Ingénue  The ingénue is a stock 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 one typecast in such roles. The term comes from the feminine form of the French adjective meaning "ingenuous" or innocent, virtuous and candid. The term may also imply a lack of sophistication and cunning. Typically, the "ingénue" is beautiful, kind, gentle, sweet, virginal and often naïve, in mental or emotional danger or even physical danger, usually a target of the cad; whom she may have mistaken for the hero. The "ingénue" usually lives with her father, husband, or a father figure. The vamp (femme fatale) is often a foil for the "ingénue" (or the damsel in distress). The "ingénue" is often accompanied with 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 the "ingénue". 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. The "ingénue" usually has the fawn-eyed innocence of a child but subtle sexual appeal as well.