The critical nature of modern society makes those judged feel isolated, ashamed, and worthless. For this reason, contemporary individuals believe that they must be perfect, in appearance and character traits, to conform to others. As a result, people spend an enormous amount of time developing certain traits to make themselves more likeable. Unfortunately, they are missing vital information regarding the danger of possessing positive personality traits. Lene Kaaberbøl and Agnete Friis, authors of The Boy in the Suitcase, and Julia Alvarez, author of In the Time of Butterflies, investigate the transformation of positive character traits into tragic flaws through their main characters. In their novels, the authors demonstrate that excessive attachment to noble personality traits leads to the downfall of the characters. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get an original essay The main characters in both novels, the Mirabal sisters from In the Time of Butterflies and Nina Borg from The Boy with the Suitcase, possessed noble intentions in the execution of their work. Additionally, they were encouraged to continue contributing to their cause through the support of others. Marie-Thérèse, one of the Mirabal sisters, wrote in her journal about her feelings about the revolutionary movement in the Dominican Republic: “Something great and powerful spread its wings within me. Courage, I told myself. And this time I felt it” (Alvarez 238). In opposing the dictatorial regime of Rafael Trujillo, the Mirabal sisters were largely guided by their courage and desire to make positive change in their lives. Similarly, Nina Borg from The Boy in the Suitcase was guided by righteous intentions when she attempted to return Mikas to his mother while saving him from Jucas; Nina “spends her free time helping all the crippled children, women, and little men that no one else in all fucking Denmark seems to care about” (Kaaberbøl and Friis 160). As a Red Cross nurse and mother, Nina Borg felt it was her duty to save the little boy from child trafficking, which speaks volumes about the kindness of her character. Having such noble intentions, the main characters in both novels also received support from those around them, which encouraged them to continue their work. The Mirabal sisters were encouraged by many people in the Dominican Republic. While the sisters were in prison, “everyone was banging on the bars shouting “Viva la Mariposa!” » (Alvarez 238). Certainly the overwhelming support from others motivated the sisters to continue their opposition to the Trujillo regime. Even though Nina Borg didn't have as many supporters as her sisters, she still had a few people who trusted and helped her. While telling Nina to take the suitcase out of the locker, her friend Karin noted, “I can't do that… But you [can]. You always want to save people so much” (Kaaberbøl and Friis 34). Through her words, Karin shows her confidence in Nina's abilities and emphasizes Nina's desire to save people. Besides Karin, Nina's colleagues show her respect and appreciate her contribution to the organization. In summary, the main characters in both novels committed righteous actions because of their positive personality traits and the support they received. At this point, it seems like the main characters are dedicating themselves to their respective causes and becoming better people because of it. Unfortunately, this begins to change as the characters become more engagedmore in their cause. Guided by external support and noble intentions, the main characters in both novels became obsessed with their cause, which began the process of their destruction once again. Minerva, one of the Mirabal sisters, gave her son Manolito to Patria so she could focus on the revolution. When Minerva did this, Patria replied: “But Minerva, your own child. ” Patria then realized that “it hurt [Minerva] to make this sacrifice that she was convinced she had to make” (Alvarez 155). Determined to remove Trujillo from power, Minerva chose revolution over her own family. Since Minerva made painful sacrifices for the cause, her shift from family loyalty to loyalty to the revolution signifies an obsession. Likewise, Nina Borg's loyalty to her family has always been lower than her loyalty to other members of the Red Cross. After calling Morten, Nina realized that "it had been her turn [to pick up Anton from daycare], it had to be, and somehow she would have felt better, safer, if Morten had had a seizure… Morten had I had already forgotten that she was there” (Kaaberbøl and Friis 70-71). Even before meeting Mikas, Nina often forgot to take care of her own children, which is evident by Morten's lack of response, accustomed to her irresponsibility. One day, she left her five-month-old daughter with Morten while she traveled as a volunteer nurse in Liberia, all without telling him until she was at the airport. Being a nurse and helping others began to replace other important things in Nina's life, like her family. Likewise, Minerva viewed many things in her life as a distraction from the revolution. Before joining the revolution, María Theresa compared Minerva and Manolo's relationship to hers with Leandro in her diary: "I would never be able to abandon Leandro to a higher ideal, as I think Minerva and Manolo would each other if they were to make the supreme sacrifice” (Alvarez 147). Minerva's actions convinced Mate that the only thing she cared about was the revolutionary struggle. In fact, Minerva's marriage to Manolo can be considered a revolutionary partnership as they spent most of their time participating in the movement. Comparably, Nina's marriage to Morten developed into a partnership as their relationship deteriorated. Nina's reckless behavior led Morten to take care of the children alone while she worked for the Red Cross. In a way, Nina used Morten to fulfill her dreams and her obsession. In short, the noble causes of the Mirabal sisters and Nina Borg replaced other aspects of their lives and made them addicted. Even though their efforts were sincere and motivated by their positive personal qualities, their minds were clouded by their goals. The amount of time they spent contributing to their respective causes was directly correlated to the deterioration of their relationships with others. Not only did the actions of the main characters cause their relationships with others to deteriorate, but they also led to their downfall in the case of the Mirabal sisters and nearly caused Nina Borg's downfall. In In the Time of Butterflies, Patria and Mate soon followed Minerva in her revolutionary struggles against Trujillo. After Patria decided to join the revolution, she described herself: "...here, in this small room, was the same Patria Mercedes, who would not have harmed a butterfly, shouting: 'Amen to the revolution » » (Alvarez 163-164). ). Minerva's preoccupation with revolution extended to Patria, making her almost as obsessed as Minerva. Like sisters, 2012.