Do we like Geralt of Rivia?
A character from The Witcher (Andrzej Sapkowski's saga) (1986–2013)
Our score: 8 out of 10. Gruff, sarcastic and always broke, but he keeps choosing the decent option while insisting he doesn't. We'd happily back him and bring snacks for his horse.
Geralt is a witcher, one of a dwindling order of trained and magically altered monster slayers. Witchers take contracts to deal with beasts, curses and other nasties. He travels a grim, politically messy fantasy continent with his sword, his potions and his dry wit. People tend to call on him when they're desperate, then resent him once the job is done.
His creed is neutrality: he doesn't pick sides, doesn't meddle in politics, and doesn't want to be anybody's hero. The stories keep testing that. Kings, sorcerers and ordinary folk all ask him for help, and he nearly always ends up doing the right thing, grumbling all the way. He's cynical and prickly, but he is also loyal, honest and kind in a way he'd deny under oath.
That's why he scores well. His moral code is stronger than he admits, and he'll take a worse deal to protect someone vulnerable. He loses points for his stubbornness, his habit of avoiding hard choices, and a body count that isn't always spotless. Still, he's the kind of grumpy, reliable friend we'd want at our back.