The Negative Trait Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Flaws Author: Angela Ackerman | Language: English | ISBN:
B00FVZDZ6K | Format: PDF
The Negative Trait Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Flaws Description
Crafting likable, interesting characters is a balancing act, and finding that perfect mix of strengths and weaknesses can be difficult. Not only does a well-drawn protagonist need positive attributes to help him succeed, he must also have flaws that humanize him and give him something to overcome. The same is true of villains and the rest of the story’s supporting cast. So how can writers figure out which flaws best fit their characters? Which negative traits will create personality clashes and conflict while making success difficult?
TAKE CHARACTER CREATION TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL
Nothing adds complexity like character flaws. Inside the Negative Trait Thesaurus you’ll find:
*A vast collection of flaws to explore when building a character’s personality.
*Each entry includes possible causes, attitudes, behaviors, thoughts, and related emotions
*Real examples from literature, film, or television to show how each flaw can create life challenges and relational friction
*Advice on building layered and memorable characters from the ground up
*An in-depth look at backstory, emotional wounds, and how pain twists a character’s view of himself and his world, influencing behavior and decision making
*A flaw-centric exploration of character arc, relationships, motivation, and basic needs
*Tips on how to best show a character’s flaws to readers while avoiding common pitfalls
*Downloadable tools to aid writers in character creation
The Negative Trait Thesaurus sheds light on your character’s dark side. Written in list format and fully indexed, this brainstorming resource is perfect for creating deep, flawed characters readers will relate to.
- File Size: 1250 KB
- Print Length: 266 pages
- Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0989772500
- Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
- Publisher: JADD Publishing (October 13, 2013)
- Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
- Language: English
- ASIN: B00FVZDZ6K
- Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray:
- Lending: Enabled
- Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,639 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
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in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Education & Reference > Words, Language & Grammar > Reference - #9
in Books > Education & Reference > Words, Language & Grammar > Reference - #25
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- #2
in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Education & Reference > Words, Language & Grammar > Reference - #9
in Books > Education & Reference > Words, Language & Grammar > Reference - #25
in Books > Education & Reference > Writing, Research & Publishing Guides > Writing > Fiction
I turn to Ackerman and Puglisi's Emotion Thesaurus regularly when needing inspiration for character reactions and action beats. Their new additions to the series are shaping up to be just as valuable, if not more so. In the introductory material to this volume, they state that they view this book as a "brainstorming tool." This is spot-on.
As they explain in their insightful opening chapters, character flaws drive character arcs. Without a solid understanding of what major problem is at the crux of our character's personal dilemma, we will never have the knowledge to shape a powerful transformation over the course of our story.
But more than just power, we also want originality, and this is where the Negative Trait Thesaurus should prove especially helpful. Just in browsing a few entries, my imagination was immediately spurred to look beyond obvious, first-glance choices toward bigger and more unique possibilities. I look forward to using this wonderful tool (complete with some of the best "bonus goodies" I've ever seen in the appendices) in shaping my characters in my next work-in-progress.
By K.M. Weiland, Author of Historical and Speculative Fiction
Angela and Becca have done it again! The Negative Trait Thesaurus is a fantastic, must-have resource for writers. The exhaustive list of character flaws and how they are manifest on the page will inform writers for every character they craft. Beyond simply showing the negative aspects of a character, this book helps writers show their internal world, helping writers convey true motivations and needs. The result is character development on the deepest, most meaningful levels possible.
By Marissa J. Berg
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