POSITIVE TRAIT THESAURUS

CAUTIOUS



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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:
Given to prudent forethought before acting

SIMILAR ATTRIBUTES:
Careful, heedful

POSSIBLE CAUSES:
Living in a dangerous environment
Witnessing loved ones who suffered calamities as a result of risky behavior
Being hurt in the past
Being the victim of abuse or crime
Living with fears, phobias, or social anxiety
Fragile health
Having overly protective parents
Believing in superstition and bad luck

ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS AND ATTITUDES:
Asking questions
Investigating and researching before making decisions
Avoiding risky situations or places
Entering relationships slowly
Going over the details
Being slow to trust
Having a closed body posture
Sharing one's thoughts and opinions in a round-about way, rather than directly
Having a backup plan
Pickiness
Repeating instructions several times to ensure they will be followed
Taking the time to study new places
Doing one's research beforehand
Valuing privacy
Being confident in one's decisions, knowing that ample thought was put into them
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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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