IDEALISTIC DEFINITION:seeing the world as it could be; pursuing noble goals, beliefs, or a higher purpose CATEGORIES:achievement, identity SIMILAR ATTRIBUTES:noble, visionary POSSIBLE CAUSES: Having visionary parents or mentors The desire to change the world for the better Wanting to leave a legacy Having a deep love for people, the world, or a specific belief or cause Witnessing corruption, danger, or hardship Having passionate convictions ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS: Having a strong imagination AskingWhat if? Being highly observant Creative problem solving; innovation Being highly intuitive Understanding what needs to be improved and how it can be done Valuing the happiness of others Believing in the good of humanity Having deep values and beliefs Being honorable and principled Dreaming big Being curious about the world and the people in it Tenaciously pursuing one’s goals Being a deep thinker Seeing the potential in everything Generosity Encouraging and inspiring others Having a reflective nature Bouncing back from disappointments or setbacks Making independent choices rather than being swayed by others Self-confidence Boldly holding to one’s beliefs Hopefulness; optimism Positively reinforcing others Being consistent in one’s pursuits Having high personal expectations and standards Finding joy in one’s life and sharing it with others Being satisfied with one’s path Avoiding conflict whenever possible Being a strong mediator or peacemaker Backing up one’s beliefs with action Trying to leave things better than one found them Professing an interest in the meaning of life Expressing one’s feelings well Having a job that focuses on helping others (social work, fundraising, etc.) Being a good listener Being considerate of others Being spiritual ASSOCIATED THOUGHTS: There has to be a way to help that orphanage. Kids shouldn’t have to live like that. I want to do something meaningful, not just clock in and out every day. Something’s bothering Dean. Maybe we can work through it together. If we all pitch in, we can clean up this lake. Then other communities would follow. ASSOCIATED EMOTIONS:anticipation, confidence, curiosity, desire, eagerness, happiness, hopefulness POSITIVE ASPECTS:Idealistic characters are valued for their honesty, their ability to listen, and their genuine, caring natures. They make strong peacemakers and advisors by ignoring the fluff, focusing instead on the heart of a problem and what it will take to make those involved more happy and fulfilled. They are resilient and determined when it comes to their convictions and cannot easily be brought down by disappointment or failure. These characters have big dreams and the courage to chase them, which often leads to change for the better. NEGATIVE ASPECTS:While they’re able to easily visualize the big picture, idealists sometimes have a hard time ironing out the details. Their inability to see how to make the dream a reality on a practical level can frustrate both them and the people dedicated to helping them succeed. EXAMPLE FROM FILM:Sam Childers, a former gang member inMachine Gun Preacher,finds God and becomes a champion of orphaned children in the south Sudan. Despite the danger of raids from the Lord’s Resistance Army, Sam builds an orphanage to keep children from being forced into recruitment as child soldiers. As the struggle intensifies, Sam becomes consumed by his mission, sacrificing his business, personal finances, and family relationships to pursue what he believes to be right.Other Examples from History and Film:Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Jerry Maguire (Jerry Maguire), Dave Kovic (Dave) TRAITS IN SUPPORTING CHARACTERS THAT MAY CAUSE CONFLICT:argumentative, cynical, fanatical, impatient, pessimistic, suspicious, unhelpful CHALLENGING SCENARIOS FOR THE IDEALISTIC CHARACTER: PLOTLINE: Having a relative who repeatedly discourages the idealistic character “for their own good” PLOTLINE: Experiencing setbacks that make one doubt or question one’s goal PLOTLINE: Feeling the need to pursue a goal that puts oneself or one’s family at risk PLOTLINE: Living in a society that is tightly regimented and controlled