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:
Reluctant to impart information or share one's feelings and thoughts

SIMILAR FLAWS:
Closemouthed, guarded, reserved, unresponsive

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
Growing up with closed-off adults
Fear (of rejection, making oneself vulnerable, consequences)
Having a secret to protect
Paranoia
Being emotionally repressed
Low self-esteem; believing that one has nothing to offer
Pain (emotional or physical)
Trust issues

ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS AND ATTITUDES:
Keeping secrets
Desiring connection but not wanting to open up to others
Diverting attention away from oneself
Staying in the background
Having an unemotional outward demeanor
Speaking in a quiet voice
Giving one-word answers
Responding awkwardly (letting silences linger, walking away, etc.)
Avoiding people who press for information
Not answering the phone or door
Not making eye contact
Engaging in solitary activities (video games, reading, hiking alone, etc.)
Using a diary, YouTube channel, or an anonymous blog as an outlet for expression
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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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EXAMPLES FROM LITERATURE:
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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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