NEGATIVE TRAIT THESAURUS

HAUGHTY



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HELPFUL TIP:

Characters with this flaw will be extra sensitive to certain emotions, so think about how events in your story might specifically trigger these feelings to generate compelling tension and conflict. Another idea is to give a supporting character a positive attribute that is an opposite of this flaw, which will get under the skin of both characters and cause friction in their relationship.
DEFINITION:
Contemptuously proud in a way that disdains others

SIMILAR FLAWS:
Arrogant, contemptuous, disdainful, imperious, scornful

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
Prejudice
The belief that one's attributes make one more valuable than others (wealth, IQ, beauty, etc.)
Growing up in a family that expressed disdain for others
Being taught that certain people groups aren't deserving of respect
A religious, political, or nationalistic heritage that teaches superiority
Insecurity being masked by overcompensation

ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS AND ATTITUDES:
Flaunting one's possessions, power, or status
Using one's status to intimidate
Manipulating others to get what one wants
Verbally disdaining the flaws of those outside of one's class
Treating those one considers lower-class as objects
Taking excessive pride in one's family, lineage, or accomplishments
Hiding scandals in an effort to protect one's reputation
Pretending to feel sorry for others because of the “misfortune” of their station in life
Dismissing certain groups of people as if they're not worth the effort
Seeking ways to improve one's status
Wanting to impress those above one's station
Refusing to acknowledge those one deems to be less fortunate or inferior
Believing that others are less intelligent than oneself
Having a good understanding of social politics
Generosity for show (making large donations to charities to improve one's status, etc.)
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ASSOCIATED THOUGHTS:
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ASSOCIATED EMOTIONS:
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POSITIVE ASPECTS:
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NEGATIVE ASPECTS:
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EXAMPLE FROM FILM:
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OVERCOMING THIS TRAIT AS A MAJOR FLAW:
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TRAITS IN SUPPORTING CHARACTERS THAT MAY CAUSE CONFLICT:
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