Dante's character seems to be basically good, but his worldly innocence makes him surprised by the sights of Hell.
Since his first meeting with Virgil, Dante has continued to be astounded by the paranormal events that shape the story's rules. Every spirit Dante encountered as he travelled through the circles of Hell continued to astound and terrify him. The character of Dante is meant to represent every atheist who wants to challenge their own religion with reason but is disproved at the first sign of anything illogical.
