NEGATIVE TRAIT THESAURUS

SUPERSTITIOUS



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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:
Believing that omens and symbols can have specific prophetic meaning and that certain ritualistic practices will influence events

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
Obsessive-compulsive disorders
Paranoia
Being highly influenced by the concept of luck
Growing up in a religious or superstition-influenced environment
Having a strong imagination
Belonging to a culture steeped in folklore or mythological beliefs
Fear of failure or death
Needing to explain things that seem unexplainable

ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS AND ATTITUDES:
Carrying symbols of one's superstitions
Adhering to ritualistic behavior (throwing salt over a shoulder if spilled, etc.)
Visiting psychics, having one's palm read, reading tea leaves, etc.
Abiding by horoscopes
Not believing in coincidences
Becoming attached to an object, person, or place and associating good or bad things with it
Crossing oneself or making the sign of the evil eye when frightened
Avoiding danger because of superstitious beliefs (not walking under a ladder, etc.)
Blaming luck for an outcome
Using superstition to avoid blame: "I told you parking in spot thirteen was a bad idea!"
Seeing “signs” and making decisions based on the information
Adhering to unproven patterns: "I always bet on seven; it's my favorite number.
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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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