Theingénue (UK:/ˈæ̃ʒənjuː,-ʒeɪn-/,US:/ˈæn(d)ʒənjuː,ˈɑːn-/,French:[ɛ̃ʒeny]^ⓘ) is astock character in literature, film and a role type in the theater, generally a girl or a young woman, who is endearingly innocent.Ingénue may also refer to a new young actress or onetypecast in such roles. The term comes from the feminine form of the French adjectiveingénu meaning "ingenuous" or innocent, virtuous and candid. The term may also imply a lack of sophistication and cunning.

Typically, theingénue is beautiful, kind, gentle, sweet, virginal and often naïve; additionally, she is often in mental, emotional, or even physical danger—usually a target of thecad, whom she may have mistaken for thehero. Theingénue usually lives with her father, husband, or afather figure. Thevamp (femme fatale) is often afoil for theingénue (or thedamsel in distress).

Theingénue is often accompanied by a romantic side plot. This romance is usually considered pure and harmless to both participants. In many cases, the male participant is as innocent as theingénue. Theingénue is also similar to thegirl-next-door stereotype.

In opera and musical theater, theingénue is usually sung by alyric soprano. Theingénue usually has the fawn-eyed innocence and sometimes subtle sexual appeal.

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

• Child, Ben (January 5, 2015)."Russell Crowe: Female Actors Should Act Their Age".The Guardian. London. Retrieved2015-01-05.
• Silver, Elizabeth L. (August 19, 2013)."The Death of the Ingénue".The Millions. Retrieved2015-01-05.

•   The dictionary definition ofingenue at Wiktionary