CONFLICT THESAURUS

A FEAR OR PHOBIA REARING ITS HEAD



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HELPFUL TIP:

Conflict is your story’s secret sauce, supplying tension, relationship friction, and complications to a character’s journey. It comes in a million different forms, so identify the obstacles and problems that will hit your character the hardest by using the Character Builder to uncover their primary insecurities, fears , and desires. Don’t forget to include everyday conflict scenarios that will frustrate them and keep the pressure high.
CATEGORY:
Miscellaneous challenges, relationship friction, loss of control

EXAMPLES:
The character facing a new phobia that wasn't previously a problem
Someone accidentally triggering the character's fear
Being in a situation where the fear must be faced or someone else will suffer
The character suffering a regression when a fear they thought they had dealt with is triggered 
An enemy or rival using the character's phobia against them
A phobia threatening the character at a time when they need to be at their best

MINOR COMPLICATIONS:
Being initially confused by the gut response, unsure of what's going on (especially if the character's phobia is an unusual one)
Being paralyzed in the moment, unable to move forward
Trying to hide the fear response from others
Lying about the situation to save face
Being teased 
Making mistakes or poor decisions because of the fear
A spouse or partner thinking less of the character for their perceived lack of bravery
Suffering from nightmares or insomnia
Having to take inconvenient precautions to avoid the triggering object or event
The fear cropping up when the character is without their medication
Withdrawing socially to avoid embarrassment
Lashing out at others (misdirected emotions)

POTENTIALLY DISASTROUS RESULTS:
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RESULTING EMOTIONS:
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POSSIBLE INTERNAL STRUGGLES:
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PEOPLE WHO COULD BE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED:
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NEGATIVE TRAITS THAT COULD MAKE THE SITUATION WORSE:
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IMPACT ON BASIC NEEDS:
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WOUNDS THIS COULD LEAD TO:
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POSITIVE TRAITS TO HELP THE CHARACTER COPE:
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POSITIVE OUTCOMES:
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