais from ''Series/{{Farscape}}'' was the {{Starter Villain}} for the first season chasing after the heroes until Scorpious came and take his place. While he underwent a {{Heel Face Turn}} and backslid a couple of times, he never seem to lose his nasty streak.
* In ''Series/OnceUponATime'', [[spoiler:Regina]] is an example of a character who undergoes a realistic {{Heel Face Turn}}. She is still depressed and bitter, and still holds a grudge against someone who is innocent, and not a lot of people trust her. But she stops her daily {{Kick The Dog}} and doesn't act on her {{Irrational Hatred}}, and despite never returning to her [[TheCutie sweet]], [[{{Adorkable}} childlish]] pre-{{Face Heel Turn}} persona, she shows that [[PetTheDog it's]] [[LoveMartyr not]] ''[[StoicWoobie quite]]'' [[StepfordSmiler gone]].

[[folder: Professional Wrestling]]
* This is quite common in the professional wrestling world. A good number of wrestlers begun their careers as heels, but were so loved by the fans that they just have to turn face despite still behaving the same way they started. A noticeable example is Wrestling/{{Stone Cold Steve Austin}} during the rise of his popularity.
* Wrestlers who previously had a {{Face Heel Turn}}, but then turned back into a face also qualify. [[Wrestling/{{Dwayne Johnson}} The Rock]] started as a clear-cut face, but [[XPacHeat wasn't well received]]. Then along came his heel turn and [[RescuedFromTheScrappyHeap a lot of fans were behind him]]. He turned face after being kicked out of The Corporation, but still continues his backstage bullying and remains as one of the biggest [[TrashTalk trash-talkers]] in pro wrestling.

[[folder: Video Games]]
* Jin from ''VideoGame/BlazBlueContinuumShift'' pulls a {{Heel Face Turn}} at the end of the game, but still remains one of the biggest jerks of the game.
* Joshua Graham from ''VideoGame/FalloutNewVegas'' actually had a {{Heel Faith Turn}} after becoming one of the most ruthless and cruel men in the Legion. Even though he now fights for a noble cause, he still retains his ferocity and {{Kill Em All}} mentality.
* Protoman used to work for Dr. Wily and constantly fights against his brother ''VideoGame/MegaMan'', but after being defeated, he soon turned from [[CainAndAbel enemy big brother]] to {{Aloof Big Brother}}.
* Sagat from ''Franchise/StreetFighter'' aligns himself with [[BigBad Shadaloo]] after succumbing a loss to Ryu in the first SF tournament. He [[HeelRealization realizes]] that his revenge-driven desire in defeating Ryu isn't the right path, so in ''Street Fighter Alpha'', he reforms from his ways, but still retains a heated yet [[WorthyOpponent healthy]] rivalry with Ryu.

** Knuckles started off as a {{Hero Antagonist}} to Sonic, thinking he was out to steal the Chaos Emeralds. He graduates into a [[VitriolicBestBuds grudging]], yet loyal friend to Sonic, and also a {{Jerk With A Heart Of Gold}}.
** Shadow pulled a {{Heel Face Turn}} after Amy convinces him to save the world, thus [[HeroicSacrifice sacrificing himself to prevent the Space Colony ARK from crashing to earth]]. Even after his return to the series (amnesia aside), he still remains the dark, aloof, and anti-heroic foil to Sonic.
* Wario of the ''Franchise/SuperMarioBros'' started as a villain in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioLand2SixGoldenCoins'' and as a {{Villain Protagonist}} in ''VideoGame/WarioLand''. After that, while he isn't all that villainous anymore, he still retains his lusty greed for money and is still a jerk because of it.
* The Star Wolf team in ''VideoGame/StarFox'' started as a mercenaries and {{Evil Counterpart}}s to The Star Fox team. They even worked for Andross in ''VideoGame/StarFox64'' to take down Fox. In the later games, they graduate as {{Anti Hero}}es who will sometimes, and grudgingly, team up with Star Fox in their missions.

[[folder: Western Animation]]
* [[AntiVillain Prince Zuko]] from ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'' pulls a {{Heel Face Turn}} but still retains his {{Jerkass Facade}}. Then he [[FaceHeelTurn backslid into his old ways]], but becomes remorseful and becomes genuinely reformed, although Team Avatar (especially Katara) [[ReformedButRejected won't give him a second chance]] until at the end of the series.
* ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'': Discord shows signs of this at the end of the episode "Keep Calm and Flutter On".
** Another example is Princess Luna in the season 2 episode "Luna Eclipsed". Princess Luna still speaks in her booming voice early on, left over from her time at Nightmare Moon. This, combined with her past reputation as Nightmare Moon, makes every other pony scared of Luna.
* David Xanatos from ''{{Gargoyles}}'' arguably never had a HeelFaceTurn; he simply stopped being an enemy to the Gargoyles. (Granted, he was grateful they saved his [[MoralityPet son]].)
* Kuzco from ''Disney/TheEmperorsNewGroove'' is a lesser example. In the movie, he's a selfish, self-centered jerk who plots to bulldoze the entire village for his own profit and almost left Pacha for dead, but had a change of heart and becomes good friends with Pacha. In the ''WesternAnimation/TheEmperorsNewSchool'', however, he still behaves like a jerk and often, his heart of gold doesn't show very often.

* Various characters of the ''Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog'' series started off as enemies of Sonic, but become either a reluctant ally or just still clash with him on occasions when their goals or personalities clash against each other.

* Various characters of the ''Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog'' series start off as enemies of Sonic, but become either his reluctant ally or just still clash with him on occasions due to their clashing goals or personalities.

* Wario of the ''Franchise/SuperMarioBros'' started as a villain in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioLand2SixGoldenCoins'' and as a {{Villain Protagonist}} in ''VideoGame/WarioLand''. After that, he isn't that villainous anymore, but still retains his lusty greed for money and is still a jerk because of it.

* {{Heel}} -> WildCard

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[[AC: {{Light Novels}}]]

[[AC: {{Literature}}]]

[[AC: {{Live-Action TV}}]]

[[AC: {{Professional Wrestling}}]]

[[AC: {{Video Games}}]]

[[AC: {{Western Animation}}]]

* Kuzco from ''Disney/TheEmperorsNewGroove'' is a lesser example. In the movie, he's a selfish, self-centered jerk who plots to bulldoze the entire village for his own profit and almost left Pacha for dead, but had a change of heart and becomes good friends with Pacha. In the ''WesternAnimation/TheEmperorsNewSchool'', however, he still behaves like a jerk and often, his heart of gold doesn't show very often.

* Wrestlers who previously had a {{Face Heel Turn}}, but then turned back into a face also qualify. [[Wrestling/{{Dwayne Johnson}} The Rock]] started as a face, but [[XPacHeat wasn't well received]]. Then along came his heel turn and [[RescuedFromTheScrappyHeap a lot of fans were behind him]]. He turned face after being kicked out of The Corporation, but still continues his backstage bullying and remains as one of the biggest [[TrashTalk trash-talkers]] in pro wrestling.

* Kuzco from ''Disney/TheEmperorsNewGroove'' is a lesser example. In the movie, he's a selfish, self-centered jerk who plots to bulldoze the entire village for his own profit and almost left Pacha for dead. In the ''WesternAnimation/TheEmperorsNewSchool'', however, he still behaves like a jerk and often, his heart of gold doesn't show very often.

* David Xanatos from ''{{Gargoyles}}'' arguably never had a HeelFaceTurn; he simply stopped being an enemy to the Gargoyles. (Granted, he was grateful they saved his [[MoralityPet son]].)

* Knuckles from ''Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog'' started off as a {{Hero Antagonist}} to Sonic, thinking he was out to steal the Chaos Emeralds. He graduates into a [[VitriolicBestBuds grudging]], yet loyal friend to Sonic, and also a {{Jerk With A Heart Of Gold}}.

In fiction, you will see the most nastiest villain of the series who is outright evil and unbelievably mean often to the point of coming across as {{Complete Monster}}. Then, he gets [[DefeatMeansFriendship defeated by the protagonist]] and the rest of his [[TrueCompanions crew members]]. What happens next? [[HeelRealization He had a change of heart]]. He became repentant of all the crimes he has committed. And is now is a [[TheSixthRanger newest member]] of the heroes. This is a simple story of a [[HeelFaceTurn baddie gone good]].

* ''ComicBook/{{Batman}}'' villainess ''ComicBook/{{Catwoman}}'' develops into an anti-heroine who often at times teams up with Batman in his missions. Let's not forget about their [[DatingCatwoman relationship status]].

* Wario of the ''Franchise/SuperMarioBros'' started as an villain in ''VideoGame/SuperMarioLand2SixGoldenCoins'' and as a {{Villain Protagonist}} in ''VideoGame/WarioLand''. After that, he isn't that villainous anymore, but still retains his lusty greed for money and is still a jerk because of it.

** Another example is Princess Luna in the season 2 episode "Luna Eclipsed". Princess Luna still speaks in her booming voice early on, left over from her time at Nightmare Moon. This, combined with her past reputation as Nightmare Moon, makes every other pony scared of Luna.