NEGATIVE TRAIT THESAURUS

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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:
One who claims to know more than everyone else

SIMILAR FLAWS:
Braggart, windbag

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
An inherent need to prove oneself to others
Insecurity
The desire to share one's knowledge with others
Feeling inferior in other areas (physically, materially, etc.) and choosing to excel intellectually
High intelligence
Extreme pride in one's own intellectual abilities
A competitive nature
The need to dominate

ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS AND ATTITUDES:
Being the first to answer a question
Talking over others
Interrupting
Compulsive studying and researching
Taking pride in always knowing the right answer
Speaking as an expert on whatever topic is being discussed
Eagerly participating in various opportunities to gain experience and knowledge
Frequenting the library
Always having a book close at hand
Keeping up with current events (reading the paper, watching the news, etc.)
Pondering and discussing big issues
Always wanting to have the last word
Arguing to defend one's point of view
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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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EXAMPLES FROM LITERATURE:
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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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