You know I've seen lots of tumblr posts talking about solid writing for male characters that gives them a genuine personality and goes a long way towards explaining why the female main character would develop romantic feelings instead of it just being "Girl + Boy movie equation." Especially in kids media, like David from Lilo and Stitch or Prince Naveen. But you wanna know who I think is one of the original solidly well written male characters with positive personality traits that develop completely outside of his romantic interest? Who shows an effort to make genuine, honest communication with his love interest? Who goes out of his way to put himself in danger for the sake of doing something good and not to garner "positivity" points with said love interest or increase his chances of winning her affection? Who treats everyone equally regardless of their social or financial status?
This guy. Abraham de Lacy Giuseppe Casey Thomas O'Malley. Despite his initial interest in Duchess, he respects her rejection and offers to take the family home because they have been misplaced. He repeatedly places himself in harm's way to save the kittens from danger, not to gain Duchess affection but because they are children and that is what you are supposed to do. He feeds the children when Duchess cannot and goes to the effort to not only introduce them to his friends, but to make sure they enjoy the evening teaching them to dance and swing. And when he and Duchess do get together, O'Malley does not treat his alley friends any different, or look down upon them. Instead, he and Duchess share their home with their new friends and their blended family. The absolute best step parent if there ever was one.
