Often used in contrast with 悪玉 (bad guy), especially in stories or moral contexts. Can sound slightly old-fashioned or theatrical.
See also: 悪玉
In this story, the good guys and bad guys are clearly separated.
Edo-period good-guy character (round white head with 'good' written on it)
Historical term referring to a stock character in Edo-period woodblock prints and literature. The character's head is round and white with the kanji 善 (good) written on it.
Good-guy and bad-guy characters often appear in ukiyo-e prints.
white hat hacker; ethical hacker
good cholesterol; HDL cholesterol
Compound of 善 (zen, 'good') and 玉 (dama, 'ball' or 'jewel'). The historical sense derives from the visual depiction of a character with a round head marked with the kanji 善.