Negative Traits:
* Arrogant and Controlling: He's deeply competitive and believes he's superior to his wife, especially in matters of intellect and vocabulary. He manipulates her into playing Scrabble with him, often using her as a pawn in his quest for victory.
* Manipulative: He uses guilt and subtle threats to control his wife's behavior. He even resorts to feigning illness to get his way.
* Self-centered: He is obsessed with his own success and has little regard for his wife's feelings or well-being. He's even willing to risk her health to win a Scrabble game.
* Hypocritical: He preaches morality but readily cheats and bends the rules to win, even when it means his wife is losing.
Positive Traits:
* Intellectual: He's clearly intelligent and possesses a vast vocabulary, though he's more interested in showing off this knowledge than using it for good.
* Passionate: He has a strong passion for Scrabble, and while this passion turns into obsession, it does indicate a level of depth and engagement.
Overall, the husband's character is a mix of intellectual arrogance, manipulative tendencies, and a deep-seated competitiveness. His actions are often driven by a desire to win and control, and his selfishness ultimately leads to tragedy. He is a flawed and unlikeable character, but one that is complex and ultimately tragic.
It's important to remember that "Death by Scrabble" is a dark comedy, and the author uses exaggeration and absurdity to highlight the absurdity of the characters' obsessions. The husband's traits are amplified to create humor and a sense of the ridiculous.