: Re: A self-absorbed female character: key words and pet phrases needed I'm stumped. I can't come up with anything beyond "You're hurting my feelings" and "I'm not in a good place right now." Suggestions?

@Phylliss352

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This is an interesting subject. I have an idea in my head, but it might come across as sloppy as I try to write it down.
Selfishness is a single character trait, which plays off of other traits, so of course there's no specific set of phrases you can use.
As adressed by other answers, dialogue should not be the only thing that proves her selfishness. Body language, decision-making, opinions and thought process are all affected by this trait. If this isn't done, her self-centeredness becomes an informed attribute.
For dialogue in particular, you should consider what your character is thinking as she speaks. For example, if she thinks her opinion is more important than other people's, she should speak as if her authority is a given. This can result in her being blunt or indignant when people disagree with her. Some of the best things to say are voicing exactly what she's thinking.
Extending on that last point, she thinks she's always justified. Her thought process should paint her as the victim when things go awry.
Just a few suggestions. I'm sure there's someone out there who can say it better.

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