Frame description

The Character Trait: Negative frame contains lexical units for character traits that are specifically negative, such as "unhöflich" ("impolite"), "grausam" ("cruel) or "gemein" ("mean"). This frame is similar to the Mental Property frame in that they both involve a (usually implicit) Judge who determines that some Protagonist possesses a particular character trait, based on the their Behavior. The primary difference is that with Character Trait, the basis of the judgement is Behavior toward other human beings (the Company). This gives Character Trait frames a definitive social component. 

Examples:

1. Wenn Sie genervt sind, werden Sie dann richtig unfreundlich?1. When you're annoyed, do you become really unfriendly?
2. Er war brummig, ungesellig und ein Eigenbrötler.2. He was grumpy, asocial and a loner.
3. Ein gemeines Grinsen spielte um seine Lippen.3. A mean grin played on his lips.

Frame Elements

Frame Element descriptions (on hover):

Protagonist

The person whose character is being described (usually based on their Behavior).

Company

The people (either specific people or types of people) around whom the Protagonist behaves in such a way as to display the character trait. Sometimes these people are treated positively or negatively by the Protagonist.

Behavior

The action of the Protagonist, upon which an assessment of the Protagonist’s character is based.

Expressor

The body part or action by a body part which indicates the character of the Protagonist.

Content

The situation in which the Protagonist displays the character trait (e.g. an event, or relating to a topic). This is often a set of circumstances to which the Protagonist responds with the Behavior.

Judge

Typically not expressed. The individual whose point of view is taken in assigning the character trait to the Protagonist.