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* In ''Literature/DragonBones'', Oreg shows signs of PTSD; but never complains about his fate. After hundreds of years [[MadeASlave of being enslaved]] to the head of the Hurog family, passed on from father to son, he knows that complaining won't help. There is only a hint of bitterness in his voice when he explains to Ward what, exactly, [[GeniusLoci he is.]] [[PoweredByAForsakenChild He is Castle Hurog]], a [[EvilSorcerer wizard]] did it. There's also [[spoiler: Garranon]], who cannot let anyone know that he's suffering, so he's even more stoic than Oreg.
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* In ''Literature/DragonBones'', Oreg shows signs of PTSD; but never complains about his fate. After hundreds of years [[MadeASlave of being enslaved]] to the head of the Hurog family, passed on from father to son, son and often abused, he knows that complaining won't help. There is only a hint of bitterness in his voice when he explains to Ward what, exactly, [[GeniusLoci he is.]] [[PoweredByAForsakenChild He is Castle Hurog]], a [[EvilSorcerer wizard]] did it. There's also [[spoiler: Garranon]], who cannot let anyone know that he's suffering, so he's even more stoic than Oreg.
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* The title character of ''Literature/HoratioHornblower''. He despises the thought of showing any sort of human weakness and does as much as he can to conceal any outward displays of unguarded emotion. Some of this is enforced by the simple fact of being an officer of the Royal Navy; as the captain, all responsibility will always fall entirely on him and he can't share it. But even beyond this, Hornblower holds himself to a standard that is impossible to meet, dismissing any sense of accomplishment from his successes, excoriating himself for his failures, and always believing himself a coward because he fears death or mutilation in battle (even though he never allows it to dictate his actions). To put it another way, the ''Hornblower'' novels are a case study of [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impostor_syndrome imposter syndrome]] set against the backdrop of WoodenShipsAndIronMen.
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It was decided forever ago that examples didn't need to go through the forum
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%%Good Evening Editors, If you wish to add more woobies, please consult the cleanup thread: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=15391212720A38366900&page=1
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%%If you see a character listed as a Complete Monster, they don't belong here.
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%%If you see a character listed as a Complete Monster, they don't belong here.
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* Fiona Patton's ''[[Literature/TalesOfTheBranionRealm The Stone Prince]]'' has that title for precisely this reason. It's about a Crown Prince who has been raised by his [[GodSaveUsFromTheQueen mother]] to be utterly [[TheStoic stoic]], and his life has been framed by assassination attempts, a [[DeadlyDecadentCourt lot of scheming]], and a literal [[RebelPrince rebellion]]. It is not until he inherits the throne that he starts to shake off the hard, unyielding mask forced on him by duty.
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* Fiona Patton's ''[[Literature/TalesOfTheBranionRealm The Stone Prince]]'' has that title for precisely this reason. It's about a Crown Prince who has been raised by his [[GodSaveUsFromTheQueen mother]] to be utterly [[TheStoic stoic]], and his life has been framed by assassination attempts, a [[DeadlyDecadentCourt [[DecadentCourt lot of scheming]], and a literal [[RebelPrince rebellion]]. It is not until he inherits the throne that he starts to shake off the hard, unyielding mask forced on him by duty.
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* Arya in ''Literature/Inheritance Cycle (Literature)'', after her capture and torture in book 1. Initially, Eragon seems more troubled remembering the brutality of her torture and injuries than Arya herself is, and she does not break down and cry over what she endured until the third book.
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* Arya in ''Literature/Inheritance Cycle (Literature)'', ''Literature/TheInheritanceCycle'', after her capture and torture in book 1. Initially, Eragon seems more troubled remembering the brutality of her torture and injuries than the highly-restrained Arya herself is, and she does not break down and cry over what she endured until the third book.
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* Arya in ''Literature/Inheritance Cycle'', after her capture and torture in book 1. Initially, Eragon seems more troubled remembering the brutality of her torture and injuries than Arya herself is, and she does not break down and cry over what she endured until the third book.
to:
* Arya in ''Literature/Inheritance Cycle'', Cycle (Literature)'', after her capture and torture in book 1. Initially, Eragon seems more troubled remembering the brutality of her torture and injuries than Arya herself is, and she does not break down and cry over what she endured until the third book.
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* Arya in ''Literature/Inheritance Cycle'', after her capture and torture in book 1. Initially, Eragon seems more troubled remembering the brutality of her torture and injuries than Arya herself is, and she does not break down and cry over what she endured until the third book.
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Examples sorted
* Huckleberry Finn in both ''Literature/TheAdventuresOfTomSawyer'' and ''Literature/AdventuresOfHuckleberryFinn''. The kid acts [[AngstWhatAngst pretty chill]] about the fact that [[MissingMom his mother is dead]], his father is an [[AbusiveParents abusive]] [[TheAlcoholic drunkard]], and he constantly sleeps out on the streets, even when there are deranged criminals on the loose. [[TearJerker That's because he's never known anything else]].
* An emotionless Nezumi in ''Literature/BrokenGate''. It's clear her life has never really been happy and she only wanted to be free but that all changed when she and her older brother Ryuuji had a fight, over the latter's mistreatment. Besides roughly 100 years pragmatics and guarding the gate ([[spoiler:reopening the which will kill her]]), it's no surprise she's emotionless, as, odds are, her having emotions would probably make her situation worse.
* Araris Valerian in ''Literature/CodexAlera''. For someone made of solid badass and ImplausibleFencingPowers, he takes a ''ton'' of abuse, and he has [[FailureKnight very sympathetic motivations]]. Yet he's so {{stoic}} even Isana, one of the most powerful [[TheEmpath empaths]] in the setting, usually can't tell what he's feeling.
* An emotionless Nezumi in ''Literature/BrokenGate''. It's clear her life has never really been happy and she only wanted to be free but that all changed when she and her older brother Ryuuji had a fight, over the latter's mistreatment. Besides roughly 100 years pragmatics and guarding the gate ([[spoiler:reopening the which will kill her]]), it's no surprise she's emotionless, as, odds are, her having emotions would probably make her situation worse.
* Araris Valerian in ''Literature/CodexAlera''. For someone made of solid badass and ImplausibleFencingPowers, he takes a ''ton'' of abuse, and he has [[FailureKnight very sympathetic motivations]]. Yet he's so {{stoic}} even Isana, one of the most powerful [[TheEmpath empaths]] in the setting, usually can't tell what he's feeling.
* In ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'' book ''Literature/ColdDays'' reveals [[spoiler:[[TheFairFolk Queen Mab]] is one. Unlike Titania, she is governed by logic and reason. She will take the most calculated and simple path to get to her goal. That includes having to order Harry Dresden to kill her traitorous daughter. The reason she couldn't do it herself is that underneath it all, she still loves her daughter]].
* ''Literature/HarryPotter'': Severus Snape. It's implied that his parents weren't exactly the best, and he lived a lonely childhood where [[spoiler: he was in love with Lily Potter, had to see her eyes on the face of the man she chose over him, [[note]] To further salt the wound, James Potter was his bully, which is ironic as Severus is from Slytherin a house made entirely of bullies, while James was in Gryffindor a house made entirely of heroic badasses [[/note]] and died thinking well in advance that the only thing he'd been living for was going to be ultimately worthless.]]. Although he is stoic enough to defeat the Dark Lord's mind-reading, he is also guilty frequent emotional outbursts whenever [[spoiler: James Potter's]] name comes up, also subverting this trope slightly.
* Dee from ''Literature/TheHeartsWeSold'' suffers emotional and financial abuse at the hands of her father, and has absolutely no self-esteem, but she doesn't complain. In fact, she doesn't show much emotion at all or discuss her home life or family with anyone. It's to the point where Gremma, her closest friend in the world, has ''no idea'' Dee's life is anything but happy and safe. Dee's stoicism comes from the fact that she had to learn how to hold back her emotions around her father, to avoid provoking him and making matters worse. Over the course of the story, Dee [[DefrostingIceQueen defrosts a bit]], and begins expressing her feelings a lot more.
* Creator/JaneAusten [[AuthorAppeal loves this trope]]:
** Elinor Dashwood of ''Literature/SenseAndSensibility''. She would like to complain, but she can't, as she has promised to her rival in love that she will tell no one of the engagement to Edward (whom Elinor herself loves). [[IGaveMyWord She takes this very seriously.]]
** Fanny Price of ''Literature/MansfieldPark'', probably the most extreme of the 3. Comes from a poor family, was adopted by her aunt and uncle, is treated like a lady's maid by her aunt, and fell in love with her cousin, who plans to marry the neighbour girl. Only when he tries to get her to marry the neighbour boy, who is a rake and plays with women's feelings, does she object.
* ''Literature/HarryPotter'': Severus Snape. It's implied that his parents weren't exactly the best, and he lived a lonely childhood where [[spoiler: he was in love with Lily Potter, had to see her eyes on the face of the man she chose over him, [[note]] To further salt the wound, James Potter was his bully, which is ironic as Severus is from Slytherin a house made entirely of bullies, while James was in Gryffindor a house made entirely of heroic badasses [[/note]] and died thinking well in advance that the only thing he'd been living for was going to be ultimately worthless.]]. Although he is stoic enough to defeat the Dark Lord's mind-reading, he is also guilty frequent emotional outbursts whenever [[spoiler: James Potter's]] name comes up, also subverting this trope slightly.
* Dee from ''Literature/TheHeartsWeSold'' suffers emotional and financial abuse at the hands of her father, and has absolutely no self-esteem, but she doesn't complain. In fact, she doesn't show much emotion at all or discuss her home life or family with anyone. It's to the point where Gremma, her closest friend in the world, has ''no idea'' Dee's life is anything but happy and safe. Dee's stoicism comes from the fact that she had to learn how to hold back her emotions around her father, to avoid provoking him and making matters worse. Over the course of the story, Dee [[DefrostingIceQueen defrosts a bit]], and begins expressing her feelings a lot more.
* Creator/JaneAusten [[AuthorAppeal loves this trope]]:
** Elinor Dashwood of ''Literature/SenseAndSensibility''. She would like to complain, but she can't, as she has promised to her rival in love that she will tell no one of the engagement to Edward (whom Elinor herself loves). [[IGaveMyWord She takes this very seriously.]]
** Fanny Price of ''Literature/MansfieldPark'', probably the most extreme of the 3. Comes from a poor family, was adopted by her aunt and uncle, is treated like a lady's maid by her aunt, and fell in love with her cousin, who plans to marry the neighbour girl. Only when he tries to get her to marry the neighbour boy, who is a rake and plays with women's feelings, does she object.
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* Araris Valerian in ''Literature/CodexAlera''. For someone made of solid badass and ImplausibleFencingPowers, he takes a ''ton'' of abuse, and he has [[FailureKnight very sympathetic motivations]]. Yet he's so {{stoic}} even Isana, one of the most powerful [[TheEmpath empaths]] in the setting, usually can't tell what he's feeling.
* Creator/JaneAusten [[AuthorAppeal loves this trope]]:
** Elinor Dashwood of ''Literature/SenseAndSensibility''. She would like to complain, but she can't, as she has promised to her rival in love that she will tell no one of the engagement to Edward (whom Elinor herself loves). [[IGaveMyWord She takes this very seriously.]]
** Fanny Price of ''Literature/MansfieldPark'', probably the most extreme of the 3. Comes from a poor family, was adopted by her aunt and uncle, is treated like a lady's maid by her aunt, and fell in love with her cousin, who plans to marry the neighbour girl. Only when he tries to get her to marry the neighbour boy, who is a rake and plays with women's feelings, does she object.
* Catelyn Stark of ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire''. Readers see her inner turmoil, but her own son wonders if she even remembers her losses. Won't show her pain to Jaime Lannister or Jon Snow. Arguably puts on a mask as a response to expectations of stoicism from her environment, so she actually can admit when she needs a hug.
* Creator/JaneAusten [[AuthorAppeal loves this trope]]:
** Elinor Dashwood of ''Literature/SenseAndSensibility''. She would like to complain, but she can't, as she has promised to her rival in love that she will tell no one of the engagement to Edward (whom Elinor herself loves). [[IGaveMyWord She takes this very seriously.]]
** Fanny Price of ''Literature/MansfieldPark'', probably the most extreme of the 3. Comes from a poor family, was adopted by her aunt and uncle, is treated like a lady's maid by her aunt, and fell in love with her cousin, who plans to marry the neighbour girl. Only when he tries to get her to marry the neighbour boy, who is a rake and plays with women's feelings, does she object.
* Catelyn Stark of ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire''. Readers see her inner turmoil, but her own son wonders if she even remembers her losses. Won't show her pain to Jaime Lannister or Jon Snow. Arguably puts on a mask as a response to expectations of stoicism from her environment, so she actually can admit when she needs a hug.
to:
* Araris Valerian in ''Literature/CodexAlera''. For someone made of solid badass and ImplausibleFencingPowers, he takes a ''ton'' of abuse, and he has [[FailureKnight very sympathetic motivations]]. Yet he's so {{stoic}} even Isana, one of Matt from ''Literature/ThePowerOfFive'', by the last book. Also Pedro, who never really complains despite being a starving street urchin who spends most powerful [[TheEmpath empaths]] in the setting, usually can't tell what he's feeling.
* Creator/JaneAusten [[AuthorAppeal loves this trope]]:
** Elinor Dashwoodof ''Literature/SenseAndSensibility''. She would like to complain, but she can't, as she has promised to her rival in love that she will tell no one of the engagement to Edward (whom Elinor herself loves). [[IGaveMyWord She takes this very seriously.]]
** Fanny Price of ''Literature/MansfieldPark'', probably the most extreme of the 3. Comes from a poor family, was adopted by her aunthis pagetime being hunted, abused, betrayed, nearly killed on several occasions and uncle, is treated like a lady's maid by her aunt, and fell in love with her cousin, repeatedly exhausting himself trying to use his [[HealingHands power]] on grievously-injured people who plans to marry the neighbour girl. Only when he tries to get her to marry the neighbour boy, who is a rake and plays with women's feelings, does she object.
* Catelyn Stark of ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire''. Readers see her inner turmoil, but her own son wonders if she even remembers her losses. Won't show her pain to Jaime Lannister or Jon Snow. Arguably puts on a mask as a response to expectations of stoicism from her environment, so she actually can admit when she needs a hug.often don't make it anyway.
* Creator/JaneAusten [[AuthorAppeal loves this trope]]:
** Elinor Dashwood
** Fanny Price of ''Literature/MansfieldPark'', probably the most extreme of the 3. Comes from a poor family, was adopted by her aunt
* Catelyn Stark of ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire''. Readers see her inner turmoil, but her own son wonders if she even remembers her losses. Won't show her pain to Jaime Lannister or Jon Snow. Arguably puts on a mask as a response to expectations of stoicism from her environment, so she actually can admit when she needs a hug.
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* ''Literature/HarryPotter'': Severus Snape. It's implied that his parents weren't exactly the best, and he lived a lonely childhood where [[spoiler: he was in love with Lily Potter, had to see her eyes on the face of the man she chose over him, [[note]] To further salt the wound, James Potter was his bully, which is ironic as Severus is from Slytherin a house made entirely of bullies, while James was in Gryffindor a house made entirely of heroic badasses [[/note]] and died thinking well in advance that the only thing he'd been living for was going to be ultimately worthless.]]. Although he is stoic enough to defeat the Dark Lord's mind-reading, he is also guilty frequent emotional outbursts whenever [[spoiler: James Potter's]] name comes up, also subverting this trope slightly.
* Huckleberry Finn in both ''Literature/TheAdventuresOfTomSawyer'' and ''Literature/AdventuresOfHuckleberryFinn''. The kid acts [[AngstWhatAngst pretty chill]] about the fact that [[MissingMom his mother is dead]], his father is an [[AbusiveParents abusive]] [[TheAlcoholic drunkard]], and he constantly sleeps out on the streets, even when there are deranged criminals on the loose. [[TearJerker That's because he's never known anything else]].
* Huckleberry Finn in both ''Literature/TheAdventuresOfTomSawyer'' and ''Literature/AdventuresOfHuckleberryFinn''. The kid acts [[AngstWhatAngst pretty chill]] about the fact that [[MissingMom his mother is dead]], his father is an [[AbusiveParents abusive]] [[TheAlcoholic drunkard]], and he constantly sleeps out on the streets, even when there are deranged criminals on the loose. [[TearJerker That's because he's never known anything else]].
to:
* ''Literature/HarryPotter'': Severus Snape. It's implied that his parents weren't exactly the best, and he lived a lonely childhood where [[spoiler: he was in love with Lily Potter, had to Catelyn Stark of ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire''. Readers see her eyes on the face of the man inner turmoil, but her own son wonders if she chose over him, [[note]] To further salt the wound, James Potter was his bully, which is ironic even remembers her losses. Won't show her pain to Jaime Lannister or Jon Snow. Arguably puts on a mask as Severus is a response to expectations of stoicism from Slytherin her environment, so she actually can admit when she needs a house made entirely of bullies, while James was in Gryffindor a house made entirely of heroic badasses [[/note]] hug.
* In the sixth ''Literature/SpellSinger'' novel, Cautious the Raccoon is this. Some time ago, his wife anddied thinking well infant children were killed in advance that the only thing he'd been living for was going a freak storm, as such he never shows any emotion, completely calm in every situation, never seeming to be ultimately worthless.]]. Although he is stoic care whatsoever about anything, though cares enough to defeat help others and admitted he was excited to travel the Dark Lord's mind-reading, world (even if he didn't show it). Though one scene in which Mudge the Otter told the "Funniest Joke Ever" [[NotSoStoic caused even him to roll on the ground laughing]] He is also guilty frequent emotional outbursts whenever [[spoiler: James Potter's]] name comes up, also subverting this trope slightly.
* Huckleberry Finn in both ''Literature/TheAdventuresOfTomSawyer'' and ''Literature/AdventuresOfHuckleberryFinn''. The kid acts [[AngstWhatAngstso devoid of emotion that when the party found a magic mirror which shows what you look like if your image reflected your personality, while the other characters looked either beautiful or hideous. His reflection was unchanged, his response was pretty chill]] about the fact that [[MissingMom his mother is dead]], his father is an [[AbusiveParents abusive]] [[TheAlcoholic drunkard]], and he constantly sleeps out on the streets, even when there are deranged criminals on the loose. [[TearJerker That's because he's never known anything else]].much "meh".
* In the sixth ''Literature/SpellSinger'' novel, Cautious the Raccoon is this. Some time ago, his wife and
* Huckleberry Finn in both ''Literature/TheAdventuresOfTomSawyer'' and ''Literature/AdventuresOfHuckleberryFinn''. The kid acts [[AngstWhatAngst
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* Matt from ''Literature/ThePowerOfFive'', by the last book. Also Pedro, who never really complains despite being a starving street urchin who spends most of his pagetime being hunted, abused, betrayed, nearly killed on several occasions and repeatedly exhausting himself trying to use his [[HealingHands power]] on grievously-injured people who often don't make it anyway.
* In ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'' book ''Literature/ColdDays'' reveals [[spoiler:[[TheFairFolk Queen Mab]] is one. Unlike Titania, she is governed by logic and reason. She will take the most calculated and simple path to get to her goal. That includes having to order Harry Dresden to kill her traitorous daughter. The reason she couldn't do it herself is that underneath it all, she still loves her daughter]].
* In the sixth ''Literature/SpellSinger'' novel, Cautious the Raccoon is this. Some time ago, his wife and infant children were killed in a freak storm, as such he never shows any emotion, completely calm in every situation, never seeming to care whatsoever about anything, though cares enough to help others and admitted he was excited to travel the world (even if he didn't show it). Though one scene in which Mudge the Otter told the "Funniest Joke Ever" [[NotSoStoic caused even him to roll on the ground laughing]] He is so devoid of emotion that when the party found a magic mirror which shows what you look like if your image reflected your personality, while the other characters looked either beautiful or hideous. His reflection was unchanged, his response was pretty much "meh".
* In ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'' book ''Literature/ColdDays'' reveals [[spoiler:[[TheFairFolk Queen Mab]] is one. Unlike Titania, she is governed by logic and reason. She will take the most calculated and simple path to get to her goal. That includes having to order Harry Dresden to kill her traitorous daughter. The reason she couldn't do it herself is that underneath it all, she still loves her daughter]].
* In the sixth ''Literature/SpellSinger'' novel, Cautious the Raccoon is this. Some time ago, his wife and infant children were killed in a freak storm, as such he never shows any emotion, completely calm in every situation, never seeming to care whatsoever about anything, though cares enough to help others and admitted he was excited to travel the world (even if he didn't show it). Though one scene in which Mudge the Otter told the "Funniest Joke Ever" [[NotSoStoic caused even him to roll on the ground laughing]] He is so devoid of emotion that when the party found a magic mirror which shows what you look like if your image reflected your personality, while the other characters looked either beautiful or hideous. His reflection was unchanged, his response was pretty much "meh".
to:
* Matt Roofshadow from ''Literature/ThePowerOfFive'', by ''Literature/TailchasersSong'' had a FriendlessBackground except for her brother Snufflenose. One day she came home to find [[EverybodysDeadDave her entire clan either dead or mysteriously disappeared]], with the last book. Also Pedro, who never really complains despite dead ones (including Snufflenose) torn to pieces. When Roofshadow went to the king and queen for help, they dismissed the incident as being a starving street urchin who spends most of his pagetime being hunted, abused, betrayed, nearly killed on several occasions and repeatedly exhausting himself trying to use his [[HealingHands power]] on grievously-injured people who often don't make it anyway.
* In ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'' book ''Literature/ColdDays'' reveals [[spoiler:[[TheFairFolk Queen Mab]] is one. Unlike Titania, she is governed by logic and reason. She will take the most calculated and simple path to get to her goal. That includes having to order Harry Dresden to kill her traitorous daughter. The reason she couldn't do it herself is that underneath it all, she still loves her daughter]].
* In the sixth ''Literature/SpellSinger'' novel, Cautious the Raccoon is this. Some time ago, his wife and infant children were killed in a freak storm, as such he never shows any emotion, completely calm in every situation, never seeming to care whatsoever about anything, though cares enough to help others and admitted he was excited to travel the world (even if he didn't show it). Though one scene in which Mudge the Otter told the "Funniest Joke Ever" [[NotSoStoiccaused even him by bears, leaving Roofshadow to roll on sit around aimlessly until she meets Tailchaser. Later in the ground laughing]] He is so devoid of emotion that when the party found a magic mirror which shows what you look like if your image reflected your personality, while the other characters looked either beautiful or hideous. His reflection was unchanged, his response was pretty much "meh".book, Roofshadow ends up captured alongside everyone else and almost ends up killed.
* In ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'' book ''Literature/ColdDays'' reveals [[spoiler:[[TheFairFolk Queen Mab]] is one. Unlike Titania, she is governed by logic and reason. She will take the most calculated and simple path to get to her goal. That includes having to order Harry Dresden to kill her traitorous daughter. The reason she couldn't do it herself is that underneath it all, she still loves her daughter]].
* In the sixth ''Literature/SpellSinger'' novel, Cautious the Raccoon is this. Some time ago, his wife and infant children were killed in a freak storm, as such he never shows any emotion, completely calm in every situation, never seeming to care whatsoever about anything, though cares enough to help others and admitted he was excited to travel the world (even if he didn't show it). Though one scene in which Mudge the Otter told the "Funniest Joke Ever" [[NotSoStoic
Changed line(s) 26,28 (click to see context) from:
* An emotionless Nezumi in ''Literature/BrokenGate''. It's clear her life has never really been happy and she only wanted to be free but that all changed when she and her older brother Ryuuji had a fight, over the latter's mistreatment. Besides roughly 100 years pragmatics and guarding the gate ([[spoiler:reopening the which will kill her]]), it's no surprise she's emotionless, as, odds are, her having emotions would probably make her situation worse.
* Dee from ''Literature/TheHeartsWeSold'' suffers emotional and financial abuse at the hands of her father, and has absolutely no self-esteem, but she doesn't complain. In fact, she doesn't show much emotion at all or discuss her home life or family with anyone. It's to the point where Gremma, her closest friend in the world, has ''no idea'' Dee's life is anything but happy and safe. Dee's stoicism comes from the fact that she had to learn how to hold back her emotions around her father, to avoid provoking him and making matters worse. Over the course of the story, Dee [[DefrostingIceQueen defrosts a bit]], and begins expressing her feelings a lot more.
* Roofshadow from ''Literature/TailchasersSong'' had a FriendlessBackground except for her brother Snufflenose. One day she came home to find [[EverybodysDeadDave her entire clan either dead or mysteriously disappeared]], with the dead ones (including Snufflenose) torn to pieces. When Roofshadow went to the king and queen for help, they dismissed the incident as being caused by bears, leaving Roofshadow to sit around aimlessly until she meets Tailchaser. Later in the book, Roofshadow ends up captured alongside everyone else and almost ends up killed.
* Dee from ''Literature/TheHeartsWeSold'' suffers emotional and financial abuse at the hands of her father, and has absolutely no self-esteem, but she doesn't complain. In fact, she doesn't show much emotion at all or discuss her home life or family with anyone. It's to the point where Gremma, her closest friend in the world, has ''no idea'' Dee's life is anything but happy and safe. Dee's stoicism comes from the fact that she had to learn how to hold back her emotions around her father, to avoid provoking him and making matters worse. Over the course of the story, Dee [[DefrostingIceQueen defrosts a bit]], and begins expressing her feelings a lot more.
* Roofshadow from ''Literature/TailchasersSong'' had a FriendlessBackground except for her brother Snufflenose. One day she came home to find [[EverybodysDeadDave her entire clan either dead or mysteriously disappeared]], with the dead ones (including Snufflenose) torn to pieces. When Roofshadow went to the king and queen for help, they dismissed the incident as being caused by bears, leaving Roofshadow to sit around aimlessly until she meets Tailchaser. Later in the book, Roofshadow ends up captured alongside everyone else and almost ends up killed.
to:
* Dee from ''Literature/TheHeartsWeSold'' suffers emotional and financial abuse at the hands of her father, and has absolutely no self-esteem, but she doesn't complain. In fact, she doesn't show much emotion at all or discuss her home life or family with anyone. It's to the point where Gremma, her closest friend in the world, has ''no idea'' Dee's life is anything but happy and safe. Dee's stoicism comes from the fact that she had to learn how to hold back her emotions around her father, to avoid provoking him and making matters worse. Over the course of the story, Dee [[DefrostingIceQueen defrosts a bit]], and begins expressing her feelings a lot more.
* Roofshadow from ''Literature/TailchasersSong'' had a FriendlessBackground except for her brother Snufflenose. One day she came home to find [[EverybodysDeadDave her entire clan either dead or mysteriously disappeared]], with the dead ones (including Snufflenose) torn to pieces. When Roofshadow went to the king and queen for help, they dismissed the incident as being caused by bears, leaving Roofshadow to sit around aimlessly until she meets Tailchaser. Later in the book, Roofshadow ends up captured alongside everyone else and almost ends up killed.
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Changed line(s) 26 (click to see context) from:
* An emotionless Nezumi in ''Broken Gate''. It's clear her life has never really been happy and she only wanted to be free but that all changed when she and her older brother Ryuuji had a fight, over the latter's mistreatment. Besides roughly 100 years pragmatics and guarding the gate ([[spoiler:reopening the which will kill her]]), it's no surprise she's emotionless, as, odds are, her having emotions would probably make her situation worse.
to:
* An emotionless Nezumi in ''Broken Gate''.''Literature/BrokenGate''. It's clear her life has never really been happy and she only wanted to be free but that all changed when she and her older brother Ryuuji had a fight, over the latter's mistreatment. Besides roughly 100 years pragmatics and guarding the gate ([[spoiler:reopening the which will kill her]]), it's no surprise she's emotionless, as, odds are, her having emotions would probably make her situation worse.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
comic book example goes on the comic book page
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* ComicBook/XWingSeries:
** Wedge Antilles, for that matter. [[http://scans-daily.dreamwidth.org/980722.html Pirates killed his parents]] when he was sixteen or seventeen. [[http://scans-daily.dreamwidth.org/1498235.html Imperials killed his girlfriend]] only a few years later. In both cases, and in plenty after that, he "[[PlotArmor luckily]]" survived. But he takes care to only express feelings of anger and helplessness when there's no one there to see - he takes being a ReasonableAuthorityFigure seriously. Must be part of the reason he and Tycho get on so well - they've both been hurt terribly, they've both had to pick up and keep going and have healed, more or less, even if there are scars.
** Tycho's wife keeps her emotions very tightly under control most of the time, leading some in-universe (as well as some fans) to see her as an [[IceQueen ice]] [[MeaningfulName queen]], but [[DefrostingIceQueen underneath it all]], she is a caring person, she just has to keep her emotions tightly under control after [[DoomedHometown her home planet (Alderaan) was destroyed]] because [[BlessedWithSuck thanks to her eidetic memory she remembers every single detail of what she lost]].
** Wedge Antilles, for that matter. [[http://scans-daily.dreamwidth.org/980722.html Pirates killed his parents]] when he was sixteen or seventeen. [[http://scans-daily.dreamwidth.org/1498235.html Imperials killed his girlfriend]] only a few years later. In both cases, and in plenty after that, he "[[PlotArmor luckily]]" survived. But he takes care to only express feelings of anger and helplessness when there's no one there to see - he takes being a ReasonableAuthorityFigure seriously. Must be part of the reason he and Tycho get on so well - they've both been hurt terribly, they've both had to pick up and keep going and have healed, more or less, even if there are scars.
** Tycho's wife keeps her emotions very tightly under control most of the time, leading some in-universe (as well as some fans) to see her as an [[IceQueen ice]] [[MeaningfulName queen]], but [[DefrostingIceQueen underneath it all]], she is a caring person, she just has to keep her emotions tightly under control after [[DoomedHometown her home planet (Alderaan) was destroyed]] because [[BlessedWithSuck thanks to her eidetic memory she remembers every single detail of what she lost]].
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** Galadriel didn't have it easy either. She has been fighting the Long Defeat since before the first rising of the Sun, all her family that came with her in Middle-Earth from Valinor is dead, she has been here to see all the failures of her people, and her daughter was tortured by orcs until she was so damaged she had to leave this earth to find peace. Despite all this, she is still very supportive of Aragorn in his quest to win Arwen's hand, even if her grand-daughter choosing a mortal life means she will lose her forever.
to:
** Galadriel didn't have it easy either. She has been fighting the Long Defeat since before the first rising of the Sun, all of her family that came with her in Middle-Earth from Valinor is dead, she has been here to see all the failures of her people, and her daughter was tortured by orcs until she was so damaged she had to leave this earth to find peace. Despite all this, she is still very supportive of Aragorn in his quest to win Arwen's hand, even if her grand-daughter choosing a mortal life means she will lose her forever.
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* Precious in ''Literature/{{Push}}''. Even though she has two children by her father, one of which has Down's Syndrome, and she is repeatedly raped by her mother as well, she rarely shows much emotion. In fact there is only one scene in the book when she truly breaks down and can't take it anymore.
to:
* Precious in ''Literature/{{Push}}''. Even though she has two children by her father, one of which has Down's Syndrome, and she is repeatedly raped by her mother as well, she rarely shows much emotion. In fact fact, there is only one scene in the book when she truly breaks down and can't take it anymore.
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* In ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'' book ''Literature/ColdDays'' reveals [[spoiler:[[TheFairFolk Queen Mab]] is one. Unlike Titania, she is governed by logic and reason. She will take the most calculated and simple path to get to her goal. That includes having to order Harry Dresden to kill her traitorous daughter. The reason she couldn't do it herself is because underneath it all, she still loves her daughter]].
to:
* In ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'' book ''Literature/ColdDays'' reveals [[spoiler:[[TheFairFolk Queen Mab]] is one. Unlike Titania, she is governed by logic and reason. She will take the most calculated and simple path to get to her goal. That includes having to order Harry Dresden to kill her traitorous daughter. The reason she couldn't do it herself is because that underneath it all, she still loves her daughter]].
Changed line(s) 30 (click to see context) from:
* Dee from ''Literature/TheHeartsWeSold'' suffers emotional and financial abuse at the hands of her father, and has absolutely no self-esteem, but she doesn't complain. In fact, she doesn't show much emotion at all, or discuss her home life or family with anyone. It's to the point where Gremma, her closest friend in the world, has ''no idea'' Dee's life is anything but happy and safe. Dee's stoicism comes from the fact that she had to learn how to hold back her emotions around her father, to avoid provoking him and making matters worse. Over the course of the story, Dee [[DefrostingIceQueen defrosts a bit]], and begins expressing her feelings a lot more.
to:
* Dee from ''Literature/TheHeartsWeSold'' suffers emotional and financial abuse at the hands of her father, and has absolutely no self-esteem, but she doesn't complain. In fact, she doesn't show much emotion at all, all or discuss her home life or family with anyone. It's to the point where Gremma, her closest friend in the world, has ''no idea'' Dee's life is anything but happy and safe. Dee's stoicism comes from the fact that she had to learn how to hold back her emotions around her father, to avoid provoking him and making matters worse. Over the course of the story, Dee [[DefrostingIceQueen defrosts a bit]], and begins expressing her feelings a lot more.
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* ''Literature/HarryPotter'': Severus Snape. It's implied that his parents weren't exactly the best, and he lived a lonely childhood where [[spoiler: he was in love with Lily Potter, had to see her eyes on the face of the man she chose over him, [[note]] To further salt the wound, James Potter was his bully, which is ironic as Severus is from Slytherin a house made entirely of bullies, while James was in Gryffindor a house made entirely of heroic badasses [[/note]] and died thinking well in advance that the only thing he'd been living for was going to be ultimately worthless.]]. Slightly [[SubvertedTrope subverted]] in that Snape frequently does show his anger and hateful jealousy towards Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and basically anyone who is not a Slytherin (including ridiculing and bullying an 11-year-old child for not knowing later-grade trivia in his first-ever class about magic) due to his "tragic backstory." Although he is stoic enough to defeat the Dark Lord's mind-reading, he is also guilty frequent emotional outbursts whenever [[spoiler: James Potter's]] name comes up, also subverting this trope slightly.
to:
* ''Literature/HarryPotter'': Severus Snape. It's implied that his parents weren't exactly the best, and he lived a lonely childhood where [[spoiler: he was in love with Lily Potter, had to see her eyes on the face of the man she chose over him, [[note]] To further salt the wound, James Potter was his bully, which is ironic as Severus is from Slytherin a house made entirely of bullies, while James was in Gryffindor a house made entirely of heroic badasses [[/note]] and died thinking well in advance that the only thing he'd been living for was going to be ultimately worthless.]]. Slightly [[SubvertedTrope subverted]] in that Snape frequently does show his anger and hateful jealousy towards Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and basically anyone who is not a Slytherin (including ridiculing and bullying an 11-year-old child for not knowing later-grade trivia in his first-ever class about magic) due to his "tragic backstory." Although he is stoic enough to defeat the Dark Lord's mind-reading, he is also guilty frequent emotional outbursts whenever [[spoiler: James Potter's]] name comes up, also subverting this trope slightly.
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None
Changed line(s) 22 (click to see context) from:
* ''Literature/HarryPotter'': Severus Snape. It's implied that his parents weren't exactly the best, and he lived a lonely childhood where [[spoiler: he was in love with Lily Potter, had to see her eyes on the face of the man she chose over him, [[note]] To further salt the wound, James Potter was his bully, which is ironic as Severus is from Slytherin a house made entirely of bullies, while James was in Gryffindor a house made entirely of heroic badasses [[/note]] and died thinking well in advance that the only thing he'd been living for was going to be ultimately worthless.]]. Slightly [[SubvertedTrope subverted]] in that Snape frequently does show his anger and hateful jealousy towards Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and basically anyone who is not a Slytherin due to his tragic backstory. He is also guilty frequent emotional outbursts whenever [[spoiler: James Potter's]] name comes up.
to:
* ''Literature/HarryPotter'': Severus Snape. It's implied that his parents weren't exactly the best, and he lived a lonely childhood where [[spoiler: he was in love with Lily Potter, had to see her eyes on the face of the man she chose over him, [[note]] To further salt the wound, James Potter was his bully, which is ironic as Severus is from Slytherin a house made entirely of bullies, while James was in Gryffindor a house made entirely of heroic badasses [[/note]] and died thinking well in advance that the only thing he'd been living for was going to be ultimately worthless.]]. Slightly [[SubvertedTrope subverted]] in that Snape frequently does show his anger and hateful jealousy towards Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and basically anyone who is not a Slytherin (including ridiculing and bullying an 11-year-old child for not knowing later-grade trivia in his first-ever class about magic) due to his tragic backstory. He "tragic backstory." Although he is stoic enough to defeat the Dark Lord's mind-reading, he is also guilty frequent emotional outbursts whenever [[spoiler: James Potter's]] name comes up.up, also subverting this trope slightly.
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I forgot to mention this.
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%%Good Evening Editors, If you wish to add more woobies, please consult the cleanup thread: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=15391212720A38366900&page=1
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%%If you see a character listed as a Complete Monster, they don't belong here.
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%%If you see a character listed as a Complete Monster, they don't belong here.
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* ''Literature/HarryPotter'': Severus Snape. It's implied that his parents weren't exactly the best, and he lived a lonely childhood where [[spoiler: he was in love with Lily Potter, had to see her eyes on the face of the man she chose over him, [[note]] To further salt the wound, James Potter was his bully, which is ironic as Severus is from Slytherin a house made entirely of bullies, while James was in Gryffindor a house made entirely of heroic badasses [[/note]] and died thinking well in advance that the only thing he'd been living for was going to be ultimately worthless.]]
to:
* ''Literature/HarryPotter'': Severus Snape. It's implied that his parents weren't exactly the best, and he lived a lonely childhood where [[spoiler: he was in love with Lily Potter, had to see her eyes on the face of the man she chose over him, [[note]] To further salt the wound, James Potter was his bully, which is ironic as Severus is from Slytherin a house made entirely of bullies, while James was in Gryffindor a house made entirely of heroic badasses [[/note]] and died thinking well in advance that the only thing he'd been living for was going to be ultimately worthless.]]]]. Slightly [[SubvertedTrope subverted]] in that Snape frequently does show his anger and hateful jealousy towards Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and basically anyone who is not a Slytherin due to his tragic backstory. He is also guilty frequent emotional outbursts whenever [[spoiler: James Potter's]] name comes up.
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Added DiffLines:
* In ''Literature/DragonBones'', Oreg shows signs of PTSD; but never complains about his fate. After hundreds of years [[MadeASlave of being enslaved]] to the head of the Hurog family, passed on from father to son, he knows that complaining won't help. There is only a hint of bitterness in his voice when he explains to Ward what, exactly, [[GeniusLoci he is.]] [[PoweredByAForsakenChild He is Castle Hurog]], a [[EvilSorcerer wizard]] did it. There's also [[spoiler: Garranon]], who cannot let anyone know that he's suffering, so he's even more stoic than Oreg.
* ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings'':
** It isn't ever outright stated, but Elrond's life [[TraumaCongaLine severely sucked]]. His [[ParentalAbandonment parents]] and his wife leave for Valinor long before he does. His twin brother, his daughter, and possibly his twin sons choose to be counted among the Men rather than the Elves; when he sails West to reunite with his wife, he knows that Arwen at least is lost to him even beyond the end of the world.
** Galadriel didn't have it easy either. She has been fighting the Long Defeat since before the first rising of the Sun, all her family that came with her in Middle-Earth from Valinor is dead, she has been here to see all the failures of her people, and her daughter was tortured by orcs until she was so damaged she had to leave this earth to find peace. Despite all this, she is still very supportive of Aragorn in his quest to win Arwen's hand, even if her grand-daughter choosing a mortal life means she will lose her forever.
** Faramir also qualifies. In the Houses of Healing, his mother is long dead, his brother is recently dead, his father is very recently dead (and they had a bitter parting, what with him admitting he'd rather his brother survived in his stead and all), his culture is slowly declining, they have almost no hope of success (unless a small hobbit in Mordor can throw the One Ring into Mount Doom - unlikely), he is wounded and reduced to inaction while all his remaining friends and family are away on a desperate suicide mission to try and hold Sauron's attention for a while, and he will be expected to lead the last futile defense of his people should this plan fail. He doesn't complain, and can still find it in himself to sympathize with Éowyn's predicament and smile at her.
* ComicBook/XWingSeries:
** Wedge Antilles, for that matter. [[http://scans-daily.dreamwidth.org/980722.html Pirates killed his parents]] when he was sixteen or seventeen. [[http://scans-daily.dreamwidth.org/1498235.html Imperials killed his girlfriend]] only a few years later. In both cases, and in plenty after that, he "[[PlotArmor luckily]]" survived. But he takes care to only express feelings of anger and helplessness when there's no one there to see - he takes being a ReasonableAuthorityFigure seriously. Must be part of the reason he and Tycho get on so well - they've both been hurt terribly, they've both had to pick up and keep going and have healed, more or less, even if there are scars.
** Tycho's wife keeps her emotions very tightly under control most of the time, leading some in-universe (as well as some fans) to see her as an [[IceQueen ice]] [[MeaningfulName queen]], but [[DefrostingIceQueen underneath it all]], she is a caring person, she just has to keep her emotions tightly under control after [[DoomedHometown her home planet (Alderaan) was destroyed]] because [[BlessedWithSuck thanks to her eidetic memory she remembers every single detail of what she lost]].
* Araris Valerian in ''Literature/CodexAlera''. For someone made of solid badass and ImplausibleFencingPowers, he takes a ''ton'' of abuse, and he has [[FailureKnight very sympathetic motivations]]. Yet he's so {{stoic}} even Isana, one of the most powerful [[TheEmpath empaths]] in the setting, usually can't tell what he's feeling.
* Creator/JaneAusten [[AuthorAppeal loves this trope]]:
** Elinor Dashwood of ''Literature/SenseAndSensibility''. She would like to complain, but she can't, as she has promised to her rival in love that she will tell no one of the engagement to Edward (whom Elinor herself loves). [[IGaveMyWord She takes this very seriously.]]
** Fanny Price of ''Literature/MansfieldPark'', probably the most extreme of the 3. Comes from a poor family, was adopted by her aunt and uncle, is treated like a lady's maid by her aunt, and fell in love with her cousin, who plans to marry the neighbour girl. Only when he tries to get her to marry the neighbour boy, who is a rake and plays with women's feelings, does she object.
* Catelyn Stark of ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire''. Readers see her inner turmoil, but her own son wonders if she even remembers her losses. Won't show her pain to Jaime Lannister or Jon Snow. Arguably puts on a mask as a response to expectations of stoicism from her environment, so she actually can admit when she needs a hug.
* Precious in ''Literature/{{Push}}''. Even though she has two children by her father, one of which has Down's Syndrome, and she is repeatedly raped by her mother as well, she rarely shows much emotion. In fact there is only one scene in the book when she truly breaks down and can't take it anymore.
* ''Literature/HarryPotter'': Severus Snape. It's implied that his parents weren't exactly the best, and he lived a lonely childhood where [[spoiler: he was in love with Lily Potter, had to see her eyes on the face of the man she chose over him, [[note]] To further salt the wound, James Potter was his bully, which is ironic as Severus is from Slytherin a house made entirely of bullies, while James was in Gryffindor a house made entirely of heroic badasses [[/note]] and died thinking well in advance that the only thing he'd been living for was going to be ultimately worthless.]]
* Huckleberry Finn in both ''Literature/TheAdventuresOfTomSawyer'' and ''Literature/AdventuresOfHuckleberryFinn''. The kid acts [[AngstWhatAngst pretty chill]] about the fact that [[MissingMom his mother is dead]], his father is an [[AbusiveParents abusive]] [[TheAlcoholic drunkard]], and he constantly sleeps out on the streets, even when there are deranged criminals on the loose. [[TearJerker That's because he's never known anything else]].
* Fiona Patton's ''[[Literature/TalesOfTheBranionRealm The Stone Prince]]'' has that title for precisely this reason. It's about a Crown Prince who has been raised by his [[GodSaveUsFromTheQueen mother]] to be utterly [[TheStoic stoic]], and his life has been framed by assassination attempts, a [[DeadlyDecadentCourt lot of scheming]], and a literal [[RebelPrince rebellion]]. It is not until he inherits the throne that he starts to shake off the hard, unyielding mask forced on him by duty.
* Matt from ''Literature/ThePowerOfFive'', by the last book. Also Pedro, who never really complains despite being a starving street urchin who spends most of his pagetime being hunted, abused, betrayed, nearly killed on several occasions and repeatedly exhausting himself trying to use his [[HealingHands power]] on grievously-injured people who often don't make it anyway.
* In ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'' book ''Literature/ColdDays'' reveals [[spoiler:[[TheFairFolk Queen Mab]] is one. Unlike Titania, she is governed by logic and reason. She will take the most calculated and simple path to get to her goal. That includes having to order Harry Dresden to kill her traitorous daughter. The reason she couldn't do it herself is because underneath it all, she still loves her daughter]].
* In the sixth ''Literature/SpellSinger'' novel, Cautious the Raccoon is this. Some time ago, his wife and infant children were killed in a freak storm, as such he never shows any emotion, completely calm in every situation, never seeming to care whatsoever about anything, though cares enough to help others and admitted he was excited to travel the world (even if he didn't show it). Though one scene in which Mudge the Otter told the "Funniest Joke Ever" [[NotSoStoic caused even him to roll on the ground laughing]] He is so devoid of emotion that when the party found a magic mirror which shows what you look like if your image reflected your personality, while the other characters looked either beautiful or hideous. His reflection was unchanged, his response was pretty much "meh".
* ''Literature/WingsOfFire'': Glory grew up in confinement, knowing only seven other dragons for most of her life. She became the UnFavorite in the eyes of her guardians [[FantasticRacism due to her race,]] and she was physically abused as a result. As a result, Glory developed serious [[BoomerangBigot boomerang bigotry]]. At one point, Kestrel even attempts to assassinate her over it. There's also the question of her (lack of) position in the prophecy. This is made even worse by the revelation that [[spoiler:the prophecy was made up, and all her suffering was ''needless''.]] Glory hates to show emotion, mostly because her emotions tend to literally spill all over her scales, and she usually claims that she couldn't care less.
* An emotionless Nezumi in ''Broken Gate''. It's clear her life has never really been happy and she only wanted to be free but that all changed when she and her older brother Ryuuji had a fight, over the latter's mistreatment. Besides roughly 100 years pragmatics and guarding the gate ([[spoiler:reopening the which will kill her]]), it's no surprise she's emotionless, as, odds are, her having emotions would probably make her situation worse.
* Dee from ''Literature/TheHeartsWeSold'' suffers emotional and financial abuse at the hands of her father, and has absolutely no self-esteem, but she doesn't complain. In fact, she doesn't show much emotion at all, or discuss her home life or family with anyone. It's to the point where Gremma, her closest friend in the world, has ''no idea'' Dee's life is anything but happy and safe. Dee's stoicism comes from the fact that she had to learn how to hold back her emotions around her father, to avoid provoking him and making matters worse. Over the course of the story, Dee [[DefrostingIceQueen defrosts a bit]], and begins expressing her feelings a lot more.
* Roofshadow from ''Literature/TailchasersSong'' had a FriendlessBackground except for her brother Snufflenose. One day she came home to find [[EverybodysDeadDave her entire clan either dead or mysteriously disappeared]], with the dead ones (including Snufflenose) torn to pieces. When Roofshadow went to the king and queen for help, they dismissed the incident as being caused by bears, leaving Roofshadow to sit around aimlessly until she meets Tailchaser. Later in the book, Roofshadow ends up captured alongside everyone else and almost ends up killed.
* ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings'':
** It isn't ever outright stated, but Elrond's life [[TraumaCongaLine severely sucked]]. His [[ParentalAbandonment parents]] and his wife leave for Valinor long before he does. His twin brother, his daughter, and possibly his twin sons choose to be counted among the Men rather than the Elves; when he sails West to reunite with his wife, he knows that Arwen at least is lost to him even beyond the end of the world.
** Galadriel didn't have it easy either. She has been fighting the Long Defeat since before the first rising of the Sun, all her family that came with her in Middle-Earth from Valinor is dead, she has been here to see all the failures of her people, and her daughter was tortured by orcs until she was so damaged she had to leave this earth to find peace. Despite all this, she is still very supportive of Aragorn in his quest to win Arwen's hand, even if her grand-daughter choosing a mortal life means she will lose her forever.
** Faramir also qualifies. In the Houses of Healing, his mother is long dead, his brother is recently dead, his father is very recently dead (and they had a bitter parting, what with him admitting he'd rather his brother survived in his stead and all), his culture is slowly declining, they have almost no hope of success (unless a small hobbit in Mordor can throw the One Ring into Mount Doom - unlikely), he is wounded and reduced to inaction while all his remaining friends and family are away on a desperate suicide mission to try and hold Sauron's attention for a while, and he will be expected to lead the last futile defense of his people should this plan fail. He doesn't complain, and can still find it in himself to sympathize with Éowyn's predicament and smile at her.
* ComicBook/XWingSeries:
** Wedge Antilles, for that matter. [[http://scans-daily.dreamwidth.org/980722.html Pirates killed his parents]] when he was sixteen or seventeen. [[http://scans-daily.dreamwidth.org/1498235.html Imperials killed his girlfriend]] only a few years later. In both cases, and in plenty after that, he "[[PlotArmor luckily]]" survived. But he takes care to only express feelings of anger and helplessness when there's no one there to see - he takes being a ReasonableAuthorityFigure seriously. Must be part of the reason he and Tycho get on so well - they've both been hurt terribly, they've both had to pick up and keep going and have healed, more or less, even if there are scars.
** Tycho's wife keeps her emotions very tightly under control most of the time, leading some in-universe (as well as some fans) to see her as an [[IceQueen ice]] [[MeaningfulName queen]], but [[DefrostingIceQueen underneath it all]], she is a caring person, she just has to keep her emotions tightly under control after [[DoomedHometown her home planet (Alderaan) was destroyed]] because [[BlessedWithSuck thanks to her eidetic memory she remembers every single detail of what she lost]].
* Araris Valerian in ''Literature/CodexAlera''. For someone made of solid badass and ImplausibleFencingPowers, he takes a ''ton'' of abuse, and he has [[FailureKnight very sympathetic motivations]]. Yet he's so {{stoic}} even Isana, one of the most powerful [[TheEmpath empaths]] in the setting, usually can't tell what he's feeling.
* Creator/JaneAusten [[AuthorAppeal loves this trope]]:
** Elinor Dashwood of ''Literature/SenseAndSensibility''. She would like to complain, but she can't, as she has promised to her rival in love that she will tell no one of the engagement to Edward (whom Elinor herself loves). [[IGaveMyWord She takes this very seriously.]]
** Fanny Price of ''Literature/MansfieldPark'', probably the most extreme of the 3. Comes from a poor family, was adopted by her aunt and uncle, is treated like a lady's maid by her aunt, and fell in love with her cousin, who plans to marry the neighbour girl. Only when he tries to get her to marry the neighbour boy, who is a rake and plays with women's feelings, does she object.
* Catelyn Stark of ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire''. Readers see her inner turmoil, but her own son wonders if she even remembers her losses. Won't show her pain to Jaime Lannister or Jon Snow. Arguably puts on a mask as a response to expectations of stoicism from her environment, so she actually can admit when she needs a hug.
* Precious in ''Literature/{{Push}}''. Even though she has two children by her father, one of which has Down's Syndrome, and she is repeatedly raped by her mother as well, she rarely shows much emotion. In fact there is only one scene in the book when she truly breaks down and can't take it anymore.
* ''Literature/HarryPotter'': Severus Snape. It's implied that his parents weren't exactly the best, and he lived a lonely childhood where [[spoiler: he was in love with Lily Potter, had to see her eyes on the face of the man she chose over him, [[note]] To further salt the wound, James Potter was his bully, which is ironic as Severus is from Slytherin a house made entirely of bullies, while James was in Gryffindor a house made entirely of heroic badasses [[/note]] and died thinking well in advance that the only thing he'd been living for was going to be ultimately worthless.]]
* Huckleberry Finn in both ''Literature/TheAdventuresOfTomSawyer'' and ''Literature/AdventuresOfHuckleberryFinn''. The kid acts [[AngstWhatAngst pretty chill]] about the fact that [[MissingMom his mother is dead]], his father is an [[AbusiveParents abusive]] [[TheAlcoholic drunkard]], and he constantly sleeps out on the streets, even when there are deranged criminals on the loose. [[TearJerker That's because he's never known anything else]].
* Fiona Patton's ''[[Literature/TalesOfTheBranionRealm The Stone Prince]]'' has that title for precisely this reason. It's about a Crown Prince who has been raised by his [[GodSaveUsFromTheQueen mother]] to be utterly [[TheStoic stoic]], and his life has been framed by assassination attempts, a [[DeadlyDecadentCourt lot of scheming]], and a literal [[RebelPrince rebellion]]. It is not until he inherits the throne that he starts to shake off the hard, unyielding mask forced on him by duty.
* Matt from ''Literature/ThePowerOfFive'', by the last book. Also Pedro, who never really complains despite being a starving street urchin who spends most of his pagetime being hunted, abused, betrayed, nearly killed on several occasions and repeatedly exhausting himself trying to use his [[HealingHands power]] on grievously-injured people who often don't make it anyway.
* In ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'' book ''Literature/ColdDays'' reveals [[spoiler:[[TheFairFolk Queen Mab]] is one. Unlike Titania, she is governed by logic and reason. She will take the most calculated and simple path to get to her goal. That includes having to order Harry Dresden to kill her traitorous daughter. The reason she couldn't do it herself is because underneath it all, she still loves her daughter]].
* In the sixth ''Literature/SpellSinger'' novel, Cautious the Raccoon is this. Some time ago, his wife and infant children were killed in a freak storm, as such he never shows any emotion, completely calm in every situation, never seeming to care whatsoever about anything, though cares enough to help others and admitted he was excited to travel the world (even if he didn't show it). Though one scene in which Mudge the Otter told the "Funniest Joke Ever" [[NotSoStoic caused even him to roll on the ground laughing]] He is so devoid of emotion that when the party found a magic mirror which shows what you look like if your image reflected your personality, while the other characters looked either beautiful or hideous. His reflection was unchanged, his response was pretty much "meh".
* ''Literature/WingsOfFire'': Glory grew up in confinement, knowing only seven other dragons for most of her life. She became the UnFavorite in the eyes of her guardians [[FantasticRacism due to her race,]] and she was physically abused as a result. As a result, Glory developed serious [[BoomerangBigot boomerang bigotry]]. At one point, Kestrel even attempts to assassinate her over it. There's also the question of her (lack of) position in the prophecy. This is made even worse by the revelation that [[spoiler:the prophecy was made up, and all her suffering was ''needless''.]] Glory hates to show emotion, mostly because her emotions tend to literally spill all over her scales, and she usually claims that she couldn't care less.
* An emotionless Nezumi in ''Broken Gate''. It's clear her life has never really been happy and she only wanted to be free but that all changed when she and her older brother Ryuuji had a fight, over the latter's mistreatment. Besides roughly 100 years pragmatics and guarding the gate ([[spoiler:reopening the which will kill her]]), it's no surprise she's emotionless, as, odds are, her having emotions would probably make her situation worse.
* Dee from ''Literature/TheHeartsWeSold'' suffers emotional and financial abuse at the hands of her father, and has absolutely no self-esteem, but she doesn't complain. In fact, she doesn't show much emotion at all, or discuss her home life or family with anyone. It's to the point where Gremma, her closest friend in the world, has ''no idea'' Dee's life is anything but happy and safe. Dee's stoicism comes from the fact that she had to learn how to hold back her emotions around her father, to avoid provoking him and making matters worse. Over the course of the story, Dee [[DefrostingIceQueen defrosts a bit]], and begins expressing her feelings a lot more.
* Roofshadow from ''Literature/TailchasersSong'' had a FriendlessBackground except for her brother Snufflenose. One day she came home to find [[EverybodysDeadDave her entire clan either dead or mysteriously disappeared]], with the dead ones (including Snufflenose) torn to pieces. When Roofshadow went to the king and queen for help, they dismissed the incident as being caused by bears, leaving Roofshadow to sit around aimlessly until she meets Tailchaser. Later in the book, Roofshadow ends up captured alongside everyone else and almost ends up killed.
