I think what really indicates that Boromir was a "good guy" is how sad Faramir is at his death. Despite Denethor's favoritism, the two brothers managed to stay close.
I'll just quote the passage from Appendix A (iv) Gondor and the Heirs of Anárion,
The Stewards:
Quote:
|
Yet between the brothers there was great love, and had been since childhood, when Boromir was the helper and protector of Faramir. No jealousy or rivalry had arisen between them since, for their father's favour or for the praise of men.
|
I feel really bad for Faramir when I read the part where he recounts to Frodo his encounter with Boromir's funeral boat.