They don't necessarily have to die, (though they can) but that they give their mind, body and soul for the greater good. This might be a deep cut for this community, but I'm looking for something like Solid Snake's character arc in the Metal Gear Solid series. Frodo from LotR also meets this criteria pretty well. I am happy with any genre.
Some favorite books if it helps: Lonesome Dove, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, Lord of the Rings, 1Q84.
by Affectionate-Flan-99