Incorruptible Pure Pureness - Television Tropes & Idioms

Sir Galahad

"You are pure pureness in its purest form."

Reverend Putty, Moral Orel

This is a character who is completely and utterly incorruptible, often in a world with Grey And Grey Morality or Black And Grey Morality.

While the people around them can be tempted by power, fame, sex, money, or love, this character is immune to succumbing to tempations. More rounded characters may feel the temptation and still resist. They will always do the right thing for the greater good, if not necessarily the nice thing.

Even if they're in a Crapsack World, they'll never lose their moral compass or idealism. Even having to engage in morally ambiguous acts, such as deceiving someone in a good cause, appears as Dirty Business to them. They greet fame with Think Nothing Of It, and often tell people to Keep The Reward; working for the Glory Hound causes, at most, mild annoyance. What You Are In The Dark poses no difficulties to them. If they are tortured, they will endure. They will even — reluctantly — step aside and let others be More Hero Than Thou, for good cause.

Moral conflict in such a character, or between two such characters, is possible, but is driven by a conflict between two moral principles. One argues for mercy — or that justice in this case will harm innocents; another may attempt to enforce justice, arguing that in the long run, knowing justice will be done will prevent harm to more innocents. While they are unlikely to slander in any circumstance, some will let a lie or half-truth stand to prevent harm; others will tell the truth and damn the consequences.

This is basically the polar opposite of Complete Monster.

This can be a trait of a Mary Sue — particularly the Purity Sue — but not if the character is rounded in other ways. Often, this is a key element of an Idiot Hero, The Ace, The Cape, The Messiah and a Pollyanna played straight. Heroes like these are often sneered at as being unrealistic or old-fashioned, when compared to Anti Heroes — and naive, regardless of whether they actually are. Ironically, a certain brand of Anti Hero can actually approach this, in an odd way.

In fantasy stories, this might come with Nimbus Privileges. Might lead to a Hundred Percent Adoration Rating. Be wary that they might be Too Good For This Sinful Earth. Also very likely to be a Celibate Hero — this is one of the few cases where A Man Is Not A Virgin does not apply.

This is what the Knight Templar and the Well Intentioned Extremist think they are.

See also Honor Before Reason. Contrast Pure Is Not Good. This is the trope the Wide Eyed Idealist aims for and falls short of reaching.