NEGATIVE TRAIT THESAURUS

SUBSERVIENT



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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:
Extremely compliant and obedient

SIMILAR FLAWS:
Obsequious, servile, slavish

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
A history of codependence
A desperate need for acceptance, love, or inclusion
A lack of self-esteem; believing that worth is gained solely by serving others
Gratitude
A fear of losing the favor of others
Believing that one is incapable of surviving or succeeding on one's own
Desiring to make up for a perceived failing in the past
Sexual masochism

ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS AND ATTITUDES:
Timidity
Following orders without question
Not thinking for oneself
Never disagreeing with those in charge
Adopting the opinions of the person being served
Living in fear of doing something wrong or upsetting those in charge
Blind loyalty
Believing in something bigger than oneself and being willing to sacrifice for it
Difficulty making independent decisions
Obsessing over what one's idol thinks and feels
Striving to meet unrealistic expectations
Neediness
Being a rule-follower
Jumping to the defense of the person in charge
An inability to cut loose and have fun
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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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