NEGATIVE TRAIT THESAURUS

MELODRAMATIC



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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:
Overly emotional; exhibiting overblown responses to situations or stimuli, often to create drama or draw attention

SIMILAR FLAWS:
Histrionic, sensational

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
A need for attention
A flair for the theatrical
Being self-absorbed
Being spoiled as a child
Paranoia
A desire to control the behavior of others
Being overly sensitive
Having melodramatic caregivers
Being praised for shallow or theatrical behavior as a child (being a child beauty queen, etc.)

ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS AND ATTITUDES:
Making a big deal out of a small slight
Playing the victim
Using rapid speech and hand gestures
Speaking in an emotion-clogged tone
Raising one's voice to draw attention
Complaining and whining
Talking about oneself
Taking everything personally
Being overly sensitive to smells, shifts in temperature, and environmental changes
Making grand gestures and statements
Quick, extreme mood shifts
Difficulty being objective
Not prioritizing well
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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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