Nynaeve and Faile are two of the best examples of characters that regularly put concerns for others above their own. They each have their immature and self-interested moments, but at the end of the day, they always do the responsible thing. This trend has increased over the course of the series, so both characters have demonstrated growth. This makes them infinitely more interesting and enjoyable to read than many other characters in the series.

Perhaps surprisingly, the same could be said for Mat. While many readers here still seem to think of him as the lazy, selfish, and irresponsible one, a true examination of his actions in the latter 2/3 of the series show that Siuan's summing up of him from TDR ( "he wouldn't stop going back into the fire as long as anyone else was still in there" ) was 100% accurate.

Nynaeve and Mat are my two favourite characters because they are always sacrificing for the good of those around them, often including people they don't even particularly like (Mat putting up with Joline et al?). Faile has been hyper-focused on Perrin and advancing his status, but then hey, she's young and in-love. She's now coming around to the larger picture and the responsibility that comes with authority. In all ways a very admirable young woman.