History Main / TheDutifulSon

* [[NiceGuy Canada]] of ''Webcomic/AxisPowersHetalia'' is this during his time as England's colony, remaining loyal to him even when his [[IJustWantToBeFree brother America]] tries to get him to declare independence. He also takes up the role of comforting England through the emotional trauma and heartbreak he experiences after [[AmericanRevolution America's departure]]. He [[WhatTheHellHero chews America out]] for causing the latter.
* Jeremy from ''Manga/ACruelGodReigns'' endures physical and sexual abuse from his step-father so that his mother can be happy in her new marriage. He even goes to the lengths of [[spoiler: begging Greg not to tell Sandra when he threatens to expose them when Jeremy won't do exactly as he asks, as he fears that Sandra will attempt suicide (again.)]] In fact, if he hadn't done that, [[spoiler: Sandra and Greg would not have gotten married in the first place.]] His role of being TheDutifulSon is what causes Jeremy's TraumaCongaLine and DeusAngstMachina.
* Sojiroh Nichikado of ''Manga/HanaYoriDango'' serves this purpose in his family; his oldest brother left to become a doctor and is considered the black sheep of the family, while Sojiroh stayed behind to train to take charge of his family's tea ceremony enterprise. However, while he's not the protagonist, he's a far more important character than his never-seen brother and is a flagrant hedonist and womanizer.
** Similarly, his Korean counterpart So Yi Jung in the ''Series/BoysOverFlowers'' K-Drama. Though the family is into traditional pottery instead of tea ceremony, and he's given a more sympathetic approach.
* Illumi of ''Manga/HunterXHunter'', the perfect emotion-impaired first son of an assassin family, is quite baffled by his little brother running away from home and talking nonsense about making friends and not wanting to murder people for money anymore. However, he remains convinced that it's just a phase and Killua will calmly return to the family business eventually.

The Dutiful Son stays to [[TheCaretaker take care]] of the farm or other family duties when TroubledButCute up and leaves, or TheHero gets TheCall. His attitude at the protagonist's return (it's rare he gets the spotlight) varies between uppity, jealous, and happy. Even if he's happy, expect him to lay the moral smackdown on the hero for leaving, although he'll eventually forgive the sibling before the work's end. Despite the name, this trope is not AlwaysMale; female examples are less common but still present.

* Witz Su from ''Anime/AfterWarGundamX'' is supposed to become one of these after his father and younger brother die and leave him to care for his very numerous family (mother, three sisters, one brother). However, Witz runs away from home and becomes a Gundam pilot, something his mom is very upset for, and doubly because she hates mobile suits. [[spoiler: He gets to go back home with his girlfriend, Toniya, so it's hinted they've made amends.]]

* Sojiroh Nichikado of ''Manga/HanaYoriDango'' serves this purpose in his family; his oldest brother left to become a doctor and is considered the black sheep of the family, while Sojiroh stayed behind to train to take charge of his family's tea ceremony enterprise. However, while he's not the protagonist, he's a far more important character than his never-seen brother, and is a flagrant hedonist and womanizer.

* Yukifumi "Yuki" Todou from ''Manga/SensualPhrase'' is supposed to continue with the family tradition, which is Noh acting. He becomes a rock musician instead, and is even disinherited. [[spoiler: He returns to acting when Aucifer is disbanded.]]

* In Creator/AAPessimal's ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'' work ''Fanfic/TheBlackSheep'', a dutiful niece has to bail her confidence-trickster rogue of an uncle out of almost four thousand dollars' worth of trouble, knowing family needs dictate this. When he lands her with his unpaid gambling debts, her Assassin best friend intervenes, but is asked not to kill him, if she can avoid this.

* Alfred in ''Film/LegendsOfTheFall'' always plays by the rules and does everything he can to try and make his father proud, but knows (and resents) that he will never measure up in daddy's esteem to TroubledButCute wildchild Tristan. Interesting play on the trope as described above in that in the end, Alfred leaves the family farm while Tristan spends more time at home on the ranch.

* In the 1997 TV movie ''When Secrets Kill'', Linda Emery returns to her hometown after her her fourteen years disappearance. Her mother's really glad to see her, but her brother Bill doesn't allow her to stay because he had to become a TragicDropout to take care of their parents.

** Percy Weasley [[spoiler: in the first four books]]: prefect in his fifth year (''[[Literature/HarryPotterAndThePhilosophersStone Philosopher's Stone]]''), Head Boy in his seventh year (''[[Literature/HarryPotterAndThePrisonerOfAzkaban Prisoner of Azkaban]]''), followed by the career his mother Molly approved of in the Ministry of Magic (''[[Literature/HarryPotterAndTheGobletOfFire Goblet of Fire]]'') - but his no-nonsense attitude give him trouble with his family: Molly sang his praises throughout the first four books and seemed depressed when [[spoiler: he walked out on the family.]]; with Arthur, it's more a matter of absentmindedness than outright favoritism, and his siblings do love him but are peeved by his attitude, specially the very chaotic twins. [[spoiler: He even has a FaceHeelTurn, but returns home in ''Deathly Hallows'' just in time for the last battle]].

** Both Cersei and Tyrion Lannister see themselves as this, with both undergoing much sexism and ableism respectively in order to get where they are and further the Lannisters in hopes of earning their father Tywin's favor. Tywin however favours their brother Jaime, who ironically doesn't want to be Tywin's heir. Ironically Cersei is an incredibly incompetent ruler, inheriting her father's ruthlessness and contempt for the smallfolk, but without his political skill. Tyrion has his political skill but is despised by his father, [[spoiler:and ends up murdering him.]]

** [[ArchangelMichael Michael]] is this UpToEleven, as he continues to follow his absent father's orders millennia after God suddenly abandoned his sons and is determined to murder Lucifer not because not because of his plan to {{kill all humans}}, but because he thinks it's what God would have wanted. Dean's relationship with John and Sam mirrors the relationship between Michael, Lucifer and God. As it is in heaven, so it shall be on earth and all that.
* Stefan from ''Series/TheVampireDiaries''. Part of the reason why Stefan was the favoured child with Giuseppe was because Stefan was a dutiful, responsible, obedient son.

* Nessarose from ''Theatre/{{Wicked}}''. When Elphaba becomes a rebel, an outcast and an activist, Nessa takes over her father's position as governor of Munchkinland. However, Nessa eventually also becomes a wicked witch, and goes {{Yandere}} for Boq.

* Gamlen paints himself as this in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'' because he stayed and took care of his and Leandra's elderly parents while Leandra spent years on the run because of her husband's status as an unregistered mage. Of course, this doesn't justify his later cheating her out of her inheritance, or his making deals that force her kids into indentured servitude for a year.
* Yoo Minho of ''VideoGame/EnigmaAnIllusionNamedFamily'' has done his best to be TheReliableOne and hold his family together following their father's death. Unfortunately, he regards most of his siblings as foolish and/or greedy, and has been blocking them from receiving any inheritance money in order to keep them bound to their home, fostering resentment. He's also not very sympathetic to Minhyuk's SurvivorGuilt, unintentionally compounding it with his demands to prove worthy of their father's HeroicSacrifice.

** Marche's role as this in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyTacticsAdvance'' becomes a plot point late in the story combined with [[spoiler: SiblingRivalry and BecauseYouCanCope]]. Marche gets into a heated argument with his little brother Doned after [[spoiler: Doned tries repeatedly to stop him from changing the world back to normal]]. Doned makes it clear he has no intention of going back, as he's wheelchair-bound in the real world and has regained the use of his legs in the changed Ivalice. He then accuses Marche of being selfish for not considering this, claiming that Marche "has everything" while he has nothing. Finally at his breaking point, Marche reveals [[spoiler: that he's jealous of Doned for getting all of their mother's attention, while he himself feels forced to quietly concede to Doned's needs and whims while sacrifice his own, eventually believing that their mother loves Doned more. This revelation finally convinces Doned that neither of their lives are perfect and that they need to go home and deal with reality]].

** [[SadClown Captain Peanutbutter]] is an interesting case. He and his brother PB get along just fine (PB being comfortable in Hollywoo and Captain ditto in the Labrador Peninsula closer to their parents) but his sense of reliability and calmness make him [[BigBrotherWorship a sort of grand figure of admiration for Mr. Peanutbutter]]. Such is the trust he has in him that the younger brother fails to consider that something might trouble Captain. AT ALL. [[spoiler:[[SecretlyDying A twisted spleen, for example]].]]

** [[LoveMartyr Diane Nguyen]] returns without question to Boston upon the news of his father's death, [[NoRespectGuy in spite of the abuse thrown her way by practically everyone in her family]]. She organizes and plans the funeral to which no one shows up...or cares to even provide the body. This becomes especially frustrating for her since nobody tries to lend her a hand and to top it off, they insult her, her mother especially who clearly favors her incompetent brothers over her, the responsible sibling. It's implied she endures the abuse expecting [[WellDoneSonGuy to receive some sort of recognition of any kind]] despite knowing better.

** [[spoiler:[[ChronicHeroSyndrome Princess Carolyn]] used to be one as well, and the experiences clearly affected her mindset. Having to cover for your mother while she'd drink her weight in alcohol and cooking for a rich family who constantly yelled and flaunted their riches can create a sort of savior complex. Not to say of the possible greed and envy it can create and send someone into a self-centered orbit.]]

** [[LoveMartyr Diane Nguyen]] returns without question to Boston upon the news of his father's death, [[NoRespectGuy in spite of the abuse thrown her way by practically everyone in her family]]. She organizes and plans the funeral to which no one shows up...or cares to even provide the body. This becomes especially frustrating for her since nobody tries to lend her a hand and to top it off, they insult her, her mother especially who clearly favors her incompetent brothers over her, the responsible sibling. It's implied she endures the abuse expecting [[WellDoneDaughterGal to receive some sort of recognition of any kind]] despite knowing better.

[[folder:Anime and Manga]]

* Witz Su from ''Anime/AfterWarGundamX'' is supposed to become one of these after his father and younger brother die and leave him to care for his very numerous family (mother, three sisters, one brother). However, Witz runs away from home and becomes a Gundam pilot, something his mom is very upset for, and doubly because she hates mobile suits. [[spoiler: He gets to go back home with his girlfriend, Toniya, so it's hinted they've made amends.]]

* Jeremy from ''Manga/ACruelGodReigns'' endures physical and sexual abuse from his step-father so that his mother can be happy in her new marriage. He even goes to the lengths of [[spoiler: begging Greg not to tell Sandra when he threatens to expose them when Jeremy won't do exactly as he asks, as he fears that Sandra will attempt suicide (again.)]] In fact, if he hadn't done that, [[spoiler: Sandra and Greg would not have gotten married in the first place.]] His role of being TheDutifulSon is what causes Jeremy's {{Trauma Conga Line}} and {{Deus Angst Machina}}.
* [[NiceGuy Canada]] of ''Webcomic/AxisPowersHetalia'' is this during his time as England's colony, remaining loyal to him even when his [[IJustWantToBeFree brother America]] tries to get him to declare independence. He also takes up the role of comforting England through the emotional trauma and heartbreak he experiences after [[AmericanRevolution America's departure]]. He [[WhatTheHellHero chews America out]] for causing the latter.

* ComicBook/CosmicBoy of the ''ComicBook/{{Legion of Super-Heroes}}'' left his economically depressed planet to find work so that he could send money home to support his family when he was ''fourteen''. He only ended up a superhero because he helped save the life of one of the richest men in the galaxy on his way to search for work and was then offered a job as a hero. Originally this takes a tragic turn as his his mother dies in a terrorist attack on the new neighborhood brought them to so they could be together again and his little brother dies trying to follow in his footsteps as a hero.

[[folder:Fanfic]]
* In {{Fanfic/Uplifted}} Rael'Jarva, growing up he was the model of what the future Quarian ideal would have become had the fleet not intervened in World War II.

* In ''Franchise/StarWars Episode VI: Film/ReturnOfTheJedi'', Luke seems to think that Leia is this. Luke himself is actually this himself, to an extent; he really wants to leave home in ''A New Hope'', he's legally an adult and could leave without his aunt and uncle's permission, but he [[RefusalOfTheCall just won't]], to the point where in the radio drama he argues angrily with a friend who wants him to just cut and run. It takes [[TheCallKnowsWhereYouLive tragedy]] to get him to go.
** Early drafts and one printing of the ''[=RotJ=]'' novel indicate that originally [[DeterminedHomesteader Owen Lars]] was supposed to be this for SiblingYinYang with his brother: Obi-Wan Kenobi.

* George VI is the Dutiful Son in ''Film/BertieAndElizabeth''. Interestingly, sympathy is with him rather than with his brother who comes off as rather a RoyalBrat.
** Likewise in ''Film/TheKingsSpeech''. It's clear neither of them wants to be king, but only one of them is willing to sacrifice his personal wishes to do what's expected of him.

* In ''Film/EastIsEast'', only one of the children in the BigScrewedUpFamily takes a serious interest in Islam and obeying their father. That Maneer ultimately sides with the family against George [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness seems to be what shocks his father the most]].

* Alfred in ''Film/LegendsOfTheFall'' always plays by the rules and does everything he can to try and make his father proud, but knows (and resents) that he will never measure up in daddy's esteem to TroubledButCute wildchild Tristan. Interesting play on the trope as described above in that in the end, Alfred leaves the family farm while Tristan spends more time at home on the ranch.

* ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'' has a few examples of this:
** Both Cersei and Tyrion Lannister see themselves as this, with both undergoing much sexism and ableism respectively in order to get where they are and further the Lannisters in hopes of earning their father Tywin's favor. Tywin however favours their brother Jaime, who ironically doesn't want to be Tywin's heir. Ironically Cersei is an incredibly incompetent ruler, inheriting her father's ruthlessness and contempt for the smallfolk, but without his political skill. Tyrion has his political skill but is despised by his father, [[spoiler:and ends up murdering him.]]
** Stannis Baratheon considers himself this. This is especially in contrast to his brothers, who are far more charismatic but don't show themselves to be particularly good leaders. His older brother King Robert spent his 15 years as King drinking, eating and whoring instead of ruling, while his younger brother Renly acts as a YesMan in Robert's Small Council, loves showing off, [[spoiler:and after Robert's death tries to usurp the crown on flimsy grounds, claiming he'd be a better King despite never doing anything worthwhile, even planning to have Stannis killed]]. Stannis, though unsocial, has the less glamorous tasks and feels constantly unappreciated, but goes along with them anyway as he considers it his duty. [[spoiler:Tragically, it's shown Stannis did love his brothers and wished for their appreciation, yet he is responsible for Renly's death due to Renly's intention to kill him.]]
** In contrast to willful Arianne and FlatCharacter Trystane, Quentyn Martell dutifully sees to his father's plan to the best of his abilities. [[spoiler:Tragically due to being WrongGenreSavvy this ends up getting him killed by a dragon.]]

* Creator/LindseyDavis' Literature/MarcusDidiusFalco; his older brother was a LoveableRogue who got himself killed in battle by being too dashing to wear his helmet properly, after which Falco cleaned up the messes his brother left behind (see especially ''Poseidon's Gold'').
* Granny Weatherwax in Creator/TerryPratchett's ''Discworld/WitchesAbroad''. She claims that after her sister Lily left, she had to stay and be the good one. She didn't seem particularly happy about this either. She probably would have been the good one anyway, but what she really wanted was the opportunity to ''choose'', which Lily took from her.

* Danny Saunders in ''Literature/TheChosen'' is like this. He does not follow this plot and feels no jealousy toward his brother. But he is a very dutiful son especially considering his rather "rigorous" upbringing.
* Benjamin in ''Series/NeverWipeTearsWithoutGloves'' starts out as the dutiful son and a very promising Jehovah's Witness. This makes it all the more difficult for him to come out of the closet.
* Jerin and several of his sisters in ''Literature/ABrothersPrice'' are Dutiful to their sister Corelle's short-sighted rebelliousness. Jerin does get the spotlight, and Corelle's negligence has a definite impact on his life.

* Picard's brother Robert in the ''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration'' episode "[[http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/Family_%28episode%29 Family]]".
* ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'':
** Dean Winchester obeys his father John without question and berates Sam for questiong his orders. Dean is just as capable of being a [[BigBrotherInstinct dutiful brother]] and as shown by "What Is and What Should Never Be", tends to idolize Sam. But it was revealed by the shifter in "Skin" that he/Dean does resent Sam for getting to leave. Dean also manages to combine this with TroubledButCute.
** [[ArchangelMichael Michael]] is this UpToEleven, as he continues to follow his absent father's orders millennia after God suddenly abandoned his sons and is determined to murder Lucifer not because not because of his plan to {{kill all humans}}, but because he thinks it's what God would have wanted. Dean's relationship with John and Sam mirrors the relationship between Michael, Lucifer and God. As it is in heaven, so it shall be on earth and all that.
* A variation happens in the SitCom ''Series/{{Wings}}''. Brian and Joe's mother ran out on the family when they were little, and their father... well, <wigflip, cuckoo>. So, anyway, Joe had to step up as a child and be TheDutifulSon; as he pointed out later when he [[CallingTheOldManOut ranted to his returned mom]]: "You left me to take care of two little kids, Brian and Dad!"
* On ''Series/GeneralHospital'', the extremely rich and equally screwed up Quartermaine family had Ned Ashton who was constantly trying to appease his grandfather and cover his cousin's screw-ups. He eventually left town simply because he got tired of it.

* ''Series/StargateAtlantis'': John Sheppard's brother in "Outcast", who stayed behind to take care of the family business while Sheppard was out on military ventures across the world after having a fallout with his father. They eventually manage to reconcile after their father's death.
* David from ''Series/SixFeetUnder'' stayed to take care of his family's business while his brother Nathan went away not wanting to work with dead people.
* Stefan from ''Series/TheVampireDiaries''. Part of the reason why Stefan was the favoured child with Giuseppe was because Stefan was a dutiful, responsible, obedient son.

* Arthur Spooner in ''Series/TheKingOfQueens'' is an elderly ManChild on the outer edge of senility who drives daughter Carrie Heffernan to despair with continual unreasonable demands. Carrie, normally a woman who has no patience with idiots, leeches or timewasters, feels she has no choice other than to take him in after he burns down his uninsured house. This causes frequent tensions with husband Doug, who tries to make his peace with the BasementDweller but is frequently exasperated by his father-in-law.

* Nessarose from Theatre/{{Wicked}}. When Elphaba becomes a rebel, an outcast and an activist, Nessa takes over her father's position as governor of Munchkinland. However, Nessa eventually also becomes a wicked witch, and goes {{Yandere}} for Boq.

* King Edgar, ruler of Figaro, is like this in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI''. After their father is murdered by TheEmpire, Edgar's twin brother Sabin is so angry and upset that he can't take it anymore and wants to strike out on his own. Edgar tries to remind him of their responsibilities to Figaro, and what would happen to the kingdom if they both left. Sabin doesn't want to leave the kingdom hanging, but his desire for freedom is so overwhelming that it's tearing him apart. Edgar eventually proposes a coin toss, where the winner will go out on his own with no regrets. It turns out that [[spoiler:Edgar rigged the coin toss so that Sabin would win either way, but this method allowed him to leave with a clear conscience.]]

* Marche's role as this in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyTacticsAdvance'' becomes a plot point late in the story combined with [[spoiler: SiblingRivalry and BecauseYouCanCope]]. Marche gets into a heated argument with his little brother Doned after [[spoiler: Doned tries repeatedly to stop him from changing the world back to normal]]. Doned makes it clear he has no intention of going back, as he's wheelchair-bound in the real world and has regained the use of his legs in the changed Ivalice. He then accuses Marche of being selfish for not considering this, claiming that Marche "has everything" while he has nothing. Finally at his breaking point, Marche reveals [[spoiler: that he's jealous of Doned for getting all of their mother's attention, while he himself feels forced to quietly concede to Doned's needs and whims while sacrifice his own, eventually believing that their mother loves Doned more. This revelation finally convinces Doned that neither of their lives are perfect and that they need to go home and deal with reality]].

* Hanzo from ''{{VideoGame/Overwatch}}''; unfortunately, the family he's loyal to is a crime family, and his eventual confrontation with his less responsible brother, Genji, [[WeCanRebuildHim took a turn for the tragic.]]

** Milluki, Killua's other older brother, fits the other part of this trope. He doesn't understand why his father and grandfather still favor Killua (the unofficial heir, despite being a rebellious middle child) over Illumi and him, and heavily resents his younger brother for this. He eagerly accepts the responsibility of disciplining Killua [[FetishFuel with chains and whips]]. Ironically, Milluki himself is a failure of an assassin (essentially a FatBastard otaku geek) according to the rest of the family ([[SmallNameBigEgo though he obviously thinks otherwise]]).

->''And I was there when you grew restless''
->''Left in the dead of night''
->''And I was there when three months later''
->''You were standing in the door all beat and tired...''
->''But I'm gonna be here until I'm nothing''
->''But bones in the ground...''

-->-- ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5leFJkScsR8 Always Gold]]'' by RadicalFace

-->''And I was there when you grew restless''
-->''Left in the dead of night''
-->''And I was there when three months later''
-->''You were standing in the door all beat and tired...''
-->''But I'm gonna be here until I'm nothing''
-->''But bones in the ground...''
---->''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5leFJkScsR8 Always Gold]]'' by RadicalFace

** Regulus Black as recalled by his brother in ''[[Literature/HarryPotterAndTheOrderOfThePhoenix Order of the Phoenix]]''. Given that this is [[FanasticRacism the Black family]], this meant that he became a Death Eater while [[WhiteSheep the 'shameful' one]], Sirius, joined the Order of the Phoenix.

** Likewise in ''TheKingsSpeech''. It's clear neither of them wants to be king, but only one of them is willing to sacrifice his personal wishes to do what's expected of him.

** Regulus Black as recalled by his brother in ''Literature/HarryPotterAndTheOrderOfThePhoenix''. Subverted, because in the Black family, this meant that he became a Death Eater while [[WhiteSheep the 'shameful' one]], Sirius, joined the Order of the Phoenix.

** Percy Weasley [[spoiler: in the first four books]]: prefect in his fifth year (''[[Literature/HarryPotterAndThePhilosophersStone Philosopher's Stone]]''), Head Boy in his seventh year (''[[Literature/HarryPotterAndThePrisonerOfAzkaban Prisoner of Azkaban]]''), followed by the career his mother Molly approved of in the Ministry of Magic (''[[Literature/HarryPotterAndTheGobletOfFire Goblet of Fire]]'') - but his no-nonsense attitude give him trouble with his family: Molly sang his praises throughout the first four books and seemed depressed when [[spoiler: he walked out on the family.]]; with Arthur, it's more a matter of absentmindedness than outright favoritism, and his siblings ''do'' love him but are peeved by his attitude (specially the ''very'' chaotic twins.) [[spoiler: (He even has a FaceHeelTurn, but returns home in ''Deathly Hallows'' just in time for the last battle).]].

YouKnowTheOne. Stays to [[TheCaretaker take care]] of the farm when TroubledButCute up and leaves. Their attitude at the protagonist's return (it's rare they get the spotlight) varies between uppity, jealous, and happy. Even if happy, expect them to lay the moral smackdown on the hero for leaving.

Sometimes irritated that the Prodigal seems to be the favorite, while he's TheUnFavorite. But they'll eventually forgive the (usually) younger sibling before the film ends.

Compare and contrast TheReliableOne, CloudcuckoolandersMinder.

** Likewise in ''TheKingsSpeech''. It's clear neither of them wants to be king[[note]]In what may be a HistoricalHeroUpgrade for the sake of enforcing MenDontCry, in real life ''[[NotSoDifferent both]]'' brothers are said to have broken down in tears on being given the news, but only Edward is shown doing this in the film, and it's implied to be a sign of his weakness[[/note]], but only one of them is willing to sacrifice his personal wishes to do what's expected of him.

* George VI is TheDutifulSon in ''Film/BertieAndElizabeth''. Interestingly, sympathy is with him rather than with his brother who comes off as rather a RoyalBrat.
** Likewise in ''TheKingsSpeech''. It's clear neither of them wants to be king, but only one of them is willing to sacrifice his personal wishes to do what's expected of him.

** Likewise in ''TheKingsSpeech''.

* In ''Film/EastIsEast'', only one of the children in the BigScrewedUpFamily takes a serious interest in Islam and obeying their father. That Maneer ultimately sides with the family against George [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness seems to be what shocks him the most]].

* In the 1997 tv-movie ''When Secrets Kill'', Linda Emery returns to her hometown after her her fourteen years disappearance. Her mother's really glad to see her, but her brother Bill doesn't allow her to stay because he had to become a TragicDropout to take care of their parents.

* The UrExample is the elder son in the parable of the lost son as told by Jesus in Literature/TheBible.

** Stannis Baratheon considers himself this. This is especially in contrast to his brothers, who are far more charismatic but don't show themselves to be particularly good leaders. His older brother King Robert spent his 15 years as King drinking, eating and whoring instead of ruling, while his younger brother Renly acts as a YesMan in Robert's Small Council, loves showing off, [[spoiler:and after Robert's death tries to usurp the crown on flimsy grounds, claiming he'd be a better King despite never doing anything worthwhile, even planning to have Stannis killed]]. Stannis, though unsocial, has the less glamorous tasks and feels constantly unappreciated, but goes along with them anyway as he considers it his duty. [[spoiler:Tragically, its shown Stannis did love his brothers and wished for their appreciation, yet he is responsible for Renly's death due to Renly's intention to kill him.]]

** Regulus Black as recalled by his brother in ''Literature/HarryPotterAndTheOrderOfThePhoenix''. Subverted, because in the Black family, this meant that he became a Death Eater while the 'shameful' one, Sirius, joined the Order of the Phoenix.

** Both Cersei and Tyrion Lannister see themselves as this, with both undergoing much sexism and ableism respectively in order to get where they are and further the Lannisters in hopes of earning their father Tywin's favor. Tywin however favours their brother Jaime, who ironically doesn't want to be Tywin's heir. Ironically Cersei is an incredibly incompetent ruler, inheriting her father's ruthlessness and contempt for the smallfolk, but without his political skill. Tyrion has his political skill but is despised by his father, [[spoiler:and ends up murdering them.]]

* Given [[BigScrewedUpFamily the nature of families]] in the series, ''WesternAnimation/BoJackHorseman'' has [[DeconstructedTrope a few examples]]:

** Stannis Baratheon considers himself this. This is especially in contrast to his brothers, who are far more charismatic but don't show themselves to be particularly good leaders, King Robert spending his 15 years as King drinking, eating and whoring instead of ruling, while Renly acts as a YesMan in Robert's Small Council, loves showing off, [[spoiler:and after Robert's death tries to usurp the crown on flimsy grounds, even planning to have Stannis killed]]. Stannis, though unsocial, has the less glamorous tasks and feels constantly unappreciated, but goes along with them anyway as he considers it his duty.

* Given [[BigScrewedUpFamily the nature of families]] in [[DeconstructorFleet the series]], ''WesternAnimation/BoJackHorseman'' has a few examples:
** Diane Nguyen returns without question to Boston upon the news of his father's death, [[NoRespectGuy in spite of the abuse thrown her way by practically everyone in her family]]. She organizes and plans the funeral to which no one shows up...or cares to even provide the body. This becomes especially frustrating for her since nobody tries to lend her a hand and to top it off, they insult her, her mother especially who clearly favors her incompetent brothers over her, the responsible sibling. It's implied she endures the abuse expecting [[WellDoneDaughterGal to receive some sort of recognition of any kind]] despite knowing better.

** [=BoJack=] was molded by his mother Beatrice to be a successful star to make up for wrapping her into a loveless marriage. Oscillating between feelings of love and hate for her, [=BoJack=] would go to great lengths to impress her even after gaining independence and entering show business, inviting her to the first ''JustforFun/HorsinAround'' taping regardless of his prism of experience. Even after that, [=BoJack=] has often searched for the kind of love missing in his life, which is the root of his crippling narcissism.
** [[spoiler:Princess Carolyn used to be one as well, and the experiences clearly affected her mindset. Having to cover for your mother while she'd drink her weight in alcohol and cooking for a rich family who constantly yelled and flaunted their riches can create a sort of savior complex. Not to say of the possible greed and envy it can create and send someone into a self-centered orbit.]]

** Captain Peanutbutter is an interesting case. He and his brother PB get along just fine (PB being comfortable in Hollywoo and Captain ditto in the Labrador Peninsula closer to their parents) but his sense of reliability and calmness make him [[BigBrotherWorship a sort of grand figure of admiration for Mr. Peanutbutter]]. Such is the trust he has in him that the younger brother fails to consider that something might trouble him. AT ALL. [[spoiler:[[SecretlyDying A twisted spleen, for example]].]]

* Diane Nguyen of ''WesternAnimation/BoJackHorseman'' returns without question to Boston upon the news of his father's death, [[NoRespectGuy in spite of the abuse thrown her way by practically everyone in her family]]. She organizes and plans the funeral to which no one shows up...or cares to even provide the body. This becomes especially frustrating for her since nobody tries to lend her a hand and to top it off, they insult her, her mother especially who clearly favors her incompetent brothers over her, the responsible sibling. It's implied she endures the abuse expecting [[WellDoneDaughterGal to receive some sort of recognition of any kind]] despite knowing better.

* Diane Nguyen of ''WesternAnimation/BoJackHorseman'' returns without question to Boston upon the news of his father's death, [[NoRespectGuy in spite of the abuse thrown her way by practically everyone in her family]]. She organizes and plans the funeral to which no one shows up...or cares to even provide the body. It's implied she endures the abuse expecting [[WellDoneDaughterGal to receive some sort of recognition of any kind]] despite knowing better.

* Diane Nguyen of ''WesternAnimation/BoJackHorseman'' returns without question to Boston upon the news of his father's death, [[NoRespectGal in spite of the abuse thrown her way by practically everyone in her family]]. She organizes and plans the funeral to which no one shows up...or cares to even provide the body. It's implied she endures the abuse expecting [[WellDoneDaughterGal to receive some sort of recognition of any kind]] despite knowing better.

* [[NiceGuy Canada]] of ''Webcomic/AxisPowersHetalia'' is this during his time as England's colony, remaining loyal to him even when his [[IJustWantToBeFree brother America]] tries to get him to declare independence. He also takes up the role of comforting England through the emotional trauma and heartbreak he experiences after [[AmericanRevolution America's departure]]. He [[WhatTheHellHero chews America out]] for the causing the latter.

* [[NiceGuy Canada]] of ''Webcomic/AxisPowersHetalia'' is this during his time as England's colony, remaining a loyal to him even when his [[IJustWantToBeFree brother America]] tries to get him to declare independence. He also takes up the role of comforting England through the emotional trauma and heartbreak he experiences after [[AmericanRevolution America's departure]]. He [[WhatTheHellHero chews America out]] for the causing the latter.