Is there a term/convention for when a writer creates a character who undeservedly/unbelievably regrets their past?

Apologies if that is difficult to parse, I’m finding it hard to define. But I’m stuck wondering if there is a more explicit definition for when a writer gives awareness and regret to a character whom they’d perceive as objectively morally wrong, and gives them an unmerited redemption.

Such as a slave owner who suddenly becomes conscious of his prejudice or a Nazi filled with regret despite any believable abject or transformative moment of such self-examination. It’s possible it’s just bad writing or the only other thing I can possibly come up with is the authors romantic naivety.