The Dark Souls franchise by FromSoftware has been praised after gaining mainstream appeal back in 2011, and, though it's known for its bleak and punishing world, it's managed to amass a colorful cast of characters.
The Chosen Undead, Bearer of the Curse, and Ashen One embark on grueling journeys, and meeting pleasant, friendly, and even helpful NPCs throughout the Dark Souls trilogy is more than welcome in between heated boss fights. Their questlines often have an understandably tragic element to them, but their stories and personalities remain as bright spots during the player's journey across the lands of Lordran, Drangleic, and Lothric.
The Fire Keepers (Dark Souls I-III)
It's unsurprising that the Fire Keepers of the Dark Souls games are among the most kind. They're the reason the player can progress through the game at all, as they channel the Souls collected by the protagonist to bolster their level and various stats.
It's a brutal, thankless job, as the grim cyclical Age of Fire that Lord Gwyn set in motion shackled them to a cruel job of rekindling the flame. They help the protagonist by maintaining Firelink Shrine and guiding them to fulfilling the task of rekindling the First Flame, all to restart this grueling cycle again. Despite all this, they treat the protagonists of the games with warmth.
Painter Of Ariandel (Dark Souls III)
In the first of the Dark Souls III DLC expansions, the Ashen One travels to Ariandel, the second known Painted World after Ariamis in the first game. The Painted Worlds were eventually fashioned into a home of the Forlorn who have nowhere else to go. The Painter is tasked with painting a new world once the current one rots, mimicking the rekindling of the First Flame in the outside world.
Her genuine kindness stems largely from innocence, as she's unaware that she's being kept prisoner by Sister Friede and Sir Vilhelm, who've created political strife with her Father. The brainwashing of the Father prevents Ariandel from being burned and repainted, with the unsuspecting Painter cheerfully eager to paint a new cold, dark, but gentle world for all to live in.
Lucatiel Of Mirrah (Dark Souls II)
Lucatiel of Dark Souls II was born into an underprivileged social/economic class in Mirrah, with her and her brother joining the army to help their family. They both became excellent fencers, with Lucatiel even becoming a knight. She journeys to Drangleic having heard a rumor that the cure to the undead curse lies there, which is where she presumed her missing brother had gone.
She's initially reluctant to befriend the Bearer of the Curse, but she later gains respect for them. She warms up to the protagonist, revealing more about her life and eventually confiding in the player her fear of her fading memories and succumbing to the curse's Hollowing. A tragic Souls character and story, but one that resonates in the game's cold world.
Crossbreed Priscilla (Dark Souls)
In the Painted World of Ariamis, the Chosen Undead makes their way through a desolate land of vicious creatures. Eventually, the protagonist meets Crossbreed Priscilla. Despite the rotting world, she is nothing but warm and generous toward the player and even insists that its inhabitants are kind. Priscilla is a crossbreed between a dragon and either a human or a god.
She says she knows how to escape and can do so whenever, but she chooses to stay with the Forlorn, though, it's also revealed that this world was created by gods to imprison her, as she's deemed a threat by Gwyn given that she's a dragon and possibly human. For all the horrors the player deals with in Ariamis, Priscilla still politely and sincerely asks them to leave in peace. Of course, she's an optional boss, so the player's betrayal of that kindness is voluntary.
Sieglinde Of Catarina (Dark Souls)
The Knights of Catarina that players meet in the games are renowned for their jolly and heartwarming nature. While Siegmeyer is the most known in the first game, his daughter, Sieglinde, is deserving of mention for her kindness and friendliness. Her father is always recklessly rushing into precarious situations for adventures' sake, but he's bound to get himself killed if not careful.
Sieglinde is found when traveling throughout Lordran, trying desperately to find him to get her father to just slow down, and she gives the player a Titanite Slab for agreeing to help them. She wants to let Siegmeyer know her mother's last words and manages to do so before his fated final adventure in the game, making this one of the most memorable side quests of the first Dark Souls.
Greirat (Dark Souls III)
Early in Dark Souls III, the Ashen One finds Greirat locked in a cell in High Lothric. He's a resident of the Undead Settlement underneath Lothric that was created by the kingdom to keep the downtrodden population away from the higher class. Greirat served as a sort of Robin Hood for the town and, upon freeing him, offers to help steal things to aid them if an errand is completed.
He asks to find someone dear to him named Loretta and return a ring only to discover that she's been killed in the town. Understandably, Greirat mourns, but then gets to thieving to live up to his name, but he also as an appreciation of this newfound friendship and sense of purpose. A friend through-and-through, which is sparse to come by in this dying Age of Fire.
Anri Of Astora (Dark Souls III)
When Saint Aldrich had his cult at peak power, Anri of Astora was one of two children to survive being sacrificed. The former's gender depends on that of the player character, but, regardless, they are a refreshing connection to make on the Ashen One's travels.
Anri made it their mission to kill Aldrich and bring justice to the damage he and his cult of the Deep have done. Anri's questline is touching and is among the characters who feel the most like a friend to the protagonist. The genuine sense of human empathy and compassion is welcome to see shine through them.
Solaire Of Astora (Dark Souls)
Solaire is also from Astora and, along with the Catarina Knight characters, is definitely among the biggest fan-favorite characters across the entire Dark Souls series. In the world of the game, Solaire is a metaphorical ray of sunshine for the player on their quest.
Solaire is a "Warrior of Sunlight," and, while the goal of his personal quest isn't exactly clear, he nonetheless brings a surging air of hope and optimism. On top of the tremendous motivational support and reminders to appreciate the peace that comes, he's also a summon to help in some boss fights. Solair is also one of the most oft-memed NPCs in the Dark Souls series.
Siegmeyer Of Catarina (Dark Souls)
The first of the "Onion Knights" met in the franchise, Siegmeyer of Catarina provided a similar relief during Dark Souls that Solaire did. Siegmeyer helps the player with various items throughout the quest but is similarly a welcome friendly encounter in the midst of all the darkness.
His sidequest is a gut-wrenching one, as, despite being friendly and thankful, he grows increasingly discouraged over having to be saved too often. Depending on choice outcomes, Sieglinde finally gives him her mother's/his wife's last words, but ultimately Hollows, forcing his daughter to finally put him to rest.
Siegward Of Catarina (Dark Souls III)
Being Siegmeyer's spiritual successor, Siegward is arguably and unsurprisingly among the best Dark Souls III characters. Every positive aspect of what made his predecessor so beloved is retained, the most important of which being his insurmountable, inspiring spirit and sense of lighthearted relief upon encountering him.
Now he brings a new and equally emotional sidequest. He's also after a Lord of Cinder, but specifically Yhorm the Giant. Yhorm was an old friend whom Siegward promised he'd defeat if he'd ever gone astray, and, after fulfilling his purpose, he gives the player one final tear-jerking toast before passing on.