Like, there's heroism, but acting like a hero is something he strives for, I don't think that's really his "center".

There's responsibility, but that's something he had to take on because he's the oldest. Again, not really his core.

Being protective. But again, even if that's a big part of who he is, that's a responsibility he put on himself not really the core of who he is.

I think it would be something softer and more personal, but I'm just not sure what that is yet.

But the difficulty of pinning this down has me thinking he would also have a hard time figuring that out for himself.

I kind of like the idea that he'd be like "Oh! Of course, it HAS to be this-" and thinking it's bravery or heroism or something like that, and just keeps missing the mark.

Rise Raph, right?

Yep! I should rewatch the show again. That would probably help

tbh I'd say something like compassion

it manifests as heroism - saving people, taking care of his brothers - but inside that boy is soft in all the best ways

oo! yes! thank you! that's more what I was thinking! For the life of me I just couldn't think of the word