Comments on: Character Trait Entry: Naïve

By: Becca Puglisi

Becca Puglisi — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 11:31:58 +0000

According to my dictionary, both forms are acceptable. The ‘y’ one is chiefly British, which I guess is why I’m more familiar with the ‘e’ term :).

By: Owllady

Owllady — Sun, 17 Jun 2012 19:55:09 +0000

Okay, I can’t help it: this is a site for writers, I’m a writer: isn’t the word “naivete” rather than “naivety”?

I love this entry. I’ve got a naive guy as a protagonist and I’m always looking for ways to make that trait believable and non-cliche.

By: L.B. Gale

L.B. Gale — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:33:12 +0000

Just found out about this site. What a great resource! Two of my favorite naive characters are from television. Kenneth the Page from 30 Rock and Butters from South Park. Usually we are asked to laugh at them and admire them for a kind of simplistic integrity.

By: Kelly Hashway

Kelly Hashway — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:34:55 +0000

“What about a naïve character who is able to resolve her conflict while maintaining her innocence and purity?” I absolutely love this!

By: Becca Puglisi

Becca Puglisi — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:54:33 +0000

I never thought of using the character traits to help with drama, but I can totally see how they could help.

I think we're all naive in some ways. Sometimes, naivety is good, and other times, it can be a detriment. So many possibilities with this trait.

By: Lynda R Young

Lynda R Young — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 01:35:32 +0000

I’m actually have a character in my current WIP who is both naive about some things and street smart in others.

By: Mirka Breen

Mirka Breen — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 19:14:14 +0000

I don’t think I do the naive well. It is high art to pull it off- the writer and the reader in ‘the know’ while the character misses what’s right in front of them.

By: Bonnee

Bonnee — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 12:38:43 +0000

I really appreciate these posts you make, they open up a lot of options for characters and SHOW the world that it can be done. I like naive characters to an extent 🙂

By: mephet

mephet — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 08:10:51 +0000

Great post, really enjoyed reading through it. 🙂 I actually have a character in my WIP novel who’s rather naïve, but at the same time responsible for leading a rebel army. Pushing naïve and idealist characters into leading roles and forcing them to make difficult decisions is definitely a great way to give them complexity and conflict.

By: Leslie Rose

Leslie Rose — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 07:15:25 +0000

Oh, I’m stealing Stina’s idea. My son is an actor as well. These character posts are a master class. My favorite naive character is Edward in Sense and Sensibility, although I do sort of want to slap some sense into him.

By: Stina Lindenblatt

Stina Lindenblatt — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 01:29:23 +0000

I love your character trait posts. I’ll have to show them to my son. He’s studying drama and this will help him understand the concept better. 🙂

By: The Golden Eagle

The Golden Eagle — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 20:35:59 +0000

Interesting post!

Naive characters aren't my personal favorite, but they can play significant roles in a story.