NEGATIVE TRAIT THESAURUS

WEAK-WILLED



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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:
Gutless; easily influenced

SIMILAR FLAWS:
Spineless, weak

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
Having a domineering or controlling parent or partner
A lack of self-confidence
Poor self-esteem; being more comfortable following others than thinking for oneself
Social anxiety or shyness
A fear of rejection, confrontation, or letting others down
Low intelligence
Peer pressure
Naiveté
Guilt
Desiring approval, acceptance, love, admiration, or affection
A lack of education, experience, or training

ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS AND ATTITUDES:
Nodding and agreeing with others
Asking what someone else thinks
Saying or doing something even when one knows it's wrong
Smiling to emphasize one's support or allegiance
Sticking close to an influencer
Worrying over the dress code for certain events
Giving in to the demands and desires of spoiled children
Being manipulated even though one knows what the other person is doing
Overcommitting from an inability to say "No"
Being susceptible to guilt trips
Handing over money or other hard-won resources even when one doesn't want to
Changing one's looks or personality in an effort to fit in
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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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