History Main / VirtuousCharacterCopy

* While making the jump from ''VideoGame/DinosaurPlanetRare'' to ''VideoGame/StarFoxAdventures'', Krystal was redesigned to resemble the title character of ComicBook/{{Vampirella}} going from [[https://shmuplations.com/starfoxadventures/ an interview with Takaya Imamura]]. Like the Queen of Screams, Krystal is a [[{{Stripperiffic}} scantily clad]] heroine who wields fantastical powers via [[WizardsFromOuterSpace her alien heritage]] ([[OurVampiresAreDifferent vampire's power set]] for Vampirella, [[TelepathicSpacemen psionics]] and a MagicStaff for Krystal). Whereas Vampirella is usually depicted as an AntiHero[=/=]DarkActionGirl who has [[HorrorHunger troubling dealing with her hunger for blood]], Krystal is a [[TheSoftHeartedWarrior Soft Hearted Warrior]] who's willing to drop down everything to help innocents in need, and would become [[TheHeart Star Fox's moral center]] after she joins them, while having none of the literal bloodthirst of her inspiration.

* While making the jump from ''VideoGame/DinosaurPlanet'' to ''VideoGame/StarFoxAdventures'', Krystal was redesigned to resemble the title character of ComicBook/{{Vampirella}} going from [[https://shmuplations.com/starfoxadventures/ an interview with Takaya Imamura]]. Like the Queen of Screams, Krystal is a [[{{Stripperiffic}} scantily clad]] heroine who wields fantastical powers via [[WizardsFromOuterSpace their alien heritage]] ([[OurVampiresAreDifferent vampire's power set]] for Vampirella, psionics and a MagicStaff for Krystal). While Vampirella is usually depicted as an AntiHero[=/=]DarkActionGirl who has [[HorrorHunger troubling dealing with her hunger for blood]], Krystal is a [[TheSoftHeartedWarrior Soft Hearted Warrior]] who's willing to drop down everything to help innocents in need, and has none of the literal bloodthirst of her inspiration.

* ''VideoGame/ShinMegamiTenseiV'': [[PlayerCharacter The Nahobino]] is an expy of the standard "evil, androgynous {{Bishonen}} GodhoodSeeker BigBad" that [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII Sephiroth]] codified and [[FountainOfExpies set as JRPG standard]]. His origins are the typical HumanoidAbomination HalfHumanHybrid, and he's got the classic [[LongHairedPrettyBoy luscious locks]] and [[YellowEyesOfSneakiness unusual eyes]] and strong association with holy symbology, complete with an elegant {{BFS}} LaserBlade. With his [[LegionsOfHell army of demons]], the Nahobino conqers [[DidYouJustPunchOutCthulhu the other gods]] explicitly to [[AGodAmI attain godhood]] and remake the world [[InTheirOwnImage to his taste]]. ''However'' [[ItMakesSenseInContext all these are GOOD things in context]]: because GodIsDead, the modern world will soon fade away and strand its unprepared residents in a post-apocalyptic hellscape. The only way to avert this is for a replacement TopGod takes the throne; the Nahobino is one of a ''very'' small pool of candidates and the ''only'' one who even remotely cares for humanity. The demonic army he acquires is are just the series' {{Mons}}, and [[MultipleEndings whatever new world you create]] will be a ''damn'' sight better than [[AfterTheEnd either the "real" world]] or [[CrapsackWorld the other gods' ambitions]].

* James P. Sullivan a.k.a. Sully from ''WesternAnimation/MonstersInc'' is very similar to Maurice from ''Film/LittleMonsters'' which debuted two decades earlier, both being blue-colored horned ThingsThatGoBumpInTheNight monsters from another world who befriend a child. Except where Maurice is a [[NauseaFuel disgusting]] [[{{Jerkass}} jackass]] and prankster who replaces lemonade with urine and delights in causing in children to be punished for the pranks he pulls at night; Sully is instead a heartwarming GentleGiant and PapaWolf. This also applies to Boo compared to Brian as while Brian is a BrattyHalfPint who partakes in the sadistic pranks, Boo is a sweet little girl.

** Kung Lao, like Oddjob from ''Film/{{Goldfinger}}'', is an Asian martial arts expert with a signature hat... ''these'' hats, however, double as lethal [[WeaponizedHeadgear throwing]] [[DeadlyDisc weapons]]. Oddjob was a villain out to destroy Fort Knox, while Kung Lao works to save Earth from otherworldly tyrants.

* Following on the ''Bayonetta'' and ''[=BlazBlue=]'' examples, Vergil himself from ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry'', though still a villain, is certainly a VirtuousCharacterCopy of Knives Million from ''Manga/{{Trigun}}'' who debuted a few years earlier. Both Vergil and Knives are the inhuman blade-wielding aloof twin brothers of the red-dressed gunslinger protagonist who have a close connection with their mothers (adoptive in Knives' case) but who came to shun humans and desire power, resulting in a RedOniBlueOni - CainAndAbel antagonism between them and their respective heroic brothers Vash and Dante. However, while Knives has no redeeming qualities and does nothing but hurt his Vash and try to use him to further his goals; Vergil, though still cruel, is ultimately a NobleDemon who does genuinely love Dante deep down and is willingly to aid his brother against greater foes.

** [[Characters/UndertalePapyrus Papyrus]] is said in the art book to have been based on Dedan, the StarterVillain of ''VideoGame/{{OFF}}'', and was originally closer in personality to Dedan -- a [[SirSwearsALot foul-mouthed]], brutish, and egotistical {{Jerkass}} who is a MeanBoss to his subordinates, frequently threatening them with violence for merely annoying him and leaving them at the mercy of the Spectres. As of the actual game, Papyrus retains the egotism and does try to capture the protagonist but is otherwise a complete inversion of Dedan -- a NiceGuy to everyone and an IneffectualSympatheticVillain at worst who can't bring himself to be truly mean.

* In the ''WesternAnimation/AmericanDad'' episode "Sense and Sensei-bility" in which Snot joins a ThugDojo, the sensei is an obvious parody of [[Film/TheKarateKid John Kreese]], but whereas Kreese was an AxCrazy [[TheSociopath sociopath]] who WouldHurtAChild, the sensei here is a pretty normal guy who gives questionable advice but nonetheless cares about his students and is said to be a ParentalSubstitute to one with a difficult home life. By contrast, later in the episode, Roger pulls out a Mr Miyagi-inspired persona to teach Steve karate, but instead of being a TricksterMentor who uses household chores to secretly teach karate techniques, he just blows off practice and has Steve do his chores for him, then sends him off to the karate tournament [[CurbStompBattle horribly unprepared]].

* In the ''WesternAnimation/AmericanDad'' episode "Sense and Sensei-bility" in which Snot joins a ThugDojo, the sensei is an obvious parody of [[Film/TheKarateKid John Kreese]], but whereas Kreese was an AxCrazy [[TheSociopath sociopath]] who WouldHurtAChild, the sensei here is a pretty normal guy who gives questionable advice but nonetheless cares about his students and is said to be a ParentalSubstitute to one with a difficult home life. By contrast, later in the episode, Roger pulls out a Mr Miyagi-inspired persona to teach Steve karate, but instead of being a TricksterMentor who uses household chores to secretly teach karate techniques, he just blows off practice and has Steve do his chores for him, then sends him off to the karate tournament [[CurbStompBattle horribly unprepared]].

* ''WesternAnimation/{{Home|2015}}'': Oh is a friendlier version of [[Series/TheBigBangTheory Sheldon Cooper]]. While they are both intelligent {{Cloudcuckoolander}}s who annoy everyone around them and don't understand human behavior, Oh's lack of understanding is a result of unfamiliarity (especially given that he isn't human), rather than disinterest as it is with Sheldon, and he never intentionally looks down on anyone. Oh quickly adapts to new human concepts through his association with Tip, whereas Sheldon had to be dragged along bit by bit.

* ComicBook/{{Deadpool}} is famously a knock-off of Characters/{{Deathstroke}}, being a superpowered mercenary with a Spidey-esque mask who wields swords and guns like Slade. Though as CharacterisationMarchesOn Deadpool eventually turned into the Virtuous Character Copy becoming an actual superhero who cares for innocent people unlike Deathstroke who never stops being a cold-blooded douchebag. Deadpool is also consistently presented as [[GoodParents a wonderful father]] to Ellie in juxtaposition to Mr. Slade "[[AbusiveParents shoved a piece of radioactive Kryptonite into his daughter's eye]]" Wilson. It also helps even from his earliest Liefeldian appearances Deadpool had a sense of humour and [[WouldntHurtAChild showed reluctance to hurt children]], neither of which applied to Deathstroke, the NoNonsenseNemesis of the ComicBook/TeenTitans.

** Luke Skywalker himself has numerous similarities to Paul Atreides of Frank Herbert's ''Literature/{{Dune}}'' (one of the works that help inspire Lucas) with them both being messianic [[TheHerosJourney momomyth]] heroes that grow up on a harsh desert planet and wield great esoteric powers. Except where Luke is the IdealHero who always does the right thing in the end, Paul by comparison is the DarkMessiah who causes the deaths of thousands of lives in his ascension to power. Funnily enough Luke's FallenHero father Anakin aka Darth Vader would end up being the one more similar to Paul, especially when his backstory was fleshed out.

** The dynamic between the Hulk and his alter ego Bruce Banner is clearly derived from JekyllAndHyde from ''Literature/TheStrangeCaseOfDoctorJekyllAndMrHyde'', as both involve a MadScientist who creates a monstrous SplitPersonality for himself. Mr. Hyde is unambiguously and irredeemably evil, but Dr. Jekyll isn't entirely free of guilt in his own right as he created Hyde to indulge his own evil urges. In contrast to his inspiration, Dr. Banner never created the Hulk to act as his evil side. And of course, while the Hulk has been a bit of a HeelFaceRevolvingDoor, he has ultimately proven himself to be much more moral than Hyde ever by saving the world many times on top of being a member of various superhero teams in the Marvel Universe such as the Avengers and Defenders.

* Cloud Strife from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII'' is this in regard to one of his more obvious inspirations: Guts (who himself is a CorruptedCharacterCopy of [[Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar Kenshiro]]) of ''Manga/{{Berserk}}''. Both are antisocial {{BFS}} wielding badass ChickMagnet mercenaries with a burning hatred for the LongHairedPrettyBoy antagonist (Griffith/Sephiroth) who betrayed them and whom they also have infamously overt FoeRomanceSubtext with. Though while Guts is for the most part TheBerserker with rough, sadistic and extremely cynical qualities, Cloud by comparison is more traditionally ideal and dashing; and while similarly messed up in the head, has still never gone that far over the edge like Guts has.

* ''WesternAnimation/DotaDragonsBlood'' has Davion who is unmistakably based on Guts from ''Manga/{{Berserk}}'' (who himself is a CorruptedCharacterCopy of [[Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar Kenshiro]]) to extent he's almost a dead ringer for the Black Swordsman. On top of physical similarities and both wielding massive swords, they both also suffer from a EnemyWithin which cause them to go all "beast mode". Conversely however Davion is far more optimistic and mentally healthier than Guts and manages to sort his problems out, thanks in part to not losing the majority of his TrueCompanions.

* ''Franchise/StarWars'': C-3PO and R2-D2 are inspired by Tahei and Matashichi from ''Film/TheHiddenFortress'', with both sets of characters being ThoseTwoGuys who are the first characters introduced and who are roped up into a perilous journey to protect a princess, only they never even ''think'' about selling out any of their allies or [[AttemptedRape taking advantage of the princess]].

* ''Videogame/DeadOrAlive'' has Helena Douglas, who is this to Nina Williams (who herself is a CorruptedCharacterCopy of [[Franchise/StreetFighter Cammy]]) from ''VideoGame/{{Tekken}}''. Both are well-endowed buxom blonde fighters with cold exterior, but while Helena Douglas is a TroubledButCute BruiserWithASoftCenter SilkHidingSteel NiceGirl who eventually became a BenevolentBoss and also being protective with her remaining relative, Nina remains as a {{Jerkass}} ProfessionalKiller with Nina's relation with her sister never getting better.

** Dr. Evil, Number Two and Frau are obvious parodies of Ernst Stavro Blofeld, Emilio Largo and Rosa Klebb respectively but like Austin they manage to be considerably nicer than their inspirations with Dr. Evil actually coming to see them as his family rather than disappointing disposable henchmen like Blofeld does with Largo and Klebb. By ''Goldmember'' they all pull a HeelFaceTurn upon Dr. Evil discovering he's Austin [[LongLostRelative long lost brother]] with Number Two and Frau shed TearsOfHappiness over their boss discovering his family. Coincidentally, when the Bond films had Blofeld revealed as Bond's stepbrother in ''Film/{{Spectre}}'' it only intensified their antagonism, rather than stopping it altogether.

** In comparison to being a CorruptedCharacterCopy of [[VideoGame/GuiltyGear Ky Kiske]], Jin Kisaragi is a more virtuous version of Vergil. Both are the [[RedOniBlueOni more calm Blue Oni to their more brash brother's Red Oni]]. They are both cold, distand, selfish jerks with [[TheSocialDarwinist strong hatred for weakness]], which fortunately gets better over the course of the series. They share a DarkAndTroubledPast involving their family, as well as having some of the most [[CainAndAbel dysfunctional sibling rivalries with their brother]]. They even has a similar [[IaijutsuPractitioner sword style]]. However this is where the similarities end. While Vergil is AmbiguouslyEvil, with an AmbitionIsEvil mindset that ultimately leads him to literally falling to hell [[spoiler:which only gets worse for him from there]], Jin's insanity and villainous actions are [[BrainwashedAndCrazy entirely not his own]], with [[BigBad Yuuki Terumi]] and [[EvilWeapon Yukianesa]] being the ones responsible. As the series progresses, Jin [[TookALevelInKindness actually gets better]], [[spoiler:while Vergil in becomes even worse up until the end]]. As arrogant as the two can be, Jin never looks for more power, as he believes that his strength is enough, and when it wasn't he looked to awaken his latent inner power to become stronger. Vergil in comparison always felt the ''need'' for more power, and would kill anyone to get it, actively endangering the world while doing so. While took a reality check for both of them to start to get better, Jin got it from his AlternateSelf FutureBadass Hakumen effectively telling him to grow up, while Vergil [[spoiler:had to create a HelplessGoodSide in the form of V and [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone realize]] the literal monster he [[EnemyWithout created/turned himself into]]]].

* Following on the ''Bayonetta'' and ''[=BlazBlue=]'' examples Vergil himself from ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry'' though still a villain is certainly a VirtuousCharacterCopy of Knives Million from ''Manga/{{Trigun}}'' who debuted a few years earlier. Both Vergil and Knives are the inhuman blade-wielding aloof twin brothers of the red-dressed gunslinger protagonist who have a close connection with their mothers (adoptive in Knives' case) but who came to shun humans and desire power, resulting in a RedOniBlueOni - CainAndAbel antagonism between them and their respective heroic brothers Vash and Dante. However while Knives has no redeeming qualities and does nothing but hurt his Vash and try to use him to further his goals; Vergil though still cruel is ultimately a NobleDemon who does genuinely love Dante deep down and is willingly to aid his brother against greater foes.

* ''VideoGame/GlobalChampion'': General, the FinalBoss in a fighting game made by Creator/{{Taito}} and released in 1994, is a downplayed example in relation to the ''Franchise/StreetFighter'' series' M. Bison. Yeah, General has ambitions for global conquest and is extremely ruthless in battle. Though in contrast to the tyrannical Dictator M. Bison, General does have at least some good qualities as demonstrated in Marco's ending. General [[PetTheDog donates to him a new body and funds for a surgical operation for the disfigured fighter to have his brain placed in it so that he can finally have a normal life]]. Even if one wants to accuse that Even if one wants to accuse that [[PragmaticVillainy this act of charity is merely a ploy]] to give [[VillainWithGoodPublicity himself some good publicity and deflect himself from public scrutiny]], or even serve an ulterior purpose of using Marco as a guinea pig to test if this can be done for his own soldiers and supporters or even [[BodyBackUpDrive himself if necessary]], it is still a good deed at the end of the day. M. Bison on the other hand has never once done anything remotely humanitarian and for that matter the ''VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha'' series of games released the year after ''Kaiser Knuckle/Global Champion'' would reveal that Bison intentionally expelled all good from himself in order to [[MadeOfEvil become purely evil]].

** Slayer is another example for ''VideoGame/{{Darkstalkers}}'''s Demitri Maximoff. Both are dapper yet muscular vampires with stylish AnimeHair whom are respectively two of the strongest individuals within their worlds and have WickedCultured tastes. However where Demitri is a power hungry VillainProtagonist EvilOverlord who only ever helps the good guys out in an EnemyMine, Slayer is a gentleman FriendlyNeighbourhoodVampire who is at worst an AloofAlly to Sol. Additionally Slayer's relationship with Sharon is mutually loving and caring (she can survive him draining the blood from her body), in contrast to Demitri's relationship with Morrigan which in the original games was lustfully dominating and [[VillainousCrush one-sided]] with Morrigan turning herself into stone rather than become another SexSlave to his VampiresHarem. Though in other titles Demitri and Morrigan are portrayed as a mutually affectionate couple like Slayer and Sharon.

* Solid Snake of ''VideoGame/MetalGear'' is very clearly inspired by Creator/KurtRussell's Snake Plissken from ''Film/EscapeFromNewYork'' with ''[[VideoGame/MetalGearSolid2SonsOfLiberty MGS2]] '' even having Snake use "Pliskin" an alias. Yet visual similarities and name aside, Plissken is a SociopathicHero who mostly cares little for people unrelated to his mission e.g he doesn't lift a finger to save a drugged woman getting gang raped in front of him and has scant few altruistic traits at all. Snake on the other hand is a AlwaysSaveTheGirl KnightInSourArmour who cares deeply for innocent lives and doesn't enjoy getting pulled from early [[SledDogsThroughTheSnow dog-sledding]] retirement back into the field.

** Gouken, who made his playable CameBackStrong debut in ''VideoGame/StreetFighterIV'', definitely is this for Heihachi of ''VideoGame/{{Tekken}}'' fame (aside from already serving as his brother Akuma's GoodCounterpart). Both are old and grizzled Japanese martial arts masters who remain exceptionally strong despite being well past their prime, have raised multiple students/children and are powerful enough to directly combat demonically empowered opponents such as Akuma and Kazuya. Except, Heihachi is a [[EvilOldFolks despicable old bastard]] who horrifically abuses and tries to kill his children and grandchildren for standing in his way to undisputed power, or just having superpowers while he doesn't, in stark contrast to Gouken who found Ryu TheHero in the wild and lovingly raised him as his own son and took Ken under his wing as well. Basically, Gouken is the sweet old man Heihachi could've been if he wasn't such a petty ArrogantKungFuGuy [[ItsAllAboutMe with a head that is stuck up his own ass]].

* ComicBook/{{Polaris}} despite a lot of DependingOnTheWriter, is generally meant to be this for [[Characters/MarvelComicsMagneto Magneto]] (who was later revealed to be her father). As she's a case of mutant superhero with MagnetismManipulation who ''isn't'' a humanity hating, ruthless, deeply scarred AntiVillain even on their best day. Indeed Polaris is capable of having lighthearted antics in ''ComicBook/XFactor1991'' something that definitely wouldn't occur with her far more serious and edgy papa.

*** Batman is also derived from Literature/TheShadow who is often considered the UrExample of TheCowl (alongside Franchise/{{Zorro}} another inspiration) with Batman having multiple similarities in dress and attitude to Kent Allard including wielding a gun in the Golden Age comics. However whereas the Shadow is a NominalHero who terrorises even his allies and is a KnightTemplar, Bruce is a RoundedCharacter having many flawed traits but is still ultimately good.

* ''Film/{{Darkman}}'':
** The eponymous AntiHero is according to Creator/SamRaimi himself deliberately based on several classic GothicHorror monsters with the most obvious analogue being ''Literature/ThePhantomOfTheOpera'' (notably the [[Film/ThePhantomOfTheOpera1925 Lon Chaney version]]). Both Peyton and the Phantom are [[MaskingTheDeformity horribly disfigured masked]] geniuses in deep love with a beautiful woman. Except where the Phantom (especially in the book) is a murdering PsychopathicManchild and torturer who for most part only cares about his own happiness, Peyton by contrast is a CreepyGood vigilante who protects innocent people and would never manipulate or abduct Julie like the Phantom does with Chirstine.
** Darkman also has multiple parallels to [[Characters/SpiderManCentralRoguesGallery the Chameleon]] a foe of Spider-Man (whom Raimi would go onto to [[Film/SpidermanTrilogy adapt]] a few years later) both being a MasterOfDisguise who uses LatexPerfection. They both even have a wall covered in perfect replicas of people's faces. However where the Chameleon is an unscrupulous criminal, Darkman is a hero.
* ''Film/EdwardScissorhands'':

** Edward is also a very obvious pastiche of [[Film/TheCabinetOfDrCaligari Cesare]], with a virtually identical appearance to him. But Cesare is a BrainwashedAndCrazy minion set loose by Dr. Caligari to terrorize people for him whilst Edward is a CreepyGood NiceGuy who wouldn't even hurt a fly.

* ''WesternAnimation/{{Amphibia}}'': [[Characters/AmphibiaMarcyWu Marcy Wu]] is this with one of her VA's Haley Tju previous role Darcy Wong from ''Series/TheThundermans''. For starters, they both have very similar names (even moreso when Marcy becomes Darcy/The Core), they are both intelligent young girls who's worst actions sometimes stem from moving angst. However, Darcy Wong is a mean spirited, rude, violent, and unlikable {{Jerkass}}, while Marcy Wu is a friendly, sweet, innocent, and loveable NiceGirl. Plus, Darcy clearly takes pleasure in what she does, like stealing other people's stuff, vandalizing personal property, and tormenting people and animals while showing no remorse for her mean, destructive, and violent tendencies, making it hard for anyone to feel bad for her, while Marcy has more sympathetic reasons for what she did and has a HeelRealization for the severity of her actions and does everything she could to make things right, making it much more easier to feel sorry for her.

** B.O.B, Dr. Cockroach and Missing Link are expies of [[Film/TheBlob1958 The Blob]], [[Film/TheFly1958 The Fly]] and [[Film/CreatureFromTheBlackLagoon Gill-Man]] respectively. However they’re much LighterAndSofter being CreepyGood funny and loveable heroes, rather than horrible killers like the monsters they’re based off. Averted by Insectosaurus, who's an expy of [[Franchise/Godzilla Mothra]], who is always portrayed as a heroic kaiju.

** B.O.B, Dr. Cockroach and Missing Link are expies of [[Film/TheBlob1958 The Blob]], [[Film/TheFly1958 The Fly]] and [[Film/CreatureFromTheBlackLagoon Gill-Man]] respectively. However they’re much LighterAndSofter being CreepyGood funny and loveable heroes, rather than horrible killers like the monsters they’re based off.
** Susan aka Ginormica herself is obviously based off the original GiantWoman Nancy Archer from ''Film/AttackOfThe50FootWoman'' and both even have an very unlikeable partner Harry/Derrek who treats them poorly. Except where Nancy took things too being a PersonOfMassDestruction who kills innocent people in her WomanScorned rampage, Susan is a sweet and innocent woman dealt with a bizzare turn of fate who doesn’t hurt any civilians or cause any city destruction on purpose.

* ''Manga/GoldenKamuy''[='s=] Edogai Yasuku is named after and inspired by real murderer Ed Gein, but draws just as much influence from [[Film/{{Psycho}} Norman Bates]], another Gein-inspired character. Like Bates, he's a [[TaxidermyIsCreepy taxidermist]] who lives with the preserved body of his [[MyBelovedSmother controlling mother]], and hallucinates her ordering him to kill anybody who gets too close to him. Unlike Bates, though, Edogai has never actually killed anyone and ultimately breaks free from his mother's hold over him. He does share Gein's love of GenuineHumanHide, stealing fresh corpses from the local cemetery to fashion into ghoulish "clothing", but when compared to the actions of the series' many violent criminals and {{Sociopathic Soldier}}s, even this comes off as little more than a morbid character quirk and he spends most of his appearances as [[NightmareFuelStationAttendant creepy]], albeit harmless, comic relief.