Sometimes also called redeemed characters, redeemed villains, or former villains, these are characters who went from antagonists to at the very least, good characters, or supporting protagonists. Many antagonists walk a thin line between good and evil; indeed, many villains have been redeemed into remorse, sympathy or even empathy, and once arrogant villains ascend further into the path of good, often protecting or fighting alongside people they once fought against, they begin to turn away from their old ways.

Originally antagonists or forces of evil, these characters turn good due to events in their lives, such as an idealism or encouragement from another hero, their positive change of heart, a good relationship with others (perhaps a successful love story), recognizing their own inner goodness and capacity for good, betrayal or any other unresolved traumatic experience in which they question whether or not the dark side is worth fighting for. However, some villains may turn for more satisfying reasons.

These types of characters are the polar opposite of Fallen Characters.