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:
Disagreeable; inclined to complain

SIMILAR FLAWS:
Discontented, dissatisfied, fretful, peevish

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
A spoiled upbringing
A manipulative nature
A sense of entitlement
Never being taught responsibility
A lack of work ethic; laziness
Poor self-confidence and self-esteem

ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS AND ATTITUDES:
Complaining
Citing boredom, aches, pains, or other conditions in hopes of getting what one wants
Using a simpering tone
Loudly letting others know how bored or inconvenienced one feels
Having high expectations of others
Not letting up; relentlessly asking for something until other people give in
Making comparisons: "Jimmy's dad always drives him to the bus stop!"
Insulting those in charge in an attempt to erode their power and gain control
Speaking loudly to draw attention
A reluctance to make sacrifices
Being judgmental of others
Agreeing to future promises as a way of avoiding current commitments
Letting out heavy, disagreeable sighs
Acting annoying just to get on someone's nerves
Lying or exaggerating the truth
Passive-aggressiveness
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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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