Villains who are the opposite of what many expect from an antagonistic "boss"; they genuinely care for another being. Whether it be paternal/maternal, romantic, or simply a "matter of principle", these villains will not only treat their minions or leaders well, but can also at times go into a rage when they are threatened or harmed and they are willing to go out of their way to save them at their own risks (e.g. Blitzo, Misa Amane, Teru Mikami, Rem).

Sometimes, this can be because the minions or leaders are related to the villain, the villain's lovers, friends, or (as mentioned above) the villain genuinely values those who aid them.

IMPORTANT: Pure Evil villains CANNOT be in this category, because they do not care about the well-being or safety of anyone (except for themselves). Even if in some cases, they seemingly show care to someone, it is only for pragmatic reasons and they will not hesitate to let throw them under the bus the second they're no longer useful (e.g. Lord Voldemort, Blackbeard, William Afton, Judge Claude Frollo, Princess Shroob, The Master (Harold Saxon), Boris the Animal, Diavolo, Ghirahim, and All For One). Even if they did genuinely love or care for someone at some point in their lives, they end up completely discarding it and no longer have such a redeeming quality (e.g. Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear, Dio Brando, Ego, Dr. Robotnik, Eobard Thawne, Zoom, Mysterio, Lucifer, Griffith, Emperor Belos, Drago Bludvist, and King Boo).

However, despite the fact a genuinely protective villain is never purely evil, some of them can still be psychopaths if their protectiveness towards certain people doesn't contradict their lack of empathy toward everyone else (e.g. Jack Welker, Penguin (Batman Returns), Rumpelstiltskin, Randall, Tommy DeVito, Azazel, William Birkin, Lalo Salamanca, Queen Ingrith, Killian, Hiro Shishigami, and Aaron the Moor). On the other hand, it can be a redeeming quality to some villains if they are willing to change for the person they're protective of (e.g. Ken, Beast, The Prowler, Heinz Doofenshmirtz, Felonious Gru, John Silver, Loki Laufeyson, Goro Akechi, Nebula, and Yondu Udonta).

Also, DO NOT add characters like these even if they are not Pure Evil:

• Villains who genuinely care for another, but aren't shown to be protective of them, making it minimal (e.g. Adam (Hazbin Hotel), Lord Shen, Sergeant Major Gross, Carmilla, Isabel Aretas, Phineas T. Ratchet, Finnegrin, Professor Ratigan, and Captain Gutt).
• Villains whose care is extremely twisted due to their willingness to cause intentional harm to the people they should care for (e.g. Odin, Eric Cartman, Thanos (MCU), Sofia Lamb, Johan Liebert, Preston Northwest, The Grabber, Isaiah Johnson, and Azula).
• Villains who fondly mention loved ones who have passed away, but it's not shown whether they were really protective of them (e.g. Hopper, Shere Khan, Orin Scrivello, Beadle Bamford, Wilson Arch, and Commander Tartar).
• Villains who are protective of others solely for pragmatic reasons such as power, evil goals, or greed (e.g. Madame Medusa, Pristine Figg, Cackletta, Antasma, Bloody Mary, Fawful, and Clay Varris).
• Villains who used to be protective and caring of another, but not anymore (e.g. Dabi, Lulu, Kai the Collector, Montgomery de la Cruz, Jack Merridew, Koba, PAL, Bertram, and Doma).

This category is ONLY for villains who still have genuine care for the well-being of people, animals, etc. For villains who protect things or places (including those labeled as Pure Evil), see the Guardians category instead.