CONFLICT THESAURUS

BEING PHYSICALLY MARRED BEFORE AN IMPORTANT EVENT



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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:
Loss of control, losing an advantage, duty and responsibilities, ego-related conflicts

NOTES:
No one wants to be overshadowed by their physical shortcomings. This is especially true when the character is put on display or needs to make a good impression.

EXAMPLES:
Acne breaking out on prom day
The character getting a bad haircut the day before a family photo shoot
An allergic reaction causing the character's face to swell prior to a press conference
Getting a black eye the day before meeting a significant other's parents
Breaking a leg a few days before being a bridesmaid in a friend's wedding
Contracting pink eye before a coveted job interview
Suffering abrasions in a car accident on the way to meet with a social worker or parole officer
Losing a tooth before a first date

MINOR COMPLICATIONS:
Having to reschedule the event
Taking longer than normal to prepare and being late 
Being teased by friends
Figuring out how to hide the disfigurement (with makeup, new clothes, sunglasses, etc.)
Having to see a doctor for the injuries
Having to repeatedly explain what happened (possibly reliving an embarrassing moment)
Lying to others about what caused the deformity
Trying to act like everything's normal
Discomfort from people looking and staring
Being hyperaware of the deformity, making it hard to concentrate 
Nervousness from the disfigurement causing the character to perform poorly
Fielding awkward questions from people at the big event
Dealing with public gossip and criticism (if the event was publicized)
Physical discomfort
Becoming part of the rumor mill
The injuries affecting the character's physical ability to do well
Being fuzzy from medication
The accident or resulting injuries stealing preparation time for an important event

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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