NEGATIVE TRAIT THESAURUS

APATHETIC



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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:
Lacking emotion, passion, or interest

SIMILAR FLAWS:
Impassive, indifferent, unmotivated

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
A past hurt that one wants to avoid in the future
A lack of purpose or desire for achievement
Repeated failures and disappointments
Depression
A terminal diagnosis
Hypothyroidism
Neurological and psychological disorders (Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, etc.)
Excessive alcohol or drug use
A brain injury
Selfishness; wanting to live one's life without being inconvenienced by others
A sense of powerlessness
A fear of failure
A lack of faith in one's capabilities

ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS AND ATTITUDES:
Disengaging from others
Dropping out of clubs and activities that one used to enjoy
Decreased concern, interest, or emotion about anything
Being content to coast
Not setting goals
Exhibiting a general lack of respect for others (not listening when others are speaking, etc.)
Being unmotivated
Being late or not showing up at all to meetings, appointments, or events
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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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