PROPER DEFINITION:marked by appropriateness and correctness; stately CATEGORIES:identity, interactive, moral SIMILAR ATTRIBUTES:decorous, dignified, formal POSSIBLE CAUSES: Regional influences Monetary status Parental expectations A desire to do the right thing Not wanting to offend Snootiness Insecurity Coming from a strict rule-following background ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS: Being keenly aware of what others think Following rules Keeping a tidy home Not leaving the house unless one’s appearance is perfect Speaking with proper grammar Using a controlled voice (a soft tone, appropriate volume, etc.) Not showing emotion in public Loyalty Creating many rules to keep others in line Adhering to societal norms Having high expectations for oneself and for others Expressing disdain when others do things that are considered tacky Belonging to prestigious groups or societies Social climbing Being strict with one’s children to keep them from being an embarrassment Adhering to a schedule or routine Having good posture Being meticulous about certain things Having good hygiene Taking one’s responsibilities seriously Being involved in the community Supporting charities Judging others based on how proper or improper they are Responding to negativity with dignity Avoiding conflict Not liking surprises Not doing anything that will make others feel uncomfortable Doing anything to avoid a scene Maintaining the status quo Refusing to be drawn into arguments or disagreements in public Avoiding public affection unless the gesture is socially acceptable (air kisses, etc.) Thinking before one speaks Having impeccable manners Showing gratitude to one’s host or hostess, even if one cannot stand them Difficulty relaxing and letting go of propriety ASSOCIATED THOUGHTS: What’s the proper thing to do in this situation? What will the neighbors think? Why does Barbara always have to make a scene? I know Ian thinks he’s doing the right thing, but can’t he be more subtle about it? ASSOCIATED EMOTIONS:amusement, annoyance, disappointment, disgust, embarrassment, scorn POSITIVE ASPECTS:Proper characters are polite, upstanding citizens who don’t intentionally cause trouble within societal norms. They respect authority, and since they can be counted on to toe the company line, they make excellent yes-men. These characters are extremely loyal, sticking to a person, group, philosophy, or belief to the bitter end. NEGATIVE ASPECTS:Proper characters are comfortable with the way things have always been and don’t respond well to change. They are often close-minded and stick to their guns even when they’re wrong. Because morals and rightness are often handed down through ancient tradition or a chain of command, proper characters rely on others to tell them what is right and don’t often think for themselves. Because they value propriety, they can be disdainful of those who behave inappropriately. EXAMPLE FROM LITERATURE:Aunt Alexandra (To Kill a Mockingbird) is a genteel southern lady with pristine manners and a flawless appearance. She hosts society parties, bakes her own refreshments, and takes great pride in her family heritage. Although she disagrees with some of the choices her brother Atticus is making, her sense of propriety keeps her loyal to him and provides Jem and Scout with a decorous, albeit strict, caregiver.Other Examples from Literature and Film:Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins), Queen Elizabeth II (The Queen) TRAITS IN SUPPORTING CHARACTERS THAT MAY CAUSE CONFLICT:confrontational, curious, disorganized, lazy, melodramatic, mischievous, reckless, rowdy, uncouth CHALLENGING SCENARIOS FOR THE PROPER CHARACTER: PLOTLINE: Being proper while having a compulsion for a disgusting or inappropriate habit PLOTLINE: Being teamed with uncouth, improper characters PLOTLINE: Lacking the resources to maintain an appropriate lifestyle PLOTLINE: Experiencing a crisis in which society plummets into survival mode, making propriety a luxury