CONFLICT THESAURUS

A HEALTH ISSUE CROPPING UP



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HELPFUL TIP:

Conflict is your story’s secret sauce, supplying tension, 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, dangers and threats, increased pressure and ticking clocks, loss of control

NOTES:
This entry contains information related to acute or chronic illnesses, conditions, and other health concerns that arise at inconvenient times. It does not include health issues arising from injures or other wounds. To explore those scenarios, check out BEING INJURED. 

EXAMPLES:
Catching a cold or other minor virus from a co-worker
The character's children bringing home an illness from school
Having to care for a sick loved one and being infected as a result
The character suffering a flareup of a chronic condition 
An ongoing condition creating new complications
Contracting an illness because the character isn't vaccinated or their vaccinations aren't up to date
The character discovering they have a hereditary condition shared with other family members

MINOR COMPLICATIONS:
Missing out on an event or family gathering 
Being unable to perform daily tasks for a short period of time
Having no work sick days left 
Infecting others 
Having a dulled appearance due to the illness
Causing others to worry 
Having to be taken care of by others
Not having healthcare or the financial means to see a doctor right away
Being fatigued for a long period of time
Having to rest often
Hating the feeling of vulnerability and weakness that comes with being sick
Fighting "brain fog" that comes with the illness
Having to work through the illness, despite feeling awful
Being reprimanded and sent home for going to work while sick
Feeling lonely while isolated
Other people viewing the character as frail or fragile (if they're sick often)
Others viewing the character as melodramatic or a hypochondriac

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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