NEGATIVE TRAIT THESAURUS

MARTYR



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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:
One who frequently takes on the victim role as a means of manipulation or to gain validation

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
Control issues
Having one or more caregivers who assumed the victim role
Living in an environment where one's value is determined by what a person can offer
Low self-esteem
Long-term resentment from an unfulfilled desire to be recognized for one's sacrifices
Needing empathy from others to validate oneself
A desire for love and acceptance

ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS AND ATTITUDES:
Frequent complaining
Blaming other people for one's problems
Assuming that coincidental events have been done deliberately
Attempting to influence others by reminding them of what one has done for them
Blowing events out of proportion
Remembering events incorrectly
Never forgiving or forgetting
Being dissatisfied but taking no steps to fix the problem
Creating new complaints when old ones have been addressed
Encouraging dependence in one's children or family to ensure one will always be needed
Serving others, but expressing resentment when sufficient gratitude isn't expressed
Passive-aggressiveness
Depending upon others to make one happy or feel validated
Criticism and high standards
Difficulty forming healthy, balanced relationships
Feeling unappreciated by others
Volunteering to assist but later grousing that others never help out
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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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