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The person doesn't have to be good themselves, but they can bring the good out of others. The word doesn't have to be an english word, I just want to know if such a word exists.

Ex. Beauty with the Beast. Durga with Asura(Asura's Wrath, not the religious scripture). The 3 ghosts in the Christmas Story with Scrooge.

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    Durga with Asura is a bad example here. Durga vanquishes or annihilates the Asura.
    – Mamta D
    Commented Oct 15, 2015 at 4:39
  • In Joseph Campbell's theory of mythological archetypes, the spirits in A Christmas Carol are Mentors. Belle is more of a Hero.
    – MetaEd
    Commented Feb 28, 2017 at 20:17

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One would most likely use "complements."

By the way, in literature, a "foil" is a character that complements another, such as in the case of Sancho and Don Quixote.

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  • I thought that at first, but that's more for if something goes together well with something else. I mean that someone can bring out the good in others, make someone want to act for the better, you know? I guess another example being, say someone was just a bad person(druggie, steals, lies, etc.). What would be a word to call someone who makes them want to change their life around.
    – M. Worth
    Commented Oct 15, 2015 at 15:32
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The closest noun I can think of is "counselor." Or, perhaps, "friend." It depends on whether there's an element of caring, so whatever noun comes closest, depending on context.

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  • We're looking for long answers that provide some explanation and context. Don't just give a one-line answer; explain why your answer is right, ideally with citations. Answers that don't include explanations may be removed.
    – Skooba - Stands Against AI
    Commented Feb 28, 2017 at 20:50

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