"I'm sorry... I'm sorry, Anakin. For all of it."
— Obi-Wan Kenobi, Obi-Wan Kenobi
Apologies come in many ways. Some are forced and fake, and others are genuine and heartfelt.
This is when a character sincerely apologizes for something they did and the person on the receiving end forgives them. Can sometimes be accompanied by Tears of Remorse. Such an apology might be given by The Atoner or a character that matured enough to realize their mistake and try to fix it.
This is essentially the opposite of Backhanded Apology, where a character gives a sarcastic apology that isn't an apology or remorseful at all.
Sometimes, however, this falls flat if the character Apologizes a Lot or they have gone too far that the apology gets rejected even if it's genuine.
Compare and contrast with The Grovel, which is sometimes embarrassing for the recipient, often not genuine, and usually has an ulterior motive. In comparison, a Heartfelt Apology is a genuine and honest apology with no hidden goals and is delivered in a serious manner.
Also contrast with The Unapologetic, for someone who never apologizes for his or her actions.
Examples:
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Anime & Manga
- In Moriarty the Patriot, Sherlock Holmes never really apologizes, and when he does it's awkward and he never quite gets around to the word "sorry"—until The Final Problem after John gives him a hell of a What the Hell, Hero? lecture after murdering Milverton and trying to sacrifice himself. When they meet up again after John storms out, Sherlock bows and apologizes for the first time in the series. To show it's accepted, John fixes his tie.
- My Hero Academia: Katsuki Bakugo apologizes for all the years he bullied Midoriya, convincing the tired hero-in-training to come back to U.A.
- My-HiME: Shizuru breaks down crying after she and Natsuki are resurrected, tearfully crying out, "I'm sorry, Natsuki!" Natsuki gently puts a hand on her shoulder and tells her it's alright, offering up a tender smile.
- One Piece:
- As the Straw Hats get ready to leave Water 7 while Franky finishes building their new ship, Usopp overhears that they'll get a new ship and decides to rejoin the crew and pretend the whole conflict over the Going Merry never happened. When Sanji learns of this and relays the news to the rest of the crew, Zoro adamantly refuses to let Usopp rejoin the crew unless the first words that come out of his mouth when they meet again are a sincere apology for what he did, as challenging the captain's authority, leaving the crew and fighting the captain over a disagreement are not something you can simply blow over. While Luffy would like nothing more than to let Usopp rejoin and let bygones be bygones, he's forced to admit that Zoro has a point and agrees to wait for Usopp to apologize before letting him back in. Come the day of departure, Usopp tries using various lines he rehearsed to pretend the fight wasn't a big deal, but the Straw Hats in turn pretend not to hear him as they sail away while being pursued by the Marines. Once it becomes clear that he's about to be left behind, Usopp finally breaks down in tears and screams that he's sorry, that he acted like a stubborn fool and that he wants to sail with his friends again. Satisfied with his apology, Luffy stretches his arm to Usopp all the way from the ship and screams at him to grab on as the two drip with tears and snot.
- Following the events of the Dressrosa arc and Doflamingo's defeat, Admiral Fujitora publicly apologizes to King Riku on behalf of the World Government for allowing Doflamingo to oust him from power. And by "publicly" we mean he prostrates himself before Riku, along with the entire regiment of Marines under his command, and broadcasts the whole thing to the neighboring islands so that the World Government won't be able to censor the news like they did in Arabasta.
- Pokémon the Series: Black & White: In "Iris and Excadrill Against the Dragon Buster!" Iris realizes that the reason Excadrill always ignores her is because he is ashamed of himself for losing to Drayden's Haxorus and that she put unnecessary pressure on Excadrill to defeat him. Iris tearfully apologizes for forcing him to battle when he knew he couldn't beat Haxorus and promises to consider the way he feels from now on. She says they should just frolic in the fields and pick berries together like they did in the old days. Excadrill is clearly moved and he finally comes out of his curled-up state.
- SPY×FAMILY: Pictured above, Anya giving a tearful apology to Damian for punching him on the first day of school. She was genuinely sorry for what she did, though part of her tears are caused by her mind-reading powers resulting in hearing his friends thinking several mean things about her. But it still came across as genuine and the only reason Damian screamed "I'll never accept it!" at her was because of a childish worry over their different statuses.
- In The Summer You Were There, a key subplot is Shizuku's efforts to make amends with Ruri, whom she'd bullied in fifth grade. Shizuku drafts a letter of apology with her and Ruri's mutual acquaintance Kaori's help, then delivers it after Kaori sets up a meeting, only to learn that Ruri is still traumatized from the bullying and wants nothing to do with Shizuku. However, Ruri comes to realize that Shizuku has changed and expresses a desire to get to know the new Shizuku, in the hopes that doing so will help her get over her trauma. After hearing Ruri's determination, Shizuku apologizes once again for all the pain she caused, and Ruri seems to tacitly accept the apology.
Comic Books
- Towards the end of Watchmen, Nite Owl gets so fed up with Rorschach's sociopathy that he stops and just yells at him. This has an unexpected effect on Rorschach, who completely breaks character and earnestly apologizes to Daniel for being so difficult and thanks him for putting up with him, nonetheless. He even breaks out proper pronouns and grammar for the first and last time in the series for this.
Fan Works
- Abraxas (Godzilla MonsterVerse):
- Vivienne Graham and San exchange apologies with each-other in Chapter 5: San for all the trauma he caused Vivienne by turning her into a monster like himself, and Vivienne for spending as long as she did not appreciating all of San's exclusive caring and protectiveness towards her.
- In Chapter 10, San apologizes to Vivienne for resorting to deliberately pushing her Trauma Button in order to shock her out of a psychotic episode which was making her attack Thor and Rodan earlier.
- During Vivienne's reunion with her mother Susan, Susan earnestly apologizes for her bad first reaction to Monster X before she believed her daughter was truly alive turned into a monster, and Vivienne tearfully apologizes for failing to keep her promise to her mother when she was human that nothing bad would happen to her despite her Monarch job's occupational hazard.
- Adventures of a Line Hopper: The final chapter of The Seventh Segment reveals that Glory's surviving minions have turned apologizing to the Doctor for Buffy's death into a religious activity done every year. Although the Doctor hates being worshipped, five thousand years later, their descendants still do it and still mean the apology. The chapter ends with young Anthrolandra, having only learned who died because of them, shouting to the sky in tears, asking "God" to forgive them for killing "Butheaze" and trying to kill "the dawn". Somewhere out of her sight, the Doctor sadly smiles and answers, "Always."
- The Artist's Garden at Madripoor
(Marvel Cinematic Universe): Steve goes to Madripoor in order to acquire the last component for the Quantum Tunnel and discovers that Sharon is the Power Broker, the city's Judge, Jury, and Executioner. She refuses to give him the component unless he hands over his shield or Sam's wings (which she stole for him and led to her becoming a fugitive) as well as more or less stating that she's largely uninterested in bringing back everyone who disappeared in the Snap because it could threaten her position. When Steve angrily asks what happened to the woman he used to know, Sharon bitterly fires back that "That woman died when [he] abandoned her," causing Steve to feel anger and guilt for failing to find her and causing her fall from grace and resolve to actually help her, such as getting her a long overdue pardon. He later apologizes to Sharon for not trying hard enough to look for her and assures her that he did miss her when she was gone.
- Cross Ange: The Knight of Hilda (Cross Ange): While imprisoned in their cell, Ange genuinely apologized to Momoka for getting her involved in her action and wished she was never a norma, but Momoka was glad to serve her even though they were going to die together. That made Ange tearfully happy to have Momoka by her side as she hugged her.
- Inter Nos: In Chapter 59, Shizuru and Natsuki have a fight over Shizuru attempting to leave Natsuki in the port city of Argus rather than taking her on her march. Natsuki, in her fury over believing that Shizuru is demeaning her because of her being crippled, delivers a slap that surprises both women. Natsuki immediately regrets doing so, and Shizuru takes the hand that slapped her and kisses it, acknowledging that she had been unfair.
Shizuru:I am not angry, I promise. And I apologised just now because I did deserve it.
- Infinity Train: Seeker of Crocus: Chloe and Goh have had problems apologizing for their actions; one is spiteful and thinks she is more of a victim than an instigator, the other doesn't even realize what he should be apologizing for or if he does apologizing, he keeps repeating his bad habit of breaking promises he should be keeping. Come Harvest Moon Car, where Chloe admits that she's ready to kill herself than wait for "No-Show" Goh to finally give a damn about her, and Goh breaks down in tears, apologizing over how he was so stupid to not recognize his bad habit and making Chloe believe he's a heartless jerk who could care less that she'll jump off the school rooftop. At the same time, when Goh calls her out that she's been a horrible person, Chloe also apologizes for how she's been acting.
- Junior Officers:
- In "Even The Best Fall Down Sometimes", Barnacles tells Shellington (who has recently suffered from an emotional breakdown due to Barnacles' unintentionally insensitive remarks) that he deeply regrets making Shellington feel like respect was something he had to earn from him. He then says that Shellington really does deserve respect because he's a great Octonaut and promises to treat Shellington differently.
- In "The Undersea Twister," Barnacles goes to speak to Deborah, remorseful for having taken his frustration out on her. He asks Deborah what her father, Humphrey, has done to her (she angrily compared Barnacles to him before) and after she vents about Humphrey's Parental Favoritism and Fantastic Racism, Barnacles apologizes for what he said to her and says that he regrets having been anything like Humphrey. He then promises to always be there for her, and she hugs him, clearly forgiving him.
- In the final chapter of The Keys Stand Alone, Paul and John finally meet Dyonmaditi, the gamer behind the character Theecat, in person. Mindful of how badly they treated him when he innocently (and somewhat stupidly) tried to intervene in their argument about the song they had to write, the two apologize profusely to him. Happily, he holds no grudge against them, though he does appreciate the apologies.
- Time to Disinfect (OMORI): After Sunny finally explains why he hates violin practice, Mari emphatically apologizes, admitting that she messed everything up because she was caught up in her fear of being alone, letting all her priorities get twisted in her head. Sunny quickly accepts, assuring her that he doesn't want to be mad anymore.
- Vow of Nudity (Dungeons & Dragons): Fiora gives a heartfelt one to Haara after selling her out to the Demon Lord to save her own skin, only for Haara to escape, come back for her, and think of a plan to kill the Demon Lord and free Fiora's soul for good. She also apologizes for attempting to sacrifice her on an altar during their earliest meeting, to which Haara assures her it wasn't the first time someone had done that.
Films — Animated
- The Book of Life: Towards the climax of the movie, Manolo must defeat the bones and souls of all the bulls the Sanchez family killed. Manolo realizes, however, that battle was not the answer, and he sings an apology from his heart, apologizing for the injustice that the thousands of bulls faced, and that if the bulls could forgive him, love can truly live.
- Despicable Me 1: Gru doesn't use the words "I apologize" or "I'm sorry", but it's what he means, and it's what the girls hear, when he's trying to rescue them from Vector.
Margo: You gave us back!
Gru: I know, I know! And it is the worst mistake I ever made. (...) Margo, I will catch you! And I will never let you go again! - My Little Pony: Equestria Girls: Sunset Shimmer returns to Canterlot to apologize to Celestia and ask for her advice.
Sunset Shimmer: Princess Celestia, the last time we saw each other, I was your snide little pupil who betrayed and abandoned you.
Twilight Sparkle: I wouldn't have said it that way! Ahem, What Sunset means to say is...
Sunset Shimmer: I mean that I come before you a changed pony, humbly begging for forgiveness, guidance, and knowledge. (Celestia lowers her wings and approaches, her expression unreadable) Or, I could just go and you never have to see me again...
Celestia: (puts a hoof under Sunset's chin and smiles) I've missed you, Sunset Shimmer. - The Tale of Despereaux:
- Roscuro apologizes to Princess Pea for his various acts with a simple "I'm sorry." The Princess responds with an equally sincere "What are you talking about? I'm the one who should apologize."
- The King, upon looking over his kingdom after the Chef decides to Screw the Rules, I'm Doing What's Right!, simply mutters, "I'm sorry..."
- Turning Red:
- Mei gives one to her friends for failing to defend them from her mother's accusations at Tyler's party.
- Ming also gives one to Mei from across the spirit-separation portal in the spirit realm, apologizing for the way she's raised her over the years.
- Zootopia: When Nick is disgusted with Judy for saying that predators may be regressing to their former wild ways, she tearfully acknowledges that she was wrong to say that, and calls herself "ignorant, irresponsible, and small-minded". He then reveals that he was recording what she said on the pen she gave him, and invites her for a hug.
Films — Live Action
- Billy Madison: Billy has a Heel Realization and calls an old classmate of his to apologize for bullying the guy in high school. The guy accepts the heartfelt apology and strikes Billy's name from his "people to kill" list. He even goes so far as to save Billy from being killed by Eric.
"Boy, am I glad I called that guy!"
- At the end of How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), the Grinch has returned the presents to Whoville and confesses his crime to the police officer present.
Grinch: You caught me, officer! I'm The Grinch who stole Christmas...and I'm sorry. holds his hands out, expecting to be arrested...Aren't ya gonna cuff me? Put me in a chokehold? Blind me with pepper spray?
Mayor Maywho: You heard him, officer. He admitted it. I'd go with the pepper spray.
Chief Wholihan: Yes, I heard him all right. He said he was sorry. - M3GAN 2.0: After she's been rebuilt, the android M3GAN comes at Cole at night to both thank him for the actuators that greatly enhanced her motions, strength and speed and tell him she didn't consider him and Tess as "consequential" to her in the first film to the point of nearly killing him, but now she does and she won't try to murder him (and Tess) again. As she says so, she gently puts her hand on that of Cole.
- PT 109: After the eleven survivors of the destruction of the PT-109 are rescued from Plum Pudding Island, Edgar E. Mauer delivers one to John F. Kennedy for lashing out at the idealistic lieutenant in their Darkest Hour. His apology is accepted.
- The Sound of Music: Captain Von Trapp delivers one to Maria after hearing his children sing makes him learn the error of his ways.
- Transformers: Rise of the Beasts: Optimus Prime apologizes to Noah following the Terrorcons claiming the other half of the Transwarp Key and fellow Maximal ally Airazor's offlining after she gets corrupted by Scourge, realizing what he did to the human was wrong and that his self-centered motives have only resulted in more ill effect than good.
Literature
- One of the effects of Scrooge's Heel–Face Turn in A Christmas Carol is him apologizing to everyone he was a jerk to — Bob Cratchit, Fred and his wife, the charity collectors.
- The Aftermath: Amari gives one to Gabby after snapping at her for touching Amari’s eyepatch.
- In Lois McMaster Bujold's science fiction novel A Civil Campaign the protagonist, Miles Vorkosigan, has accidentally deeply offended Ekaterin (his potential love interest) with a very badly done campaign of courtshipnote . He winds up sending her a handwritten letter of apology. Although Ekaterin notes the letter contains no "plea for forgiveness, absolution, penance, or any begging to call or see her again", it does begin with the words "I am sorry" (as did all of the previous drafts).
- Harry Potter: Ron genuinely apologizes to Harry after both their major falling-outs (in Goblet of Fire and in Deathly Hallows). And though he doesn't actually say "sorry" in both cases, his demeanour — again, in both cases, — says it all.
- The Springstorm Alpha: has a round of these near the end, when the main character and his love interest reunite after their big falling out.
Live-Action TV
- The Bear: After dinner service, a chance glance at the walk-in door that trapped him and ended his blossoming relationship finally encourages Carmy to search for Claire after months of no contact. In a rare moment of very raw vulnerability, Carm reciprocates Claire's feelings and acknowledges his struggles with accepting her love. Claire, in turn, confesses she was afraid of being pushed away, leading her to tearfully admonish Carm for doing just that and realizing her fears of getting shut out by him. On the verge of crying and escalating emotions, Carmy finally apologizes to her, leading Claire to solemnly lament how scary but incredible their relationship could have been.
- The Big Bang Theory: Sheldon actually learns empathy and goes around trying to genuinely apologize for being a chore when he was sick. It takes a bit longer with Raj's current girlfriend, Emily, but Sheldon manages to demonstrate his sincerity by declining to go on a trip with the others to Vegas, which Leonard had said Sheldon could attend on the condition that everyone accepted his apology. Emily tells Sheldon he can come with in the end.
- Castle: In the season 2 opener, after trying to win Beckett over with charm and enthusiasm, Castle takes some advice from his mother and daughter, and delivers a sincere apology to Beckett for prying into the file for her mother's murder after she'd explicitly told him not to. His sincerity convinces Beckett, and she allows him to remain at the precinct, shadowing her investigations as research.
- The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Played with in regard to Halbrand/Sauron. After witnessing how much pain Finrod's death brought to Galadriel, Sauron apologizes for his role in it with teary eyes, not that Galadriel knows the true meaning of "Halbrand"'s apology.
- M*A*S*H: Played with. In "Carry on, Hawkeye", Hawk is the last doctor standing as the camp is down with the flu. And now he has it too. Margaret expresses genuine concern for his well-being, leading to this exchange:
Hawkeye: You really are, aren't you? (Beat) You know all those rotten little tricks I played on you?
Margaret: Yes.
Hawkeye: I'd like to get well and do them all over again.
(gives a "gotcha!" expression to Margaret, who can't help but smile.) - Scrubs: Dr. Cox gives a brief but sincere apology to Laverne after she snaps at his mockery of her Faith. She accepts his apology. Then, tragically, she's killed in a car accident the next day.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: Even as Darth Vader knelt before him helpless and winded from having his life-support system and helmet shattered at the end of their second battle, Ben stayed his hand as the pathetic sight of the monster that his former student has been reduced to broke his heart, and tearfully apologized to what was left of Anakin for ruining his life. The Dark Warrior, moved by the sincerity of his mentor's love for him, wearily took full responsibility for his own destruction, coldly declaring that only "Darth Vader" is left, so that Obi-Wan can be free of the pain of having failed him, in *every* way a teacher could fail his student.
- This Love Doesn’t Have Long Beans: The post-competition break-up involves a lot of begging and sobbing, but does not include the words “I’m sorry.” Later, when Oab orders some food from the new restaurant, Plawan simply delivers it with an awkward “Here’s your food.” It’s not until Plawan approaches him a third time and actually says the words “I’m sorry” that Oab forgives him.
Video Games
- Fairy Tail (2020): The game's Post-End Game Content offers a few that didn't occur for conflicts in the original story, giving them an extra sense of closure:
- In Erza's story, following her Heel–Face Turn, Minerva gives her a sincere apology for her actions at the Grand Magic Games and in Tartaros, which Erza accepts gladly. She also offers a handmade cake to prove her sincerity.
- In Kagura's story, despite her preemptive rejection, Jellal gives one for killing her brother among the rest of the grief he put his former friends through at the Tower of Heaven. While Kagura doesn't forgive him, she also admits that she no longer hates him and accepts him as her ally, at least for the time being.
- Far Cry 6: Lorenzo Canseco, a man who fathered hundreds of children, manages to track down seven of them and writes sincere letters of apology for abandoning them.
- Final Fantasy X-2: At the end of the game, Baralai, Nooj and Gippal apologize to the people of Spira for almost dragging them into a war over their own hang-ups.
- In Hades, the titular character of all people gives one to Zagreus upon the completion of the main quest:
"Zagreus. I know there have been... times when I've let my mood reflect on you. I've showed very little patience. Questioned your judgement, often, when my own was flawed. Thus, I apologize to you, my son. I have no excuses. And I ask no forgiveness."
- Hitman 3: One of the last things 47 does before he succumbs to the neurotoxin is apologize to Diana for killing her parents.
- Love of Magic: Having seen Sarah in the Alternate Timeline, and realizing that his angry outburst turned her into a monster, Owyn finds her in the original timeline and gives her a serious apology as he destroys her.
- Pokemon Opalo: Astrem knows about your mother and Gala's father succumbing to madness as a result of its messages, and gives an apology when you meet it atop the Sierra Boreal. However, the real reason for the madness is Unktena, not Astrem.
Web Animation
- Red vs. Blue: Agent Washington apologizes to Caboose for not being a good friend when Church and Agent Carolina left him and the Reds and Blues to fend for themselves. Wash later verifies that it was not a ploy to reclaim his spot as Blue Team Leader, he meant every word.
Tucker: Pretty sneaky, Wash. A couple of mushy words, a present, and you're back on top.
Wash: There's nothing sneaky about it. I meant every word. - Supermarioglitchy4's Super Mario 64 Bloopers: Towards the end of the Waluigi Arc, Wario apologizes to Waluigi, vowing to be a better brother and that he would never reject him.
Webcomics
- Schlock Mercenary: At the end of the Random Access Memorabilia arc, Tagon's dad calls him to apologize for treating him like dirt since his mother's death, which drove a wedge between them. Tagon initially retorts that he's not exactly in the mood to discuss that particular topic after the events of the arc, but after considering that the Toughs just barely survived the utter Charlie Foxtrot that the mission turned into by the skin of their teeth, he changes his mind and decides to hear his father out.
Karl: Hey, son. I... Um... I called to apologize for mistreating you.
Tagon: I'm a little busy right now. When did you mistreat me?
Karl: When? Boy, for the last twenty years, that's when.
Tagon: Seriously? You want to talk about this now? Dad, today has had enough peril, panic, killing, and almost being dead, the last thing I want to do right now is... Is... Um... You know what? Now is a great time. - SideQuested: Leo apologizes to Robin over what he's done, commenting while he does so that she doesn't owe him an apology for thinking he was a jerk because she was right.
Leopold: I insulted you, your mother, your entire kingdom. I put everyone who lives in both BearWoods and DeepSea at risk. But worst of all, this all started because I treated you like you didn't exist, because...because you weren't convenient. I am such a jerk!
- In V The Vampire Vigilante, Golden Samurai apologizes to the heroine V and her sidekick Strange Girl for attempting to kill the latter who was framed by the infamous serial killer in the city. Her apology gets rejected by both of them, much to her sadness.
Western Animation
- Avatar: The Last Airbender: In "Sozin's Comet, Part 2 - The Old Masters", when Zuko, Katara, Toph, and Sokka manage to track down Zuko's Uncle Iroh, they unexpectedly come across the Order of the White Lotus, with some of their past mentors and allies counting among the highest ranking members, while Iroh himself serves as the Order's Grand Master. While Katara and Sokka quite happily reunite with Pakku and Piandao, Zuko, still feeling immense guilt for betraying Iroh and the Gaang months before, at first is hesitant in confronting his uncle, but patiently waits for the following morning when he finds his uncle asleep in his tent. When Iroh does finally wake, Zuko first acknowledges that he knows Iroh might not want to see him, but quickly breaks down while admitting how deeply ashamed he is and how much he regrets what he did. But before Zuko can declare that he would do whatever he could to redeem himself, Iroh tearfully embraces his nephew, much to Zuko's surprise, and reassures Zuko that he was never angry with him, and is actually proud that Zuko has already redeemed himself on his own.
- BoJack Horseman: In "Hooray Todd Episode", as a sign of his Character Development, Bojack offers Todd a sincere apology for sleeping with Emily. Todd accepts it...but makes it clear he's not yet ready to be close to Bojack again, which Bojack is fine with.
- Little Robots: At the end of one episode, the Sparky Twins sing a song about how sorry they are for stealing everyone's property.
- The Loud House: In "Spell it Out", Lucy's siblings apologise for "walking all over" her by writing on a blackboard (since they'd lost their voices) and offer to watch TV with her.
- My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic: "Every Little Thing She Does", Starlight Glimmer delivers a heartfelt and earnest apology after casting a mind control spell on most of the Mane Six, sans Twilight. Even Rainbow Dash, who had been the most vocal in her criticism of the act, acknowledged that it was a good, sincere apology.
- She-Ra and the Princesses of Power: Catra has several moments over the course of her Heel–Face Turn. The first one is to Adora in "Corridors" - with no time to say all that she wants, she gives one desperate apology "for everything." Then in "Taking Control", she apologises to Entrapta for betraying her. She tries to do the same with Scorpia when they are reunited in the finale, but Scorpia has already forgiven her and wraps her up in a big bear hug before she can even get the words out.
