There are some characters with firm Nerves of Steel. No matter the situation, they'll keep a cool head no matter what, and even in the cases where they do lose said cool head, they'll either regain it in no time or simply go on and do the right thing regardless of their fears.
And then, at the other end of the scale, there's these guys.
They'll be the first to panic under pressure, and Heroic BSODs are a common thing for them. Pessimistic by nature, they'll automatically assume the worst and worry even when everything's going right. And when the worst really does happen, they might even be reduced to spouting incoherent gibberish and their nervous tic may come out as well. For them, life is one long Freak Out.
Often, this character is revealed to have a painful past that left them like this. As such, this is sometimes a trait of a Shrinking Violet, a Cowardly Lion, or a more emotional Broken Bird. Some versions of this will hide their anxiety (or at least try to) behind a cheerful or stoical facade. If malicious, this character is a Dirty Coward who may not look the part when he believes he has the upper hand but will become a blubbering mess whenever he has to deal with his superiors or a competent opponent.
Compare Prone to Tears. Contrast The Stoic, Nerves of Steel.
Nervous Wreck has been suggested to play 14 roles. Click below to see other actors suggested for each role, and vote for who you think would play the role best.
