NEGATIVE TRAIT THESAURUS

FANATICAL



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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 enthusiastic and blindly devoted

SIMILAR FLAWS:
Rabid, radical, zealous

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
Extreme dedication and loyalty to a cause, belief, person, group, or team
A zealous, religious upbringing
Peer pressure
A fear of retribution
The unswerving belief that one's opinion is right and just
Extreme pride (in one's religion, nationality, or heritage)
Brainwashing
A mental imbalance or mania
The need to belong to a group or be a part of something

ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS AND ATTITUDES:
Gathering with like-minded people
Joining fan clubs, discussion boards, and other official support groups
Seeking to discredit or silence any opposition
Expressing disdain, scorn, or anger when differing opinions are offered
Proselytizing
Wearing clothing that reflects one's loyalty (team jerseys, concert t-shirts, etc.)
Altering one's appearance to look more like the object of one's fanaticism
Strictly adhering to a list of rules or regulations
Not thinking for oneself
Judging people based on their alliances
Offering financial support to one's cause or belief, even when one cannot afford to do so
Blind loyalty; accepting everything coming from the source as truth
Collecting memorabilia (posters, knickknacks, religious artifacts, 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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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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