@Meddle if it will help you with your research, it would be interesting to note that Naofumi (MC of Shield Hero) does some bad things but is still appealing to the audience. His treatment of Raphtalia is pretty cruel (https://www.animefeminist.com/power-oppression-and-victimhood-in-the-twelve-kingdoms-versus-the-rising-of-the-shield-hero/) but he gains sympathy from the audience through his victmhood.