I guess people never associate shyness with ambition; we think that all shy people are reclusive and content with staying home with their families. I randomly started thinking about this combination of characteristics when I was comparing fictional characters with myself and finding similarities and differences.
I’m shy and quiet and timid. I think I care a little bit too much about what people think about me, and I feel self-conscious even when my rational mind tells me that other people probably don’t pay enough attention to me in the first place to judge me too harshly. This characteristic of mine brought to mind Laura Wingfield from The Glass Menagerie. I could relate to her self-consciousness and how she feels safest when she’s alone and not under others’ scrutiny. However, unlike Laura, I do feel motivated to finish high school, graduate from college and get a job in which I can hopefully have a positive impact on the world. I want to be able to do things with my life (like volunteering, getting internships, participating in clubs) that require interacting with other people, and this does help me overcome my shyness occasionally.
The closest character I could think of who has the ambition/shyness combination is Jo March from Little Women. She has dreams of becoming a famous author. She’s introverted and doesn’t like being a “proper” lady. She feels awkward at parties and while having to make small talk with strangers and prefers being with close friends and family (as I do). However, I don’t think she’s shy exactly. She isn’t terribly self-conscious and she’s definitely not quiet. She’s famous for having a temper. Beth March is the shy one who, like Laura, is almost terrified of speaking to strangers and is content to stay home and care for her family.
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