NEGATIVE TRAIT THESAURUS

NERVOUS



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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:
Having an uneasiness of the mind or a brooding fear

SIMILAR FLAWS:
Anxious, edgy, skittish, uneasy

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
Having caregivers who worried and fussed over every little thing
Control and trust issues
Chemical imbalances in the brain
Hyperthyroidism
Paranoia or an over-active imagination
Pessimism
Anxiety disorders or social phobias
Believing in superstitions
Being victimized in the past; repressed traumatic memories
An important loss (a family death, etc.) at a critical stage in development
Surviving a natural disaster or war
Substance abuse or side effects from medications

ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS AND ATTITUDES:
Constantly dwelling on the worst-case scenario
Panic attacks and profuse sweating
Stuttering or rushed speech
Second guessing one's decisions
Negative self-talk
A darting gaze that quickly marks exits
Sensitivity to noise and movement
An unhealthy zeal for protecting those in one's care
Arriving late to social events and leaving early
Inappropriate social responses (laughing too loudly or at the wrong time)
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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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