CONFLICT THESAURUS

BEING BULLIED



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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:
Dangers and threats, relationship friction, loss of control, power struggles, ego-related conflict, losing an advantage

NOTES:
Bullying behaviors and reactions will differ between youths and adults. Options for both are included here. 

EXAMPLES:
Being bullied at school, work, or another location frequented by the character
Being targeted online by either a known person or a stranger
A family member mistreating the character inside the home
Being threatened by an organization or its agents to toe the line or face the consequences
Being bullied due to an imbalance of power—between a guard and prisoner, for example

MINOR COMPLICATIONS:
Having to pretend that the bully isn't bothersome 
The character rearranging their schedule or route to avoid the bully
Not being believed by a confidant or trusted authority figure
The character peeing their pants because they're afraid to use the school restroom
A friend or family member knowing about the bullying and not doing anything to stop it
Having to stand up to the bully
Experiencing weight changes or physical illness from the stress
Being unable to focus on school, work, or important activities
Receiving poor grades or a bad performance review
The character having to hide their true identity to avoid the offender 
The character being completely on their own in a situation where no one wants to get involved

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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