History AFatherToHisMen / Literature

* In ''Human'' Aleksander Svetoslav is an [[OurVampiresAreDifferent Opyri]] Prince who embodies this trope to both the other Opyri of his House, and also the humans of the mundane assets his House inherits after [[CompleteMonster House Ustrel]] is wiped out by [[VampireHunter hunters]].

* In ''Human'' Aleksander Svetoslav is an [[OurVampiresAreDifferent Opyri]] Prince who embodies this trope to both the other Opyri of his House, and also the humans of the mundane assets his House inherits after House Ustrel is wiped out by hunters.

* In {{Warchild}} Captain Azarcon is considered like this, practically adopting his crew and encouraging them to pursue education beyond what's needed for the job. He looks after his crew.

* In SandyMitchell's TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}} novels, Literature/CiaphasCain does his best to pose as this (and later, to pound into the heads of cadets that this is elementary self-preservation). Apparently, he's completely successful; both Sulla and Tayber, in the excerpts from their works, effuse about his [[TheMenFirst boundless concern for his subordinates]].)

* Surprisingly, Abaddon in ''Literature/BlackLegion''. In contrast to his personalities as pictured pre-Heresy (GloryHound) and in 40th millennium, in the book he's shown to be charismatic and empathic to the needs of his soldiers. He knows the name and notable deeds of every single soldier he meets aboard the ''Tlaloc'' and even manages to elicit a vague reaction from the usually unresponsive Rubricae.

* In JamesSwallow's TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}} Literature/BloodAngels novel ''Red Fury'', when the Flesh Tearer Noxx gets Kayne into a situation where he [[DuelToTheDeath can challenge him]], Rafen, being Kayne's sergeant, breaks his fingers and says that since Kayne can not face him, he will take his place.

* The trope is mentioned in one of the ''{{Flashman}}'' novels, which the Cain series is strongly based on. On the eve of the Mutiny, an Indian sepoy says that his old commanders said their soldiers were like children to them (in a good sense), not like the arrogant idiots now in command.

** TheNarrator, [=MacNeill=] is one most of the time, even to the point of lookig out for the eternally benighted titular character after they demobilise, but he also recognises that at some points, "paternally stern but fair" isn't the correct way to deal with a situation. One example would be trying to get the jocks to leave the pub, where "paternal" fails miserably, but bodily hurling the biggest one out the door (in violation of all regulations, self-preservation instinct and common sense) not only gets the rest to drink up and leave, but also earns him the respect of his men.

** See also Miles Teg, a descendant of Leto Atreides, [[Literature/HereticsOfDune 5000 years later]]. While his actions are never gone fully into detail, he is so like Leto that [[spoiler: even an awakened Duncan Idaho ghola is driven into fanatic loyalty, seeing the same Atreides core of integrity]]. The fact that the genetic dice have given him almost exactly the same appearance does nothing to diminish this effect.

* Lampshaded in ''{{Dune}}'' when Duke Leto Atreides risks his life and the priceless spice to save his men, someone comments that a man such as that would inspire fanatical loyalty. It's implied that this is why the Emperor wants him dead, because he fears Leto will use his popularity to depose him.
** See also Miles Teg, a descendant of Leto Atreides 5000 years later. While his actions are never gone fully into detail, he is so like Leto that [[spoiler: even an awakened Duncan Idaho ghola is driven into fanatic loyalty, seeing the same Atreides core of integrity]]. The fact that the genetic dice have given him almost exactly the same appearance does nothing to diminish this effect.

** Despite what Karen Traviss wants you to believe, the Jedi were as fathers to their men, the Clone Troopers, despite their origin. They treated them well, giving advice, etc. Many willingly [[HeroicSacrifice sacrificed]] themselves to save their Clone Troopers. The only Jedi that acted like they were expendable slaves were the ones who were falling or who already fell to the dark side.

* In GrahamMcNeill's TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}} Literature/{{Ultramarines}} novel ''The Killing Ground'', Barbaren remembers with scorn his predecessor as colonel, who thought bringing his men back alive was important.

* In SandyMitchell's TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}} novels, CiaphasCain does his best to pose as this (and later, to pound into the heads of cadets that this is elementary self-preservation). Apparently, he's completely successful; both Sulla and Tayber, in the excerpts from their works, effuse about his [[TheMenFirst boundless concern for his subordinates]].)
** However, whether CiaphasCain is a true father to his men or not is a matter up to debate, though considering how many times his biographer notes he followed this trope when being coldblooded would be more rational, signs point this being true.

** See also Miles Teg, a descendant of Leto Atreides 5000 years later. While his actions are never gone fully into detail, he is so like Leto that [[spoiler: even an awakened Duncan Idaho ghola is driven into fanatic loyalty, seeing the same Atreides core of integrity]].

* In BenCounter's TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}} novel ''[[Literature/SoulDrinkers Chapter War]]'', at the climax Sarpedon tells Eumenes that the position of Chapter Master is not a prize for the [[{{Pride}} proud]] but a position of responsibility. Then they DuelToTheDeath.

** And, of course, Polly's own [[TeamMom motherly]] [[MamaBear nature]] shows throughout the book, often landing her in charge even when she's not technically in charge.
** Don't forget Commander Sam Vimes. "When your back's against the wall, Mister Vimes is right behind you."

* The Colonel in GeorgeMacDonaldFraser's McAuslan, a quiet old man who refuses to allow his men (even the worst disciplinary problems) to be punished outside the battalion, attends all their activities, and is proud of their least successes.