The ingénue (UK: /ˈæ̃ʒənjuː, -ʒeɪn-/, US: /ˈæn(d)ʒənjuː, ˈɑːn-/, French: [ɛ̃ʒeny] ^ⓘ) is a stock character in literature, film, and theater. She is a girl or a young woman who is defined by her endearing innocence and naïvety. Ingénue may also refer to a new young actress or one typecast in such roles.^[1] The term comes from the feminine form of the French adjective ingénu meaning "ingenuous" or innocent, naïve, and sincere.^[2] The term may also imply a lack of sophistication and cunning. The vamp (femme fatale) is often a foil for the ingénue.

Typically, the ingénue is beautiful, gentle, sweet-natured, virginal and naïve; additionally, she is often in mental, emotional, or even physical danger—usually a target of the cad, whom she may have mistaken for the hero. The ingénue's naïvety frequently makes her vulnerable, as she cannot understand that the intentions of others are not as pure as her own.^[3] The ingénue is thus closely linked with the "Damsel In Distress" trope.^[1] The ingénue usually lives with her father, husband, or a father figure.

The ingénue is often accompanied by a romantic side plot. This romance is considered pure and harmless to both participants. In many cases, the male participant is as innocent as the ingénue.^{[citation needed]} The ingénue is also similar to the girl-next-door stereotype.

In opera and musical theater, the ingénue is usually sung by a lyric soprano.

• Gamine § In film
• Loosu ponnu
• Moe
• Soubrette

• Child, Ben (January 5, 2015). "Russell Crowe: Female Actors Should Act Their Age". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 2015-01-05.
• Silver, Elizabeth L. (August 19, 2013). "The Death of the Ingénue". The Millions. Retrieved 2015-01-05.

• The dictionary definition of ingenue at Wiktionary