ORGANIZED DEFINITION:being orderly and systematic in one’s handling of matters CATEGORIES:achievement SIMILAR ATTRIBUTES:methodical, orderly, structured, systematic POSSIBLE CAUSES: A need for efficiency Compensating for being easily overwhelmed Being highly responsible; not wanting to let others down Growing up in a very structured environment OCD and similar disorders ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS: Scheduling events well in advance Being detail oriented Keeping a neat workspace Implementing systems for managing projects or a schedule Frequently checking emails and messages Having good time management Communicating clearly and frequently with associates Over-communicating with others Anticipating setbacks and difficulties Micromanaging others Delegating tasks to others Keeping lists Knowing one’s capabilities and scheduling accordingly Arriving at one’s destination early or on time Keeping to a schedule Keeping a calendar of events (birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, etc.) Having a place for everything and keeping everything in its place Expressing frustration when others don’t put things where they belong Expecting others to also be neat and orderly Obsessively picking up and putting things away Having multiple to-do lists Investing in organizational tools (software, bins, containers, organizers, etc.) Becoming agitated when things are in disarray Organizing even obscure things and places (archived files, basements, attics, etc.) Noticing and feeling satisfied when things are running smoothly Thinking sequentially, in terms of steps Gaining satisfaction from checking items off of a list Making efforts to organize events and gatherings that lack order Being very aware of the time Frequently checking email and one’s phone for messages Impatience when one’s questions aren’t answered in a timely manner ASSOCIATED THOUGHTS: I need a system for this. Why can’t people put things where they belong? Ahhh, the container store. My favorite place on the planet. Time to knock some things off my to-do list! ASSOCIATED EMOTIONS:irritation, peacefulness, pride, satisfaction POSITIVE ASPECTS:Organized characters are adept at making things run smoothly. They’re meticulous with details and plan well in advance, so nothing becomes overlooked. They like to be dependable, and feel personally responsible when they let others down. Hardworking, nose-to-the-grindstone individuals, they take care of the important daily details that allow other characters to be less organized. As such, they make great support characters. NEGATIVE ASPECTS:Organized characters can be so focused on the minutia that their priorities become skewed and they lose sight of the big picture. Their need for order makes it difficult for them to focus in an unruly environment, limiting their efficiency under less-than-ideal circumstances. They can also struggle when working with others who lack their passion for order or who like to arrange things differently. EXAMPLE FROM FILM:Squadron Leader Roger Bartlett (The Great Escape) is the organizational genius behind an ambitious escape plan that took place at Stalag Luft III, one of the highest security prisoner-of-war camps ever built. Bartlett, also known as The Big X, is determined to initiate the biggest POW breakout in history. With the help of his team, he furtively arranges for the digging of numerous tunnels, the redistribution of vast amounts of dirt, and the manufacture of civilian clothing and false documents for two hundred men, all under the noses of the guards.Other Examples from Film:Itzhak Stern (Schindler’s List), Jack Byrnes (Meet the Parents), Jackie Harrison (Stepmom) TRAITS IN SUPPORTING CHARACTERS THAT MAY CAUSE CONFLICT:artistic, disorganized, easygoing, flaky, foolish, forgetful, impulsive CHALLENGING SCENARIOS FOR THE ORGANIZED CHARACTER: PLOTLINE: Being grouped with disorganized people PLOTLINE: Having to organize without the tools and implements one is used to utilizing PLOTLINE: Living in an environment where personal space isn’t valued PLOTLINE: Becoming so overcommitted that organization of everything is virtually impossible