NEGATIVE TRAIT THESAURUS

EVASIVE



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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:
Having an unforthcoming manner; avoiding self-revelation

SIMILAR FLAWS:
Cagey, elusive, secretive, slippery, vague

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
Trust issues
A fear of failure
A fear of commitment
Shyness
A fear of being hurt or judged
The desire to protect oneself or others from perceived harm
Having something to hide

ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS AND ATTITUDES:
Keeping opinions to oneself
Maintaining defensive body language (keeping one's distance, crossing the arms, etc.)
Telling half-truths or lies
Shrugging and looking away
Difficulty sharing one's opinion when asked
Avoiding certain topics
Using light manipulation to keep the attention away from oneself
Keeping secrets
Giving vague responses
Holding one's emotions in check
Strong observation and listening skills
Not sharing one's motives out of a fear that others will misunderstand or cast judgment
Maintaining strong personal boundaries
Protecting one's privacy and preferring solitude
Ignoring hints for more information
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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 TV:
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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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