When She Smiles/Sandbox





A character is described as plain or unremarkable, except, well, when they smile; when you get them to crack a grin, Hello, Nurse!! A Slasher Smile or evil smirk doesn't do it - it's something about the sheer happiness in that smile that makes whoever's watching immediately feel welcome, or better, and very often want to make them smile again. Preferably a lot. Depending on the application, can lead to Love At First Sight, a Love Epiphany, or a Crowning Moment of Heartwarming. It's very effective for a Broken Bird, The Stoic, a Shrinking Violet or a Perpetual Frowner, but is in no way limited to them. The key element is that the smile adds a lot.

It's not actually Always Female; the title comes from the song "Absolutely (Story of a Girl)". Go Out with a Smile often involves this plus Tear Jerker. A shy cousin to What Beautiful Eyes!, and Unkempt Beauty; a subtrope of OOC Is Serious Business. Contrast with The Un-Smile, where the smile is just plain unnatural.

In-Universe examples only, please. This isn't an Audience Reaction.