OPTIMISTIC DEFINITION:anticipating the best possible outcome; seeing events in the most positive light CATEGORIES:identity, interactive, moral SIMILAR ATTRIBUTES:hopeful, positive, sanguine POSSIBLE CAUSES: Believing that people are basically good and well-intentioned Living by the philosophy that if one believes things to be a certain way, they will be Naïveté Growing up sheltered Not wanting to acknowledge or give credence to anything unpleasant Focusing on a greater purpose that makes life’s troubles inconsequential by comparison ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS: Assuming the best of people Waking up happy and going to bed contented Smiling and laughing Having an uplifted countenance Approaching new tasks with eagerness Seeing a difficult job as an opportunity to learn and grow Thinking positively Trusting others Finding something good to say even in a bad situation Generosity Refusing to acknowledge any possibility but a good outcome Using kind, encouraging words Being a peacekeeper Looking forward to the future and whatever may come Moving in a purposeful way; not moving in a lazy or reluctant fashion Not letting oneself be bored or idle; finding meaningful ways to occupy one’s time Not complaining Finding joy in the little things Choosing not to dwell on the negative Recognizing a difficult situation as being temporary Having a sense of humor Accepting things the way they are Not sweating the small stuff Believing that life is precious Avoiding people who are chronically negative Choosing not to worry Enjoying books and movies that have happy outcomes Viewing mistakes as learning opportunities Playing matchmaker; wanting others to share in one’s happiness Being supportive; encouraging people in the pursuit of their goals and dreams Believing that occasional setbacks make success more meaningful and satisfying ASSOCIATED THOUGHTS: This is only temporary. Things will be better soon. I’m so excited to get to babysit the grandkids again! Too bad Angel didn’t pass the bar exam. I’m sure she’ll ace it the second time around. What wonderful opportunities are coming my way today? It really is a beautiful world. ASSOCIATED EMOTIONS:amusement, anticipation, eagerness, elation, excitement, gratitude, hopefulness, peacefulness POSITIVE ASPECTS:Optimistic characters are usually pleasant to be around. As peacemakers, they strive to maintain happiness and good relations, so they’re not often the cause of conflict. Their positive vibes rub off on others and beget more positivity. They often have other admirable qualities as well, such as respectfulness, compassion, and diplomacy. In a world full of naysayers, optimists bring light and hope and can be a safe haven for your hero in a difficult time. NEGATIVE ASPECTS:Some optimists choose positivity over reality, refusing to accept things the way they really are. This can render them unrealistic and impractical. In serious situations, their die-hard hope in the face of impossible circumstances can become frustrating. At times like these, they lose credibility for being naïve and illogical. These extreme optimists are completely unprepared to cope with the worst-case scenario; in such a situation, they may become a burden to those around them instead of a support. EXAMPLE FROM LITERATURE:Pollyanna Whittier’s (Pollyanna) life as an orphan living with a crusty aunt is far from easy. But through her employment of The Glad Game, which she once played with her father, she’s able to find the good in every situation. This is what it means to be an optimist, and Pollyanna’s example is so authentic that her name has come to be synonymous with the trait.Other Examples from Film and Literature:Giselle (Enchanted), Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables) TRAITS IN SUPPORTING CHARACTERS THAT MAY CAUSE CONFLICT:honest, confrontational, pessimistic, pushy, resentful, rowdy, superstitious CHALLENGING SCENARIOS FOR THE OPTIMISTIC CHARACTER: PLOTLINE: Facing a situation where there is no good outcome PLOTLINE: Being paired with an overly intelligent or suspicious character who questions everything PLOTLINE: Suffering a disillusionment that causes doubt (betrayal by a loved one, etc.) PLOTLINE: Being faced with a scenario where one must temper optimism with practicality PLOTLINE: Being surrounded by cynics who believe it to be their duty to open the optimist’s eyes to reality PLOTLINE: Developing a mental illness that steals one’s optimism (depression, for example)