THEME AND SYMBOLISM THESAURUS

VIRTUE



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HELPFUL TIP:

Your story's theme is its central message to readers and can be reinforced with specific symbols and motifs pulled right from the setting. Additionally, symbols woven into a scene can underscore your character's emotions, establish mood, and even generate conflict. Explore your story theme thoughtfully and use associated symbols to do more with less.
THEMATIC STATEMENTS THAT MAY APPLY TO YOUR STORY:
Virtue is its own reward.
A virtuous life is an inspirational one.
Living virtuously requires courage.
Virtues are absolute.
Virtues are culturally determined.
A virtuous person can redeem a monster.
When survival is on the line, virtue no longer matters.
One virtuous act doesn't negate a lifetime of vice.
Virtues taken to an extreme can become vices.

LIES (ANTI-THEMATIC STATEMENTS) YOUR CHARACTER MIGHT BELIEVE:
I don't have what it takes to do the right thing under pressure.
The payoff from doing good isn't high enough to be worthwhile.
I can't be any better than I am right now.
If I'm virtuous, people will like me.
Being virtuous is a privilege I can't afford.
My past mistakes or poor choices make it impossible for me to be a virtuous person.
Living a life of vice is more fun that being virtuous.

CHARACTER TRAITS TO SUPPORT OR CHALLENGE THE THEME:
ANTISOCIAL, CHILDISH, CRUEL, DISHONEST, DISRESPECTFUL, EVIL, FANATICAL, HAUGHTY, HYPOCRITICAL, IMPULSIVE, IRRESPONSIBLE, JUDGMENTAL, MANIPULATIVE, REBELLIOUS, SUPERSTITIOUS, UNETHICAL, ANALYTICAL, CAUTIOUS, CENTERED, CONFIDENT, DISCIPLINED, EMPATHETIC, FOCUSED, HONEST, HONORABLE, HOSPITABLE, HUMBLE, OBJECTIVE, OBSERVANT, RESPONSIBLE, SPIRITUAL, WISE

WOUNDS THAT MAY SHAPE A CHARACTER'S PERSPECTIVE:
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CREATIVE WORKS THAT EXPLORE THIS THEME:
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HUMAN & SOCIETAL SYMBOLS FOR THIS THEME:
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