NEGATIVE TRAIT THESAURUS

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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:
Characterized by a showiness meant to emphasize one's inflated sense of importance

SIMILAR FLAWS:
Flashy, grandiose, ostentatious, pompous, showy

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
Being spoiled as a child
Having a life of privilege
Having a rich benefactor
Being a high achiever
Being overly worried about what others think
Narcissism

ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS AND ATTITUDES:
Using big words to sound important
Name-dropping
Overconfidence
Speaking loudly to draw attention
Wearing flashy or expensive clothing
Having a sense of entitlement
Believing that people should adhere to a social caste system
Lavish displays of wealth or influence (a party packed with celebrities, etc.)
Making bold claims or grand promises
Acting overwhelmed by attention while secretly reveling in it
False modesty
Preening
Ego trips
Having a “what's in it for me?” attitude
Believing that one's time and attention are more important than others'
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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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