Idealism Tropes

"Man is born a predestined idealist, for he is born to act. To act is to affirm the worth of an end, and to persist in affirming the worth of an end is to make an ideal."

— Oliver Wendell Holmes

Tropes that entail living up to an ideal. A few clues as to which end of the Sliding Scale of Idealism Versus Cynicism you are — or the characters think they are. It should be noted that some of these tropes can also qualify as Cynicism Tropes and vice-versa, depending on the context of the story and the ideals involved.

Contrast Cynicism Tropes. See also Hope Index and Knight in Shining Tropes.

These tropes will change your life for the better!

Actual Pacifist: They refuse to hurt anyone during a conflict.
Adopt the Dog: A morally neutral character teeters to the good side after a kindly act.
Affably Evil: Villainy is not about cruelty and darkness, despite being an evildoer.
- Noble Demon: And on the top of that, even evil can be honorable.
The All-American Boy: The stereotypical innocent, jolly boy archetype that was abundant in 20th century American media.
All-Loving Hero: The hero whose love and compassion is unlimited.
Always Lawful Good: A race is wholly benevolent by nature.
The American Dream: Flavor 1, the idealistic version of the trope.
Amicable Exes: Just because the couple is divorced doesn't mean that they can't be civil, especially if there are kids involved.
Androcles' Lion: Helping someone out will motivate them to do good and helpful things.
Androids Are People, Too: You shouldn't be denied human rights just because someone constructed you.
Angst? What Angst?: You had experienced a horrible tragedy, but you're still smiling.
Anti-Anti-Christ: Despite being the child of Satan or some other Satanic Archetype, you choose to use your powers for the good of others rather than commit evil.
Anti-Escapism Aesop: The real world is a lot better than fiction.
The Anti-Nihilist: Life is meaningless, but let’s just be kind to each other.
Anti-Villain: Villains are not always pure evil; they're also humans with redeeming qualities, even if they're antagonistic. Could be a Cynical trope depending on how it's handled.
The Apocalypse Brings Out the Best in People: A major world crisis can change people for the better.
Apocalypse Not: A devastated world recovers and becomes A World Half Full as people rebuild.
Ascended Demon: A devil goes good and becomes an angel.
As Long as There Is One Man: When The Hero is defeated by the villain, there will always be one person to step in to take them on.
The Atoner: This character has done wrong in the past, but they recognize their errors and change for the better.
Babies Ever After
Babies Make Everything Better: Having a baby can help better a couple's relationship.
Badass Pacifist: Doing awesome things without hurting anyone.
Bad Powers, Good People: Dark powers don't always equal to a dark person.
Beauty Equals Goodness
Befriending the Enemy: Befriending an antagonistic person will make them change their heart.
Because You Were Nice to Me
Being Evil Sucks: Doing evil is a terrible experience, which is why it's often used as a reason for many villains to Heel–Face Turn.
Benevolent Alien Invasion: Aliens really do come in peace.
Benevolent Boss: Bosses treat their employees well.
Be Yourself: Accept yourself for who you are. (Can also be a cynicism trope if who the character is isn't good.)
Big Damn Heroes: Here they come to save the day!
Big Fun: A friendly fat person.
Bittersweet 17
Bittersweet Ending: If the ending is leaning more of the "sweet" side (i.e. as good guys leaving on a happy note in spite of their loss).
Black-and-White Morality: The white side. The clear distinction of good and evil. (could be cynical if the bad guy wins.)
Blithe Spirit
Born Lucky: Characters have extremely good luck.
Both Sides Have a Point: Faction A and Faction B in this conflict have both legitimate arguments whose merits are worth consideration.
Break the Haughty: Arrogant and prideful characters are brought down a peg, often citing a change of their behavior.
Bring Help Back
But Not Too Evil: Shows which tone down the vileness of a villain.
The Cape: The classical idealistic hero.
Captain Patriotic
The Cardinal Virtues: Prudence, Courage, Temperance, and Justice.
The Cavalry
Changing Yourself for Love
Childish Villain, Mature Hero: Good people are more mature than evildoers.
Children Are Innocent: Children can do no wrong.
Children Are Special
Chivalrous Pervert: They put love, respect and decency above their desire for sex.
The Chosen One
Chronic Hero Syndrome
Cincinnatus: The leader voluntarily renounces power or glory because they feels that they do not need or want it.
Cinderella Plot
Clap Your Hands If You Believe: One's beliefs are stronger than one's reality.
Clones Are People, Too: You shouldn't be denied human rights just because you weren't born in a union between man and woman.
Contagious Heroism: A good person's goodness rubs off on a bad person, making the bad person better.
Create Your Own Hero: The villain's actions lead to the origin story of The Hero.
Creating Life Is Awesome
Curiosity Causes Conversion
Cursed with Awesome
Cynic–Idealist Duo: Where the idealist and the cynic are a duo.
Dare to Be Badass
Dark Is Not Evil (Proves that the world isn't as scary as you thought, and that there's some good in everyone.)
Death Before Dishonor: A character would rather commit suicide rather than commit an immoral act.
Defeat Means Friendship: Defeating your enemy will turn them into your friend.
Defeat Means Respect: The hero defeats the villain and earns the latter's respect.
Defector from Decadence: A character leaves their faction due to an inability to tolerate the actions of their former comrades.
Defusing the Tyke-Bomb: Even someone who's been raised to be a weapon can be redeemed through compassion.
Determinator: This character never gives up.
Determined Defeatist: I know I won't make it, but I gotta try anyways.
Deus ex Machina (when used by a hero.)
Dogged Nice Guy (provided they actually win the affections of the Love Interest eventually.)
Doing It for the Art
Do Not Go Gentle: Your Days Are Numbered, but never give in to despair.
Dork Knight
Dying Moment of Awesome: When a death is spectacular enough to emit hope.
Dystopia Is Hard
Eagleland: "America the Beautiful" types and the mixed version.
Earn Your Happy Ending: You will go through suffering, but in the end, you will be happy.
Easily Forgiven: They've made my life a living hell, but I forgive them anyways.
Enemies Equals Greatness: Enemies determine how awesome you are.
Enemy Mine: Two forces normally at odds join forces against a greater enemy. (Note: Can be an Cynicism trope depending on the context.)
Even Bad Men Love Their Mamas: Especially if that someone is your mother.
Even Evil Can Be Loved: Hell, someone might love you back, and that love can spark a chance for redemption.
Even Evil Has Standards: There are certain acts of evil that even villains won't commit.
Everyone Has Standards: No matter who somebody is, there's still something that's going too far.
Even Evil Has Loved Ones: Even if you're a bad guy, that doesn't mean you can't love someone.
Everybody Lives: No one by the end of the series will die.
Evil Cannot Comprehend Good: Villains can't understand altruism.
Evil Will Fail: Evil, by its very nature, can never win.
Face Death with Dignity
The Fettered: Limitations are my strength.
Financial Test of Friendship: Your friends love you, not your money.
Fire-Forged Friends: Two characters were initially cold to each other. But after fighting together? They're now friends.
First Time in the Sun
Follow Your Heart
Forgiveness: We mustn't seek revenge. Forgiving others is the best way.
For Great Justice: We should all respect the law and rules.
For Happiness: Let's make others happy.
The Four Loves: Love is the most important value of all. Everyone needs to love and be loved in return.
The Future Will Be Better
Gentle Giant: Everything's big about them—especially their heart.
Gentle Touch vs. Firm Hand (The former: Guiding others by treating them tenderly.)
Germans Love David Hasselhoff: A work or person has a better popular reception abroad than it does in their own country.
God Is Good: The creator God is genuinely benevolent.
Going Down with the Ship
The Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Ye Goode Olde Days
Good All Along: Someone thought to be evil turns out to be Good All Along.
Good Capitalism, Evil Capitalism: The good side: an honest person who works hard and reaps the fruits of their labor.
Good Feels Good: Doing good is the true source of happiness.
Good Fortune from God: Who says God doesn't love us?
The Good Guys Always Win: Evil will never win, as Good triumphs in the long run.
Good Is Not Dumb: Good guys are not fools.
Good Is Not Soft: Being good is not the same as being weak.
The Good King: The king rules with kindness and reason, which is why he is beloved by his subjects.
Good Parents: Parents who love their children.
Good Pays Better: The path to Good is not only kind and touching, it's far more rewarding than the path of Evil.
Good Versus Good: Good guys are in conflict, but there is no evil involved.
Graceful Loser: A character handles his loss with dignity.
Graying Morality: The villains become less vile and more sympathetic. This can be a cynicism trope both on the hero’s side AND if it tends toward Black-and-Gray Morality.
Great American Novel: The literary classic Made in the U.S.A. that some day some American may be able to write.
Hakuna Matata: When life gets you down, just sing a song.
Handy Helper: A character helps a disabled character.
Happily Married: These two lovebirds have the type of marriage.
Happily Ever After
Happily Failed Suicide: You attempt to kill yourself, but you never pulled it off, and you're happy for it.
Happiness in Minimum Wage: You don't need a high-paying job to be happy.
Happiness in Slavery: Idealism with Values Dissonance is still idealism.
Hard Work Fallacy: If they can do it, so can you. Can also be a cynicism trope.
Heal the Cutie
The Heart
Heart Is an Awesome Power: Even the weakest or smallest abilities can be devastating if used right. You just have to find it!
Heel–Face Turn: The villain becomes redeemed.
"Hell, Yes!" Moment
Heroes' Frontier Step: A character commits an action so noble that it proves that they're a hero.
Heroic Bystander: Everyday people will help out the heroes.
Heroic Sacrifice: Choosing to die for a greater cause...or just for somebody important.
High School Rocks
Hired Help as Family: Masters consider their servants family or close friends and vice versa.
Historical Hero Upgrade: Making a historical person look better than they actually were.
Honest Corporate Executive: Not all businessmen are corrupt.
Honor Among Thieves
Honor Before Reason: Do the right thing, even if it's detrimental to yourself.
Hope Bringer: Hope is a torch and they're the torchbearer.
Hope Springs Eternal: Even if the villain has the upper hand, there's still hope.
Humans Are Diplomats
Humans Are Good
Humans are Leaders
Humans Are Special
Humble Pie
Humiliation Conga: A villain or a mean person finally gets their bad consequences.
I Am Not a Gun: I don't have to cause death and destruction.
I Am What I Am: Accepting yourself as who you are.
I Can Live With That (Type 2): Accepting that the situation isn't as bad as you thought.
I Can't Do This by Myself: ...And you don't have to. There are people who can help.
Ideal Hero: A hero who is everything heroes should be.
The Idealist: The one who believes in the good things of the world.
Idealist vs. Pragmatist: A person with ideals vs. someone who's willing to do whatever it takes to get results.
The Idealist Was Right
If You Kill Him, You Will Be Just Like Him!: Never kill a villain lest you wish to go into He Who Fights Monsters.
If You Taunt Him, You Will Be Just Like Him: Don't get back at your enemies.
I Want My Beloved to Be Happy: Giving up on pursuing a Love Interest for the sake of their happiness.
Incorruptible Pure Pureness: Hold your ideals and never give in to corruption.
Innocent Means Naïve: The innocent are unaware of the world's evils. Can also be a cynicism trope, depending on the story's cynicism.
Iron Woobie: This person has had a shitty life, but that is not going to keep them down.
It Never Gets Any Easier: Killing somebody or losing something important never hurts any less no matter how many times it happens. And it never should.
It's the Journey That Counts
Japanese Spirit
Jerk with a Heart of Gold: There are redeeming qualities of an unapproachable person.
- Hidden Heart of Gold: Even if they’re very well hidden.
Jerkass Woobie: This person may be an asshole, but they became this way because they weren't loved by anyone.
Justice Will Prevail: Confirming the commitment of justice for the good guy.
Karma Houdini Warranty: The Karma Houdini finally gets their righteous punishment.
Karmic Death: Those who commit heinous enough deeds die as a direct result of them.
Karmic Jackpot: The heroes are (generously) rewarded for their good deeds.
Kneel Before Frodo
Knight in Shining Armor: A Romantic idealist.
Knight in Sour Armor: Remains idealistic even with Jade-Colored Glasses.
Knight Templar: Remains idealistic even if ruthless; also a cynicism trope.
Laser-Guided Karma: What comes around goes around; good people are rewarded, while bad people are punished.
Least Is First: A lowest-status character steps forward first, shaming the higher-status ones into supporting a course of action.
"Lesson of the Day" Speech
Life-Affirming Aesop: An Aesop about accepting life especially the hard parts of it.
Life-Saving Encouragement
Lighter and Softer: Brighten up a dark and gloomy series.
A Lighter Shade of Grey: Sure, good and evil are not always distinct, but there are still heroic figures. This can also be a cynicism trope depending on the execution.
Living Forever Is Awesome: Immortality is great.
Living Is More than Surviving: Life shouldn't be about surviving, it's about living it to the fullest.
Loner-Turned-Friend
Loon with a Heart of Gold: A bit...out there? Yeah. Kind and generous? Yep.
Loser Friend Puzzles Outsiders: "He's not a loser; he's my friend!"
Love at First Sight: Two characters meet and instantly fall in love.
Lovecraft Lite: An Eldritch Abomination is taking over the world? Let's show it who's boss, because humans are anything but weak and helpless!
Love Redeems: Love can turn you good.
Machiavelli Was Wrong: Ruling by fear doesn't work.
Martial Pacifist: A strong and skilled character who avoids using violence unless it's really necessary.
Martyrdom Culture: A culture that encourages its followers to die for it.
Mean Character, Nice Actor: You know all those villains and monsters that you see on movies and TV? It turns out that they are actually kind people in Real Life. It's just their job to act mean...literally.
Mercy Rewarded: Showing mercy to your enemies rewards you in the long run.
Messianic Archetype: A kind and benevolent figure modeled after Jesus Christ himself.
Milholland Relationship Moment: A character thinks something will ruin their relationship, but it's actually not a big deal.
Misery Builds Character: Can be idealistic if one believes suffering has made them stronger or can use this mentality to recover. Can be cynical if one believes that only people who have suffered have any character or strength, or they abuse this trope to justify their immorality.
Moral Pragmatist
Music for Courage
My God, What Have I Done?: A character feels guilty about their horrible previous actions.
Never Hurt an Innocent: Shady characters intentionally spare innocent lives.
Nice Guy: This character is nice, friendly, and willing to help you.
Nice to the Waiter: Good people treat hired help well.
No Animosity in the Afterlife: We don't need to carry the issues that we had in this life into the next. The afterlife should be peaceful.
No-Harm Requirement: Do not hurt others.
"No More Holding Back" Speech
No Poverty
"Not So Different" Remark: Two characters find out that they're actually more alike than they'd previously thought. Can also be a cynicism trope depending on the story.
Now, Let Me Carry You
Offering a Hand
Oppose What You Suffered: A character experiences oppression or injustice and works to ensure that others won't have to suffer that same wrongdoing themselves.
The Paragon: A heroic individual who inspires others to do good.
Patrick Stewart Speech: A speech about the high points of humans.
Paying It Forward: I'm helping you because someone else previously helped me.
Pet the Dog: Morally ambiguous characters do an act of kindness.
Plucky Girl: A brave and optimistic girl.
The Pollyanna: Keep a positive attitude during times of turmoil.
Positive Friend Influence: A friend who has a positive influence on their other friends.
The Power of Friendship: Friendship moves mountains!
The Power of Love: Love conquers all!
Power of Trust: Trust makes you strong!
Pro-Human Transhuman: The enhanced hero still cares for the well-being of others, augmented or not.
The Promised Land (Also a cynicism trope.)
The Quarterback
Rags to Riches
"Ray of Hope" Ending: Things might have gone bad for the heroes, but all is not lost.
Reasonable Authority Figure
Rebuilt Pedestal: Your heroes aren't perfect, and that's fine.
Reconstruction: This trope shown in fiction, while it can be detrimental, can be good in certain ways.
The Redeemer: The one who brings the best in others.
Redemption Earns Life: Earning a second chance by overturning your status as a villain.
Redemption Promotion: Turning over a new leaf strengthens the redeemed villain.
Reluctant Ruler
Repaying for the One: Working together to aid one person in need.
Restored My Faith in Humanity: One good human can change your perception of the human race.
Restricted Rescue Operation: Someone is trying to help despite restrictions.
Revenge is Sweet: When Revenge allows the perpetrator to be rightfully punished and the avenger to move on. A cynical trope if revenge morally corrupts or shows the avenger's depravity.
Right Makes Might: The hero believes that justice will prevail.
Rousing Speech
Rousseau Was Right: There is goodness in everybody.
Satan Is Good: The Good God's opposite also happens to be benevolent as well, or at least well-meaning.
Science Hero: Since Science Is Good, it's especially good when used by heroes.
Science Is Good: Science is a force of good that can save humanity as a whole, not doom it.
Screw Destiny: I choose it!
Screw the Money, I Have Rules!
Screw the Rules, I'm Doing What's Right!: A character listens and does what their heart tells them is the morally right thing to do and not what bureaucratic laws tell them to.
Selfless Wish
Sex Is Good
Sheathe Your Sword: The only way to win the fight is to not fight.
Sheep in Sheep's Clothing: There's no need to be suspicious. This is a genuine nice person you see.
Shut Up, Hannibal!: The villain tries to get to the hero by mocking their idealism. Instead, the hero counters that their idealism is why they're adamant on bringing the villain to justice.
Silly Rabbit, Cynicism Is for Losers!: Cynicism is not the answer to the world's problems.
Single Woman Seeks Good Man: A female character finds a male one attractive because of his kindness, chivalry, or loyalty.
Small Steps Hero
The So-Called Coward: This person is far braver than people assume.
Solar Punk
So Proud of You: I really am proud of what you've done!
Squaring the Love Triangle
Standard '50s Father: The old-fashioned, wise, caring father that you expect to see on TV.
Status Quo Is God: Our world is perfect just the way it is. Any changes to this are unnecessary. Can also be an cynicism trope depending on the handling.
Still Believes in Santa
Still Wearing the Old Colors
Stoic Woobie: In spite of the pain they endured, they never let their feelings get the best of them.
Sugar Bowl: The world is an awesome place to live.
Surprisingly Happy Ending
Sweet Exists: The idealist counterpart to the Darth Wiki.
Take a Third Option: When two options aren't good, there's always a better alternative.
Take My Hand!
Talking Down the Suicidal: Don't kill yourself. Things will get better.
Technical Pacifist: A variation. Spare the enemies unless situation forces you to kill specific ones.
Telecom Tree: Telecommunicating with allies (who spread the word) to help with a situation.
There Is a God!: When a character's belief in a good higher power is affirmed.
Think Happy Thoughts
Thinks Like a Romance Novel
Thou Shalt Not Kill: Never kill anyone.
Throw the Dog a Bone
Tired of Running
Token Good Teammate: Not everyone who fights for an evil cause is evil.
Took a Level in Cheerfulness: You know? I admit that I thought I will be miserable for the rest of my life but you make me genuinely happy!!!
Took a Level in Idealism
Took a Level in Kindness: See that Jerkass who picks on people? He made a change of heart after learning the errors of his ways.
To Win Without Fighting: Not all battles need to be won with violence.
True Love's Kiss
Turn the Other Cheek: Repay evil with kindness.
The Unchosen One: You don't need to be chosen to become a great hero.
Unusual Animal Alliance: Animals who would be natural enemies under normal circumstances are able to put their differences aside for the sake of fighting a greater threat.
Utopia
Values Resonance: Two different generations or cultures agree with a certain Aesop.
Velvet Revolution: A peaceful revolution.
Victorious Loser
Video Game Caring Potential: You think all gamers are self-gratifying sociopaths? Nah.
Villainous Rescue: The villain saves the heroes, without committing villainous action.
Vindicated by History: A work that was panned in its time becomes more appreciated at another.
Violence Is Not an Option: You can't punch your way out of this problem.
War Is Glorious: War is an exciting adventure where patriotic men can prove their bravery and heroism.
Warts and All: Don't let a great hero's character flaws obscure or discredit the good they did.
We Help the Helpless: Devoting your time and resources to help the weak, the defenseless, and the unfortunate.
Well-Intentioned Extremist: The well-intentioned side. Idealism gone wrong.
We Really Do Care
When Life Gives You Lemons...
What the Hell, Hero?: The Hero and/or the Anti-Hero gets reprimanded for their moral failings. Can also be a cynicism trope depending on the handling.
White-and-Grey Morality: There are no pure evil people; just good-hearted heroes and sympathetic, misguided Anti Villains.
Wide-Eyed Idealist: The world around them may suck, but it's hopefully not going to stop them.
Win Back the Crowd
A World Half Full: The world sucks, but we can make it better.
The World Is Just Awesome
Worth Living For: Life, that is.
Worthy Opponent: Just because someone fights for the side of evil doesn't mean they aren't brave and bold.
Would Not Shoot a Civilian: Soldiers never harm civilians.
Would Not Shoot a Good Guy
Wouldn't Hit a Girl: A male character refuses to hurt women.
Wouldn't Hurt a Child: A character refuses to hurt children.
You Are Better Than You Think You Are: You're a good person, and here's why.
You Are Not Alone: There are people that truly care about you.

These tropes will change your life for the better!

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Idealism Tropes

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These tropes will change your life for the better!

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