NEGATIVE TRAIT THESAURUS

VOLATILE



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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:
Quick to react; having an explosive temper that may grow violent

SIMILAR FLAWS:
Explosive, unstable

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
Financial pressures
Insomnia or insufficient sleep
Prolonged stress
Stopping or changing medications
Alcoholism and drug abuse
Physical trauma
Paranoia
Being in close proximity to danger
Self-destructive tendencies
A feeling of powerlessness
A lengthy exposure to violence
Growing up in an abusive home
Anxiety

ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS AND ATTITUDES:
Shouting and yelling
Going from calm to explosive in a matter of seconds
Using belittling words
Slapping someone’s hand away
Shoving others
Being set off by the slightest thing
Extreme mood swings
Unpredictability
An aversion to being touched depending on one’s mood
Invading others’ personal space
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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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