NEGATIVE TRAIT THESAURUS

TIMID



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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:
Easily cowed; lacking courage, bravery, and self-assurance

SIMILAR FLAWS:
Intimidated, mousy, timorous, unassertive

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
A past trauma
Phobias (especially social phobias)
Abuse or neglect
Shame
A history of isolation
An overly sheltered childhood
Fragile health
Insecurity and low self-esteem

ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS AND ATTITUDES:
Avoiding change
Isolation
Nervousness around strangers
Flinching at too much noise
Hiding or withdrawing when one is uncomfortable
Choosing activities that one can do alone
Becoming tongue-tied
Always going along with what others want
Freezing under pressure or stress
Avoiding scary movies and TV shows
Being extremely self-conscious around other people
Being ruled by insecurities that prevent one from enjoying life to the fullest
Preferring to stay in rather than go out
Self-doubt; low self-esteem
Shakiness
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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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