This is discussion archived from a time before the current discussion method was installed.
Robert Bingham: Is it just me, or is the tone of this particular article far too cynical? The definition given for the character type in question, along with many of the examples, do not do this particular character type justice at all, particularly given the definition given by Break the Cutie, Corrupt the Cutie, Kill the Cutie and Beware the Nice Ones — a character that is sweet and lovable, more comic relief than anything, who likes nothing more than to pet little puppies, and is basically the nicest character of the general work or show. The series or work makes you adore them, root for them and love them before proceeding to Break the Cutie, Corrupt the Cutie or Kill the Cutie for maximum emotional impact.
The definition given in the article and the definition followed by many of the examples, on the other hand, is "a teenage or adult character, usually female, who acts childishly and sometimes sickeningly cute," with the underlying sentiment that such a character did not wish to "grow up." It smacks of rather bitter cynicism and Silly Rabbit, Idealism Is for Kids! is the general vibe that I get off it. While the Cutie as defined on the other pages may have some child-like qualities to her, child-ish is not a term I would use to describe such a character. On the Sliding Scale of Idealism Versus Cynicism, I see the Cutie as an idealistic character who particularly shines in idealistic settings. In more cynical settings, I see the Cutie as a Wide-Eyed Idealist and often a Horrible Judge of Character, if she's not revealed to be a Stepford Smiler, a Yandere or worse.
