I'm looking for fiction books (genre doesn't matter but the closer to realistic/contemporary the better) that do a good job portraying a character similar to the following:
A professional (military leader, head of a hospital department, business owner, crime boss, etc, OR a second in command/advisor to a similar role) who takes his responsibilities very seriously. Life taught him grit but also empathy. He’s selective with the people he allows close and comes off as a strict hardass in his line of work. The select few know his warmer, fun side. He cares for people in his orbit, subordinates and family alike, and he makes it his business to know and meet their needs whenever possible. Losing people or being defeated is always taking its toll on him, even if he doesn’t allow himself to show it.
by Hot_Tiger33109
1 Comment
Ivan, the mentor figure in The Villains Code fits this in his villainous persona, and to a lesser extent in his civilian one.
He is a cold harted bastard to most, and will kill you at the drop of a hat if you deserve it… that being said, he will go to absurd lengths to protect the people he cares about.