NEGATIVE TRAIT THESAURUS

SELF-DESTRUCTIVE



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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:
Inclined toward actions and choices that hurt oneself

SIMILAR FLAWS:
Destructive, ruinous

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
Depression, eating disorders, or other mental conditions
Addiction
Emotional pain
Low self-esteem
Extreme guilt or shame as a result of a defining past event
A desperate need for attention
A fear of failure or success
Learned behavior from role models
A lack of attachment to others
Loss of hope

ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS AND ATTITUDES:
Making unwise decisions with one's friends and relationships
Unreliability
Impulsiveness
Showing up late
Missing events or blowing people off
Sabotaging friendships
Wasting opportunities
Excessive or restless sleep habits
Poor nutrition
Taking sexual risks (having frequent partners, not protecting oneself, etc.)
Embracing excess (drinking too much, dangerous drug experimentation, 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 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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