A 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]].

If 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.

The way that an idealist can do this even in the face of adversity and [[KillEmAll certain death]] is by focusing primarily on non-material things. Of particular note are the famous/infamous trio of [[ThePowerOfTrust faith]], [[{{Determinator}} 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.

In 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.

This 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 solely to be proven wrong (and often brutally killed for drama)]].

The polar opposite of TheCynic. See also IdealismTropes, and the SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism.
!!{{Sub Trope}}s:
* TheHero
* IdealHero
** KnightInShiningArmor
** KnightInSourArmor (When they cling to their idealism even as they grow cynical)
** TheCape
* KnightTemplar -- [[PlayingWithATrope plays with]] the SuperTrope:
** TheCynic by perceiving a CrapsackWorld; idealistic of [[HolierThanThou own personal ideals]] as if '''''the''''' answer to "fix a broke world"
* TheMcCoy
* ThePollyanna
* ReluctantRuler
* WideEyedIdealist

This is a SuperTrope, so examples should go to the relevant sub-pages if possible.