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1->''"Life without idealism is empty indeed. We just hope or starve to death."''
2-->-- '''Creator/PearlSBuck'''
3
4A character who genuinely believes that their world is AWorldHalfFull; that HumansAreGood, or at least that RousseauWasRight and a person who will tell you that if you think it's wrong to hope that [[Anime/PuellaMagiMadokaMagica you're wrong every time]]. They will take ideals that others have for the future and [[EarnYourHappyEnding will do everything they can to take them to fruition]], [[{{KnightTemplar}} sometimes going too far]].
5
6If you begin to [[{{Deconstruction}} deconstruct]] their idea, they will immediately begin to [[{{Reconstruction}} reconstruct it.]] This character will take their (perceived) CrapsackWorld, and keep moving forward.
7
8The way that an idealist can do this even in the face of adversity and certain death is by focusing primarily on non-material things. Of particular note are the famous/infamous trio of [[ThePowerOfTrust faith]], [[HopeSpringsEternal hope]] and [[ThePowerOfLove love]]. Though having any religious grounds for their worldview can usually explain an idealistic perspective, and can be played both positively and negatively.
9
10In fiction, (and perhaps as an instance of TruthInTelevision) idealists are often seen in the role of the main character- usually TheHero- for their tendency to act from internal motivation. However, they can take other forms if idealism is being [[WideEyedIdealist heavily criticized]] by more cynical writers, or played as [[KnightTemplar the villain]]. A big draw of putting them in a main position being: "No [[{{Revenge}} revenge plot]] necessary!" They motivate themselves.
11
12This character is likely to show up in any work. However, they can exist in a SugarBowl, where they are always right, or in a CrapsackWorld, where [[WideEyedIdealist they exist]] [[BreakTheCutie usually to be proven wrong (and often brutally killed for drama)]].
13
14The polar opposite of TheCynic. See also IdealismTropes, and the SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism.
15----
16!!{{Sub Trope}}s:
17[[index]]
18* TheHero
19** AllLovingHero: A hero that is loving and forgiving to all.
20** TheCape: A hero that is noble and heroic.
21** IdealHero: A hero with attributes that we should all aspire to have.
22** KnightInShiningArmor: A hero guided by justice and honor.
23** KnightInSourArmor: A hero that has grown cynical but still holds onto their idealism.
24* TheIngenue: A very sweet, innocent, and optimistic girl.
25* KnightTemplar: [[PlayingWithATrope plays with]] the SuperTrope:
26** TheCynic by perceiving a CrapsackWorld; idealistic of [[HolierThanThou own personal ideals]] as if '''''the''''' answer to "fix a broke world"
27* TheMcCoy: The caring and emotional member of a team who makes decisions based on their morality.
28* NaiveEverygirl: A young, relatable girl who looks at the world through a romantic lens.
29* PluckyGirl: A brave and optimistic heroine.
30* ThePollyanna: A character who remains steadfast in their optimism and kindness.
31* TookALevelInIdealism: A pessimist becomes more caring and hopeful.
32* WideEyedIdealist: An idealist in a CrapsackWorld, often naive and doomed to suffer or worse.
33[[/index]]
34
35This is a SuperTrope, so examples should go to the relevant sub-pages if possible.

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