General terms:
* Protagonist: The main character, often considered the "good guy" but not always.
* Hero/Heroine: Typically the central figure who embodies courage, morality, and often overcomes challenges.
* Moral compass: A character who acts as a voice of reason or conscience, guiding others towards ethical behavior.
* Virtuous: A character who embodies positive qualities like honesty, kindness, and compassion.
* Upstanding citizen: A character who follows the law, upholds social norms, and contributes positively to society.
Terms specific to genres:
* Saintly: Often used in religious or fantasy contexts to describe characters of exceptional virtue.
* Champion: Used in adventure or fantasy stories to refer to a hero who fights for a noble cause.
* Guardian: Often found in fantasy or science fiction, this character protects others and ensures safety.
* Benevolent: Describing characters who act out of kindness and concern for others.
More nuanced terms:
* Idealistic: Characters who hold strong moral beliefs and strive for perfection.
* Empathetic: Characters who understand and share the feelings of others.
* Selfless: Characters who prioritize the needs of others above their own.
* Compassionate: Characters who show kindness and concern for those who are suffering.
* Altruistic: Characters who act out of a selfless desire to help others.
Ultimately, the best way to describe "good people" in a book is to focus on their specific actions and motivations. It's the deeds, not the labels, that truly define a character.