POSITIVE TRAIT THESAURUS

MERCIFUL



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HELPFUL TIP:

Characters with this positive attribute will be extra sensitive to certain emotions, so think about how events might specifically trigger feelings in a way that elevates or lowers their moods or causes moral dilemmas to form—whichever best fits your story goals. Try giving a supporting character a negative trait that acts as an opposite of this attribute, causing frustration, disillusionment, or even emotional volatility that leads to poor decisions and mistakes.
DEFINITION:
Displaying leniency from one's position of power; showing compassion

SIMILAR ATTRIBUTES:
Compassionate, gracious, humane

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
Being naturally empathetic
Being vulnerable and helpless in the past
Having a strong sense of right and wrong
Wanting to alleviate suffering
Having mentors or teachers who displayed compassion
Valuing others
Having a strong sense of justice

ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS AND ATTITUDES:
Forgiveness
Meting out justice with compassion
Being able to put oneself in another's shoes
Treating others with respect and fairness
Helping those who are in need
Choosing to instruct rather than punish
Encouraging others to grow, learn, and better themselves
Being unbiased
Leading by example
Patience
Not holding grudges
Offering comfort through understanding
Being a strong listener
Reflecting on the big picture instead of being caught up in the little details
Offering grace to those in need
Being hopeful for change in every case
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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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CHALLENGING SCENARIOS FOR CHARACTERS WITH THIS TRAIT:
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TRAITS IN SUPPORTING CHARACTERS THAT MAY CAUSE CONFLICT:
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