POSITIVE TRAIT THESAURUS

OBEDIENT



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HELPFUL TIP:

Characters with this positive attribute will be extra sensitive to certain emotions, so think about how events might specifically trigger feelings in a way that elevates or lowers their moods or causes moral dilemmas to form—whichever best fits your story goals. Try giving a supporting character a negative trait that acts as an opposite of this attribute, causing frustration, disillusionment, or even emotional volatility that leads to poor decisions and mistakes.
DEFINITION:
Submissive to authority

SIMILAR ATTRIBUTES:
Biddable, compliant, dutiful, submissive, tame, well-behaved

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
A subservient nature
Having been taught the importance of respecting authority
Seeing the value of authority in society
Fear of retribution
A desire to please
The belief that following the rules leads to reward
A strong sense of fairness
Seeing others be punished for asking questions or displaying independent thinking
Coming from a strict religious or military background that required obedience
Gratitude and loyalty; obeying someone because of what they did in the past

ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS AND ATTITUDES:
Following orders immediately
Reading the manual before assembling an item
Seeking out the advice of people in authority
Trusting that those in authority have one's best interests at heart
Obeying an order or rule despite private misgivings
Proactively getting approval before acting
Understanding that everyone has a part to play for society to function
Being a team player
Carrying out tasks efficiently
Believing that something greater is at work and feeling appreciation for it
Respecting order (keeping a neat room, being organized, etc.)
Obeying rules even if it's inconvenient (driving the speed limit, making curfew, 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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EXAMPLE FROM LITERATURE:
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CHALLENGING SCENARIOS FOR CHARACTERS WITH THIS TRAIT:
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TRAITS IN SUPPORTING CHARACTERS THAT MAY CAUSE CONFLICT:
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