CONFLICT THESAURUS

BEING GIVEN AN ULTIMATUM



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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:
Power struggles, increased pressure and ticking clocks, moral dilemmas and temptation, loss of control, ego-related conflict

NOTES:
"Ultimatum" is a Latin word meaning "last one." It's a final demand that, if not met, will result in serious consequences for the character.

In romantic relationships, an ultimatum is often an order for the character to give up something (a job, dream, hobby, or another person) or risk losing the person making the demand. Sometimes, instead of asking the character to give something up, the other person demands that the character do something they don't want to do. At work, this might involve the character having to violate a moral code, break a promise, or marginalize someone else in order to keep their job.

While ultimatums have a largely negative connotation, keep in mind that they're not always bad or unreasonable. Demands to stop abusing drugs, be an involved parent, get to work on time, or stick to the rules of one's parole are legitimate ones meant to establish healthy boundaries or help the character make better choices. But that doesn't negate the stress and conflict that result when even a well-meaning ultimatum is given.

MINOR COMPLICATIONS:
The situation keeping the character up at night
Trouble focusing at school or work
Other relationships suffering (because the character is keeping secrets, they're taking out the stress on their kids, etc.)
Minor health issues, such as weight loss, stomach upset, headaches or fatigue
Dragging things out and prolonging the agony (through stalling, avoidance, denial, etc.)

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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