These heroes are believed to be heavily influenced by anxiety or fear, often to the point of irrationality and delusion. Paranoid thinking typically includes persecutory beliefs, or beliefs of conspiracy concerning a perceived threat towards oneself (e.g. "Everyone is out to get me."). Paranoia is distinct from phobias, which also involves irrational fear, but usually no blame. They can make false accusations and the general distrust of others also frequently accompany paranoia. For example, an incident most people would view as an accident or coincidence, a paranoid person might believe was intentional.

Nevertheless, paranoid heroes can also be Pure Good if they have a clear understanding of what's right and wrong but choose to always do right and have no corrupting qualities in the slightest. (e.g. Luigi)