NEGATIVE TRAIT THESAURUS

IRRESPONSIBLE



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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:
Refusing to be held accountable for one's actions or obligations

SIMILAR FLAWS:
Undependable, unreliable, untrustworthy

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
Desiring fun over work
A live-for-today-for-tomorrow-we-die mentality
A history of failures and disappointments
Low self esteem; believing oneself to be incapable, which leads to self-fulfilling prophecy
Growing up in a home where a strong work ethic and keeping one's word weren't emphasized
Selfishness
A history of acting irresponsibly with no consequences

ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS AND ATTITUDES:
Not completing assigned tasks
Completing tasks in a slapdash manner
Growing bored with routine and needing stimulation
Encouraging others to shirk responsibility and have fun
Giving in to temptation and self-gratification
Following through on the tasks that one is passionate about and ignoring others
Finishing tasks only when a reward is offered
Leaving others in the lurch when a better opportunity comes along
Using charm, manners, and flattery to manipulate others and avoid responsibility
Hopping from job to job
Tardiness
Committing to so many projects that none get done satisfactorily
Believing that one is entitled in some way
Exaggerating to gain sympathy: "The baby has colic; I haven't slept in days."
Placating others by agreeing to their requests without any intention of following through
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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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