Line #55 Main/TheMcCoy


1	%% Trope was declared Administrivia/NoRealLifeExamplesPlease via crowner by the Real Life Maintenance thread: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/crowner.php?crowner_id=mtmpjzzl
2	%% Image chosen per Image Pickin' thread: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=1470174372034075900
3	%% Please do not replace or remove without starting a new thread.
4	%%
5	[[quoteright:349:[[Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/mccoy_and_spock_tos_350.png]]]]
6	[[caption-width-right:349:"Dammit man, dare we call ourselves human if we'' don't'' act?! '''[[InsultBackfire What do you mean]], [[PunyEarthlings 'Thank you'?!]]'''"]]
7	%%
8	%% Caption selected per above IP thread. Please do not replace or remove without discussion here:
9	%% https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=1404492079030138900
10	%%
11	->''"It's not enough to survive. One has to be ''worthy'' of survival."''
12	-->-- '''Cmr. William Adama''', ''Series/BattlestarGalactica2003'' ("Resurrection Ship Pt. 2")
13
14	''"By God, [[TheKirk Jim]]! You can't seriously be considering this! [[ScrewTheRulesImDoingWhatsRight Screw the]] [[AlienNonInterferenceClause Prime Directive]], [[NoTimeToExplain there's no time for debate!]] We have to act now to [[SaveThePrincess rescue the]] HighPriestess; [[FriendOrIdolDecision forget]] the MacGuffin and think about doing what's right!''
15
16	''What's that, [[TheSpock Spock]]? '[[StrawVulcan Logic]]?' If we listened to your cold reasoning, you'd have us look for that stupid CosmicKeystone while innocent people suffer! Especially since one of them could help us get it a whole lot faster!"''
17
18	The [=McCoy=] is another part of the FreudianTrio, along with TheKirk and TheSpock. (Specifically, the Id.) Where the former is rational and [[TakeAThirdOption intuitive]], and the latter is [[TheStoic cold]] and logical, the [=McCoy=] is [[HotBlooded emotional]] and [[TheHeart humanistic]]. He cares about others deeply; for him doing the right thing is not a question of convenience or moral relativity, but about the concrete reality ''right now''. Which is to say, someone like TheKirk cares about saving people; the [=McCoy=] cares about making things ''right''. If the [=McCoy=] is placed in front of the ToBeLawfulOrGood choice, he will ''always'' choose the "Good" option in a heartbeat. He will eschew any and all attempts at engaging in careful deliberation and weighing of the options, and will even frequently openly disparage his allies if they try to do so; accusing them of wasting valuable time and resources sitting around on their hands and [[ContemplateOurNavels contemplating their navels]] instead of trying to save the people who are suffering and dying as they speak. This often leads the heroes into hot water as this concern for others blinds him to complications in the MoralDilemma of the week and leads him to advocate (or take it upon himself to do) "the right thing", regardless of how disastrous it would be in the short or long run.
19
20	That said, they help keep the drama of a situation ''personal'' both for the characters and the viewer, reminding us just why the LittlestCancerPatient deserves for TheHero to use the AppliedPhlebotinum that [[ItOnlyWorksOnce only works once]] on him rather than to [[YouCantGoHomeAgain get them home.]] To be fair, the [[TheSpock Spock]] can be just as compassionate but is tempered with detachment and enough forethought to realize that [[EmotionsVsStoicism the right answer might not be the correct one]], ([[StrawVulcan illogical as that sounds]]). This makes them more willing to [[TheNeedsOfTheMany sacrifice a few people for many]] (or [[HeroicSacrifice sacrifice themselves]]).
21
22	The [=McCoy=] is frequently a target for reminders about the [[AlienNonInterferenceClause Prime Directive]]; one or more episodes might focus on how having his heart on his sleeve can actually cause [[NiceJobBreakingItHero quite a bit of damage to the people he "helps" with the best of intentions]].
23
24	The [=McCoy=] still functions as an admirable character, however, due to his absolute devotion to his moral beliefs and his refusal to give in to what others may tell him. To him, there is no such thing as [[WeHaveReserves acceptable losses]] (unless offset by a larger return fitting the loss). And if you start claiming that [[WeHaveReserves numbers can be lost]] or that AMillionIsAStatistic, you can expect a thorough [[WhatTheHellHero chewing out for your coldness]]. In the [=McCoy=]'s mind, every life matters and everyone deserves to be saved. While TheSpock sees people as numbers in the greater picture, The [=McCoy=] sees people with real lives and emotions. Not that he's unwilling to listen to TheSpock; the [=McCoy=] ''does'' know the value of logic despite himself, but he will be clear that even TheSpock's plan will be worthless if [[SaveThisPersonSaveTheWorld the wrong person dies.]]
25
26	Also, the [=McCoy=] exists as a counterpart to TheSpock. If they are the moral center of the team in general too, then they are TheHeart as well. Likely to be the Red Oni in a RedOniBlueOni combination. Closely related to the [=McCoy=] are HotBlooded and AgentMulder. Probably sides with the Romanticists in RomanticismVersusEnlightenment.
27
28	The [=McCoy=] is HonorBeforeReason, ChronicHeroSyndrome, and BewareTheHonestOnes personified, and may occasionally be a StrawmanEmotional. Will sometimes use SaveThisPersonSaveTheWorld and / or ImADoctorNotAPlaceholder.
29	----
30	!!Examples
31	[[foldercontrol]]
32
33	[[folder:Anime and Manga]]
34	* In general, this is a common archetype for {{Shonen}} and HumongousMecha Anime protagonists, since most of them tend to be HotBlooded {{Emotional Bruiser}}s. Their balancing elements coming in the form of a [[TheRival rival]], a [[TheLancer best friend]], or a LoveInterest depending on the story.
35	* The main characters of ''Anime/TengenToppaGurrenLagann'' fit directly into this {{trope}}. Rather than listening to logic, they prefer to [[BeyondTheImpossible screw the (Physical and otherwise) rules]] and dive right into a situation. They kick reason to the curb because that's the Team Gurren way.
36	* [[TheCaptain Murrue Ramius]] from ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEED'' is a more reasonable [=McCoy=] in a command position, with a SergeantRock as her Deputy Captain, and TheKirk as an AcePilot and both of their primary advisor.
37	* Kallen and Suzaku from ''Anime/CodeGeass'' fill this role for their respective sides.
38	* This personality archetype is, with a few exceptions in certain characters (namely Usopp and Robin, and then only occasionally for either), a prerequisite for joining the Straw Hat Pirates in ''Manga/OnePiece''. It also seems to be the default personality for the majority of the characters aligned with good, period.
39	* In ''Anime/PuellaMagiMadokaMagica'', Sayaka and Madoka are the [=McCoys=] to Homura and Kyuubey's [[TheSpock Spocks]]. In this way, it almost seems to TakeAThirdOption when it comes to the EmotionsVsStoicism debate: Sayaka lives by her emotions and ends up paying for it [[spoiler:in every possible universe becoming a Witch in the main timeline]], Madoka [[spoiler:ends up rewriting the universe into a happier place through the PowerOfLove]], Homura is by far the most competent MagicalGirl outside Madoka and none of the latter's achievements would have been possible without her [[spoiler:and vice versa if her BackStory is any indication]], while Kyuubey has an arguable point in the goal he's working towards, but [[spoiler:does so in an inarguably cruel and heartless way]]. In other words? Neither is specifically better than the other and in fact, both may be necessary, depending on the situation.
40	* Umi Ryuuzaki in ''Manga/MagicKnightRayearth'' takes this role. It's not enough for her to defeat Ascot--he has to ''apologize'' and take responsibility for his monster friends, dammit! [[spoiler:And when he does, she smiles and encourages him to make a complete HeelFaceTurn, resulting in him developing a huge crush on her.]]
41	* In Anime/{{Tamagotchi}}, Memetchi fits this trope, given the fact [[CharacterDevelopment she gets more emotional, bossy, and selfish later on in the series]], despite this, she still means well.
42	* Sergeant Yoshika Miyafuji from Anime/StrikeWitches. The [[TheMedic medical officer]] of the 501st Joint Fighter Wing will always act on her beliefs above all else and is very vocal about them. She has no problem openly defying orders that conflict with what she thinks is right.
43	* [[InvokedTrope Invoked]] in ''Anime/DeathParade'': [[TheNameless The dark-haired woman]] is brought on as Decim's assistant to fulfill this role, in contrast to his [[TheSpock Spock]]. She's empathetic, emotionally intelligent, and outspoken. She never fails to speak her mind about how flawed she believes the system is, and is openly defiant towards Decim's methods. However, she doesn't directly interfere with his work until she [[spoiler:realizes that she is a dead human]], which [[ItsPersonal ups the ante]] for her. After this, she [[ScrewTheRulesImDoingWhatsRight interjects herself]] in the next job, being honest with the guests about their circumstances, and does her best to get them [[RuleOfEmpathy to do what's right]] with a PatrickStewartSpeech.[[/folder]]
44
45	[[folder:Fan Works]]
46	* ''Fanfic/TheNightUnfurls'':
47	** Claudia puts HonorBeforeReason, who acts as a contrast to the PragmaticHero [[TheSpock Kyril]] and the [[ReasonableAuthorityFigure mediator]], [[TheKirk Celestine]].
48	** Alicia qualifies in both versions of the story.
49	*** Original version: This trope is the reason why Alicia [[DidntThinkThisThrough screws up big time]] in the ''Feoh/Ur [[StoryArc Arc]]''. To illustrate, she sacrifices the fortress she is supposed to defend in exchange for a number of hostage nuns (despite them even pointing out that TheNeedsOfTheMany outweigh the needs of the few), which allows the Black Dogs [[AllYourBaseAreBelongToUs an easy win]]. [[StupidSacrifice Yeah]].
50	*** Remastered version: Alicia has this trope written all over her face when she, her seconds, and Kyril arrive at an orc den. Believing that there are innocents inside the cave, Alicia resolves to rescue them even without Kyril's help. On a humorous note, she is surprised that he nods his head, since she expects that TheSpock next to her would leave the captives to their fates.
51	* ''Fanfic/PrehistoricParkReimagined'': Jack Denham serves as the [[HotBlooded immensely excitable and thrill seeking]] [[PluckyComicRelief prankster]] of the titular park's rescue team who, while admittedly fairly BookDumb, is also [[ObfuscatingStupidity a lot smarter than he lets on]].
52	* [[TheNameless The Dark-Haired Woman]] is brought on as Decim's assistant specifically
53	[[/folder]]
54
55	[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]
56	* According to co-writer Roberto Orci, ''Film/StarTrek2009'' maintains this {{trope}}, but swaps [[TheCaptain Kirk]] and [[TheMedic McCoy]]:
57	--> "[[TheMedic McCoy]] in a way represents for us, or represented for us, the extremes of [[TheCaptain Kirk]] and [[TheSpock Spock]]. If [[TheSpock Spock]] is [[StrawVulcan extreme logic]], ... extreme science, and [[TheCaptain Kirk]] is [[StrawmanEmotional extreme emotion]] and intuition, here you have a very colorful doctor, essentially a very humanistic scientist. So he, in a way, is literally and figuratively a representation of two extremes that often served as [[TheKirk the glue that held the]] [[FreudianTrio trio]] together."
58	** Though it comes off in a very similar manner to the show, and is very well played.
59	* Anakin Skywalker shows elements of this {{trope}} in the ''Franchise/StarWars'' {{Prequel}} Trilogy. Especially since this was the reason he turned to TheDarkSide.
60	* Mr White of ''Film/ReservoirDogs'', in comparison to the cold and logical Mr Pink and the psychopathic Mr Blonde. He tells the dying Mr Orange his name and defends him all through the movie from accusations that Orange is a rat, based purely on the fact that he likes the guy.
61	* ''Film/{{The Avengers\|2012}}'': Iron Man fits TheKirk, and Captain America fits TheMcCoy. Given that Thor is calculative and likes control, and that Banner (when he's not Hulk) is calm and logical, either one could be TheSpock.
62	* In Film/GalaxyQuest, Gwen [=DeMarco=] (Creator/SigourneyWeaver) is TheMcCoy. She is the heart of the cast and later the crew. While Jason Nesmith and Alexander Dane become (respectively) TheKirk and TheSpock, Gwen starts as TheMcCoy, and keeps it up. (Her in-universe character, Tawny Madison, is a Uhura Expy. Gwen is TheMcCoy.)
63	[[/folder]]
64
65	[[folder:Literature]]
66	* In ''Literature/TheBrothersKaramazov'', the brothers form a FreudianTrio: Alyosha as an idealistic [[TheKirk Kirk]], Ivan as the cold, rational [[TheSpock Spock]], and Dmitri is the emotional [=McCoy=].
67	* Marianne Dashwood in ''Literature/SenseAndSensibility'', in contrast to her sister [[TheSpock Elinor]]. Possibly the TropeMaker, considering this is one of the first known intentional uses of it (Austen intended the sisters' EmotionsVersusStoicism to be a metaphor for RomanticismVersusEnlightenment). Also notable as one of the few cases where the [=McCoy=] is wrong and has to learn to be more reserved, rather than the other way around.
68	* In the ''Literature/HarryPotter'' books, Harry, Ron, and Hermione start out as TheKirk, The [=McCoy=] and TheSpock respectively. Throughout the course of the novels, they all grow out of and beyond these labels, often switching around (Hermione's dedication to house-elf liberty is very [=McCoy=]-ish, for example) or not quite fitting any of them.
69	* In ''Literature/TheseWordsAreTrueAndFaithful,'' Rob upbraids Ernie for knowing what will happen if Danny comes to see Ernie as a reliable source of money but giving Danny money anyway. Ernie's only justification is that he felt bad for Danny.
70	* Ned Land from ''Literature/TwentyThousandLeaguesUnderTheSea'' is an emotional harpooner who isn't excited about going around the world on the ''Nautilus'' and simply wants to return to civilization, in contrast to Aronnax's [[TheKirk Kirk]] and Conseil's [[TheSpock Spock]].
71	* In the ''Franchise/StarTrek'' novel ''Literature/StarTrekVulcansForge'' Rabin (an earlier friend of [[TheSpock Spock]]'s) is like this, though more [[BewareTheNiceOnes friendly]] and less crotchety than ...the real [=McCoy=].
72	* ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'': In ''Literature/ColdDays'', [[spoiler:Titania]] states that she acts according to "the wisdom of the heart", compared to [[spoiler:Mab]], who she says acts according to [[TheSpock "Reason. Logic. Calculation. The cold numbers. The supremacy of the mind."]].
73	** Harry also acts as this at times, most prominently in ''Literature/GravePeril'' (where he absolutely refuses to abandon his girlfriend even knowing that it could mean an all-out war with [[OurVampiresAreDifferent the Red Court]], [[spoiler:and it does indeed cause a war that nearly gets his own side wiped out]]), and ''Literature/{{Changes}}'' (where he goes against pretty much every piece of advice he'd previously given himself or others for the sake of rescuing [[spoiler:a daughter he hadn't even known existed until a day before]]).
74	** However, it should be noted that this mindset is heavily deconstructed in all of those examples; [[spoiler:Titania's]] "wisdom of the heart" makes her unhelpful even when all of reality (including her own domain) is at stake if Harry fails, and Harry's actions have truly disastrous repercussions for the world and the people he cares about (predictably for TheMcCoy, the latter hits him much harder than the former).
75	* ''Literature/{{Animorphs}}'': Cassie tends to be this. At an early point of the story, she goes into TenMinuteRetirement because she needlessly killed an enemy {{Mook}}, even though defecting means indirectly endangering the human kind itself.
76	* Beatrice Löwenström in ''Literature/{{Overenskommelser}}'' is impulsive and passionate, and she is never afraid to break the rules of high society or speak her mind. But she also cares about the welfare of others, like for example the children and women from a far less privileged background than her own. And when it comes to helping her personal friends, her willingness to sacrifice herself for them ends with a disaster for her...
77	* ''Literature/AscendanceOfABookworm'': Sylvester is a ManChild who, while ruthless in public, can be soft to a fault when it comes to his own family members, to the point of spending years tolerating a ScrewTheRulesIHaveConnections attitude from some of them. His two childhood companions grew up to be [[TheSpock a coldly rational result-oriented person]] and someone who is [[TheKirk well-balanced]] compared to the two other members of the group.
78	[[/folder]]
79
80	[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
81	* The [[TropeNamer trope is named for]] [[TheMedic Doctor Leonard H. "Bones" McCoy]]. He not only stressed humanism, [[StrawmanEmotional he was all but dominated by his emotions]], to the point that he seemed to find ''no'' value in logic whatsoever, even in situations where it would fit... um, logically. There are many ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries'' episodes wherein, had they listened to the Doctor instead of Spock, the ''[[CoolStarship Enterprise]]'' would be a cloud of space dust. One of the novels implied that he was partly this as a semi-deliberate counterbalance to Spock -- in one take on the ''Yesteryear'' timeline, where Spock did not exist and the first officer was the Andorian Thellin (Andorians being stereotypically passionate), the good doctor was a great deal more logical and rationalistic in his outlook.
82	** The counterbalance can be seen in some episodes. In '"The Enemy Within" for example is Spock the one arguing for taking risks in order to save lives and [=McCoy=] the one wanting to take things slow and use the scientific method before any impulsive action.
83	** There's a clear ideological bent this way in Starfleet medical school in general -- an inclination to take "first do no harm" as far as the [[AlienNonInterferenceClause Prime Directive]] allows it; this may be because subsequent series are a GenerationXerox of the first. (Starfleet members from [[SweetHomeAlabama the American South]] are also frequently like this.) Examples include ''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration'''s Dr. Beverly Crusher, who quite often would ignore rational ordeals and run into the battleground to try and save someone, and the more obnoxious Dr. Kate Pulaski, [=McCoy=]'s DistaffCounterpart. They definitely take an oath like the Hippocratic one, perhaps a modern modification of the oath like [[http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/doctors/oath_modern.html this one]], or perhaps something unique to the Federation.
84	*** ''[[Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine Deep Space Nine]]'' had Kira Nerys, while Odo was usually the more logical one.
85	*** ''[[Series/StarTrekVoyager Voyager]]'' used [[TheCaptain Captain Janeway]] in this role, while Tuvok and Chakotay would ''try'' to balance ''her'' out with logic. Tom Paris also had his [=McCoy=] moments.
86	*** ''[[Series/StarTrekEnterprise Enterprise]]'' had engineer "Trip" Tucker.
87	* ''{{Series/Firefly}}'': [[GenkiGirl Kaylee]] often was the one who was more about the right thing, like not abandoning [[ChildSoldier River]] and [[TheMedic Simon]].
88	** [[TheMedic Simon]] is a [[TheSpock Spock]] in most cases, but he turns into a [=McCoy=] about [[BigBrotherInstinct anything involving his sister]]. He gave up his career for her, after all.
89	** Wash also plays a more pragmatic version of this role at times: "Can we vote on this whole killing people thing?"
90	* ''Radio/OurMissBrooks'': Miss Brooks routinely made her life difficult bending to the rules to help students avoid trouble or otherwise help friends in need. Or, particularly in "The Birthday Bag" and "The Festival", she'd contribute more to charity than she could afford.
91	* ''Series/GameOfThrones'': Due to a heavy emphasis on honor and bravery, Barristan becomes this to Jorah's Spock and Dany's Kirk.
92	* ''{{Series/Sherlock}}'': John definitely. He's also [[TheHeart kinder than Sherlock]] and wants to help out everyone, but has his moments where [[BigBrotherInstinct he wants to look out for Sherlock.]]
93	* ''Series/LostInSpace'' had its own FreudianTrio with Will Robinson, the Robot, and Doctor Smith. Ironically, the most logical of them all, the Robot, would frequently prove his great titanium alloy heart by performing a HeroicSacrifice for the crew.
94	* Vila Restal from ''Series/BlakesSeven'' had his moments.
95	* ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'': Willow and [[TheHeart Xander]] alternated -- and often tag-teamed -- as the [=McCoys=] of the Scoobie Gang, wanting to do what they thought was right, no matter how stupid or reckless it was, and occasionally put [[TheSpock Giles]] down for trying to stay rational in emotional situations, calling him heartless.
96	** When Willow was kidnapped, the Scoobies (especially Oz) were the [=McCoy=], Giles was TheKirk, and Wesley was TheSpock.
97	*** Buffy herself was the [=McCoy=] more than anyone else, often thinking with her heart rather than her head, such as her reluctance to kill Angel in season 2, endangering the world as a result, her refusal to kill Dawn in season 5, endangering the world as a result, her refusal to kill Spike in season 7, endangering the world as a result... Sensing a theme here?
98	* ''Series/DoctorWho'' has a tradition of this, when the companions usually act as the heart and the moral compass for the often aloof and alien Doctor. Barbara was the first companion to somewhat "humanise" the unpredictable and sometimes callous First Doctor. In the new series, Donna lived and breathed this {{trope}}, especially as the Tenth Doctor's characterisation grew darker and darker.
99	* Ironically, Jack [=McCoy=] of ''Series/LawAndOrder'' is not the [=McCoy=] for the show. That role is typically filled by the female A.D.A., except when Creator/AngieHarmon played that role as a conservative Republican, so they made the new D.A. a female college professor, and made ''her'' the [=McCoy=]. Of course, some can take it too far: Serena Southerlyn was too much the [=McCoy=], which resulted in her being fired.
100	* Sheldon, from ''Series/TheBigBangTheory'', insists that since he's [[TheSpock Spock]] and Leonard is [[TheKirk Kirk]] then Leonard's girlfriend Penny must be [=McCoy=].
101	* Wilson from ''Series/{{House}}'' is a stark contrast to House himself, who doesn't give a damn about anyone. In the words of his snarky counterpart, "You love everybody. That's your pathology.".
102	* Sam is very much the [=McCoy=] of the ''Series/ICarly'' FreudianTrio, right up to her constant arguing with TheSpock of the trio, Freddie, and being swayed by TheKirk of the trio, Carly.
103	* Delenn in ''Series/BabylonFive'' is definitely a [=McCoy=] with her romantic and mystical outlook and her often spectacular displays of HonorBeforeReason. B5 doesn't really have TheSpock to balance her. Sheridan is a [[TheKirk Kirk]] and Franklin, who is TheSpock or something close, doesn't interact with Delenn enough to balance her. As B5 is something of a [[RomanticismVersusEnlightenment romanticist]] work, that is reasonable.
104	** Franklin gets his moments as The [=McCoy=]. "Believers" is the biggest example. In the episode, he's caught between his medical ethics, which compel him to perform a simple operation to [[LittlestCancerPatient save a young boy]], and the beliefs of his patient and his parents, who think that cutting open his body will cause his soul to escape. In the end, he's so driven by his conviction that he's right and the parents are misguided fools, that he performs the operation in secret. [[spoiler: This blows up in his face at the end, as the parents decide that their son died on the operating table, and what's left is an empty shell. Which they kill at the first opportunity.]]
105	** Garibaldi fits very well the role of The [=McCoy=] as he's very emotional, bases his actions on his instinct and intuition, and rarely sees the bigger picture. Both Ivanova and Franklin have similar Spockesque roles and interact with Garibaldi often enough.
106	* ''Franchise/PowerRangers'': In general, all the colors are this, although Reds tend to be the most [=McCoy=]-ish. (Cole, Casey, and Conner all get special mentions, though really any rookie Red counts.)
107	* Zhaan, Chiana, and to a lesser degree Jool served as [=McCoys=] most often on ''Series/{{Farscape}}''. John did as well sometimes (especially in the first season), although he became more TheKirk as the series went along. Aeryn and D'Argo were usually Kirks, but on occasion, they delved into [=McCoy=] territory, usually when it came to their loved ones (John, Pilot, and to a certain extent her mother for Aeryn, Jothee and Chiana for D'Argo).
108	* "Doc" Soto in ''Series/{{Alcatraz}}'' seems to be slipping into this role in opposition to Hauser's [[TheSpock Spock]].
109	* Both Harm and Mac in ''Series/{{JAG}}'', but most especially Harm, typically functioned as the [=McCoy=] of the series.
110	-->'''Mac [to Harm]:''' Look, you run on emotion. It's what makes you a good lawyer!
111	* George, the main character of ''Series/DeadLikeMe'', in contrast with Reuben's TheKirk.
112	* ''Series/{{Scandal}}'': Quinn and Abby both serve as this for the rest of the team.
113	* ''Series/HoratioHornblower'': Archie Kennedy is the show's heart and soul, especially in "Mutiny" and "Retribution". He's very humanistic and always wants to do what is right and just. Archie is the first one who speaks about Captain Sawyer's [[InsaneAdmiral incompetence]], his [[ATasteOfTheLash unjust abuse]] of [[PluckyMiddie Midshipman]] Wellard horrifies him and is generally dissatisfied with the lack of discipline on the ''Renown''. [[note]]The three lieutenants together form a nice Freudian Trio: Archie is the id (emotional, intuitive and quicker to act), Horatio is the ego (heroic, mediates between the two, rationally evaluates the situation but hesitates to act) and Mr Bush is the superego (logical, calm, rational, and slower to act).[[/note]]
114	* Abby from ''Series/{{The 100}}'' has an intense desire to save everyone, but unlike [[PragmaticHero her more pragmatic daughter]], will usually refuse to accept any solution that involves killing others or allowing them to die, insisting there must be a way to TakeAThirdOption. This is apparently a new development for her, as prior to the start of the series she was willing to execute her own husband because she felt he was a danger to the Ark's stability. It's suggested her subsequent refusal to accept death may be an attempt to atone for that act.
115	* Rembrandt from ''Series/{{Sliders}}'' is clearly The [=McCoy=], as is the moral voice in many episodes, much more emotional and care a lot for others in a humanistic way. He's also much less interested in scientific approaches than his fellow sliders like Quinn, Arturo, and to a lesser extent Wade.
116	[[/folder]]
117
118	[[folder:Roleplay]]
119	* In ''Roleplay/DinoAttackRPG'', Rex fills this role, in contrast to the [[TheSpock more logical]] Frozeen and the [[TheKirk more practical]] Greybeard. He is guided largely by emotion for better or worse and is prone to making passionate yet irrational decisions based upon what he believes is right in the moment. This includes his preferences for saving Mutant Dinos (in a war intended to exterminate them) and the way he'll respond if someone threatens a friend (such as attacking Pharisee and Bogart when they tried to place Amanda under custody, even though they were doing it for her own safety).
120	[[/folder]]
121
122	[[folder:Tabletop Gaming]]
123	* ''TabletopGame/VampireTheMasquerade'' has a dark, nasty variant. [[EnemyWithin The Beast]] is described as an Id-like force that lies at the heart of a vampire's existence. Even the absolute worst human being does not have The Beast within them. If a vampire fails to control their [[KarmaMeter Humanity]], The Beast takes over and turns them into a Wight, a monster motivated only by the basest instinct of hunt, feed, kill, and sleep, beyond any other logical thoughts. Needless to say, having one loose is a major threat to the Masquerade, and they're usually quickly hunted down.
124	[[/folder]]
125
126	[[folder:Theatre]]
127	* In ''Theatre/SeventeenSeventySix'', UsefulNotes/JohnAdams is a [=McCoy=] protagonist, incredibly passionate about American independence. He starts a stick-fight with Dickinson at one point and nearly jeopardizes the entire vote over the anti-slavery clause, but he's an absolute {{Determinator}} about wanting freedom from England and rights for all citizens.
128	[[/folder]]
129
130	[[folder:Video Games]]
131	* In ''VideoGame/{{Persona 4}}'', this role is shared by Yosuke and Rise, who tend to be two of the more emotional members of the Investigation Team. Interestingly enough, [[spoiler:when the group is considering whether to throw Namatame into the TV, Yosuke is the primary supporter of this move, while Rise is against it(but will go along with it if the protagonist can't talk Yosuke out of it)]].
132	* Garrus Vakarian of the ''Franchise/MassEffect'' series evolves into this over the course of ''Mass Effect'' 1 & 2. By the second game, he forms a team of [[CowboyCop Cowboy Cops]] to combat the corruption on the station in Omega. [[spoiler: True to the "Get into hot water" portion, his whole squad ends up massacred.]]
133	** Starting in ''VideoGame/MassEffect2'', Joker ends up pairing off as The [=McCoy=] to [[SpaceshipGirl EDI's]] TheSpock, appropriate as EDI is an Artificial Intelligence. Jacob and Miranda have a similar dynamic as the two senior Cerberus officers aboard in [=ME2=], along with [[WrenchWench Tali]] and Legion. Creator/BioWare seems to enjoy this character dynamic.
134	** ''VideoGame/MassEffectAndromeda'' presents us with Liam Kosta, the former crisis relief specialist, who acts with his heart and pretty much only his heart. He doesn't think things through, instead letting his emotions drive him all the way. This causes a near diplomatic incident, compromises the security of the Nexus space station, and almost causes a rescue mission to end disastrously.
135	* Another take is in ''VideoGame/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic'' where Carth and Mission tend to take turns on this. They're higher on the KarmaMeter than the party's Jedi, quick to lose their tempers or say something sarcastic about someone's shady operation, and faster to call WhatTheHellHero when the PlayerCharacter does something dark-sided. Mission is a little more so because she's fourteen years old and hasn't grown up enough to see the point of gray morality. Carth believes more in the ideals of the Republic than the actual law, has little use for LawfulStupid Jedi dogma and decides that he's going to be TheConscience for your PlayerCharacter.
136	* [[EnsembleDarkhorse Merrick]] from ''VideoGame/DawnOfWar Retribution'' objects violently to the notion that he and his men are cannon fodder. After an incident that ends with thousands of soldiers dying in a cataclysm, he attacks his commanding officer and has the balls to tell him off whilst a commissar holds a gun to his head, itching to pull the trigger.
137	* Tidus practically embodies this {{trope}} in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyX'', frequently throwing all respect for the alien culture he finds himself washed up in to the winds in order to do what he perceives as the right thing, particularly when it involves stopping people from dying.
138	* The titular character from ''Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog'', in contrast to [[TheKirk Tails]] and [[TheSpock Knuckles]].
139	* [[TheHero Lloyd Irving]] in ''VideoGame/TalesOfSymphonia'' has spades of this. While Colette is [[TheChosenOne The Chosen]] and works hard to bring about the regeneration of the world through a set quest procedure [[spoiler: until it turns out to not be the case at all with Cruxis]], Lloyd doesn't follow tradition and urges others, in his own [[IdiotHero short-sighted viewpoints]], from [[FantasticRacism half-elves discriminated]] to Exspheres [[spoiler: and [[PoweredByAForsakenChild what they're used for]],]] to make their own decisions and accept/help each other along the way.
140	* In ''Videogame/KidIcarusUprising'', during the Aurum arc we had Viridi, to [[TheKirk Pit]] and [[TheSpock Palutena]]
141	* Sora from ''Franchise/KingdomHearts'' . He openly believes any and all life and world has value. While ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsII'' had him not believe that for the Nobodies (heavily implied to be the anger from the others in his heart affecting his emotions) by [=KH3D=] he's gotten over it and insists all Nobodies have value. And he repeatedly tries to reform the villains too.
142	* Sergeant John Lugo from ''VideoGame/SpecOpsTheLine'' is the most emotional and snarky of the Delta Force Trio. He's also the first to get upset at Walker.
143	* Vandham of ''VideoGame/XenobladeChroniclesX'' is this to Nagi's [[TheKirk Kirk]] and Chausson's [[TheSpock Spock]]. He takes it ''hard'' when he accidentally [[spoiler:leads Team Elma into a trap that almost gets them killed]].
144	** The Wrothians and Prone fill this role for the various races, contrasting with the Ma-non's and Orphe's [[TheSpock Spock]] and Humanity's [[TheKirk Kirk]].
145	* ''VisualNovel/ShinraiBrokenBeyondDespair'' has Rie, who plays this role to Raiko's TheSpock and Taiko's TheKirk. She believes in her friends with all her heart and puts that belief ahead of logic, which means she gets angry when Taiko accuses her best friend Runa of the murder. [[spoiler:As it turns out, Runa is actually innocent, so Rie's right about that.]] That being said, she suspects that [[spoiler:Kamen]] is guilty of the killings unless Raiko proves otherwise.
146	[[/folder]]
147
148	[[folder:Web Comics]]
149	* ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick'':
150	** Durkon and Elan sometimes fall into this, in contrast with Vaarsuvius's TheSpock. Elan gets in trouble because of his good heart and poor sense but gets out of it through his charisma and dumb luck. Durkon is more restrained, and forms an inversion of the usual temperaments with TheSpock, as he is an emotional rock compared to Vaarsuvius's fierce intellectualism.
151	** Miko Miyazaki was also sometimes like this, although she mostly expressed her concern by [[KnightTemplar slicing the cause of the problem to ribbons]].
152	* Conrad from ''Webcomic/HannaIsNotABoysName'' is not a very [[WhatKindOfLamePowerIsHeartAnyway humanitarian/sentimentalist]] example, but he is the only part of the main triad (himself, [[TheKirk Hanna]] and [[TheSpock Zombie]]) that is freaked out by the general supernatural weirdness of the comic. He's pretty much a staple OnlySaneMan who questions everyone else's logic and peculiar calmness in the face of things that should scare the crap out of normal people like him.
153	* Arcturus Winrock from ''Webcomic/SuicideForHire'' pulled a HUGE [=McCoy=] on Hunter when he killed a cancer patient.
154	* In ''Webcomic/{{Harkovast}}'' Scatterpod plays the [=McCoy=] to Quinn-Tain's Spock over the morality of Quinn-Tain killing [[http://www.drunkduck.com/Harkovast/index.php?p=719524 BrightLeaf]].
155	[[/folder]]
156
157	[[folder:Web Originals]]
158	* Mudd from ''WebOriginal/TheBookOfStoriesOCT'' was this.
159	* ''WebAnimation/{{Dreamscape}}'': Kai (TheSpock), Eleenin (TheMcCoy), and Drake (TheKirk); the three stoic human protectors of the planet.
160	** Eleenin is TheMcCoy/Id because she puts teamwork above logic, and she believes in the potential of everyone, even if they doubt themselves.
161	[[/folder]]
162
163	[[folder:Western Animation]]
164	* ''WesternAnimation/StarTrekTheAnimatedSeries'': [=McCoy=] again, naturally.
165	* [[Characters/AvatarTheLastAirbenderKatara Katara]] from ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender''. She once detained the group for three days by dyeing Appa's tongue purple with berries (so as to make him look sick) to help a village who lived on a polluted river, even destroying the factory that polluted it, in spite of being on a tight schedule.
166	* Sam in ''WesternAnimation/DannyPhantom'' forces Vegan meals and steals frogs from being dissected in her school, displays her disguise on a BeautyContest to bring individuality to the girls, and other humanitarian beliefs she has up her sleeves. When she's not doing that, then she makes sure Danny is going the right path.
167	* Mikey Blumberg from ''WesternAnimation/{{Recess}}''
168	* Brattus from ''WesternAnimation/MrBogus''
169	* Snap from ''WesternAnimation/ChalkZone''. He's the most emotional of the main trio.
170	* Sparky from ''WesternAnimation/AtomicBetty'' is even more emotional than most examples (to nearly comical levels), as he gets very excited or irritated easily and behaves in a reckless, carefree manner. He also has a VitriolicBestBuds kind of relationship with [[TheSpock X-5]].
171	* Snotlout acts as this to Fishleg's TheKirk in ''WesternAnimation/DragonsRidersOfBerk'', trying to get him to abandon his pacifistic, intellectual in favor of his more aggressive, impulsive, warrior side. He usually does this by antagonizing him like in "Worst in Show", where he uses his obnoxious boasting to get under Fishleg's skin and provoking his competitive side or helping him like in "Quake, Rattle and Roll!" where he tries teaching him how to fight dirty when Fishlegs tries to help the Gronkles in Dark Deep face the Catastrophic Quaken.
172	* ''WesternAnimation/JusticeLeague'' gives this kind of dynamic, albeit with shades of gray, with the Trinity: Franchise/{{Batman}} is clearly TheSpock and Franchise/{{Superman}} TheKirk, on the other hand, the most emotional and hot-blooded of them will be, of course, the brave Amazonian warrior Franchise/WonderWoman as The [=McCoy=].
173	* ''WesternAnimation/ReadyJetGo'':
174	** Unlike Sean, Sydney wants to become a successful science fiction author and is more into science fiction and Greek mythology. She is also more emotional, kind, and loving than any of the group.
175	** Lillian fits this role in the FreudianTrio with Mindy and Mitchell. Lillian is more emotional and kind than both of them.
176	** Dr. Bergs fills this role in the Freudian Trio with Rafferty and Skelley. He is the most emotional of the trio and the most prone to panicking under pressure.
177	[[/folder]]
178

Context Main / TheMcCoy