CONFLICT THESAURUS

BEING THE BEARER OF BAD NEWS



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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:
Duty and responsibility, relationship friction, moral dilemmas and temptations, losing an advantage

EXAMPLES:
The character having to tell friends and family of their plans to relocate
Notifying tenants they must vacate a home
Explaining to someone that they have been the victim of a crime
Diagnosing a serious health condition
Notifying someone of a loved one's death
Revealing the loss of a pregnancy
Sharing the news of one's own serious health condition with loved ones
Letting family members know about a job loss
Telling a friend or family member their spouse is cheating
Notifying a parent or guardian about their child being held back in school
The character admitting they no longer love their spouse and want to end the marriage
Notifying someone of a lawsuit or legal charges against them
Having to tell a client about setbacks, increased costs, or decisions that won't make them happy
Delivering a jury's unfavorable decision
Sharing unpopular news or updates at a press conference

MINOR COMPLICATIONS:
Being emotionally attached to the recipient (because they're a friend or family member)
Struggling to find the right place and time to share the news
Being unable to locate the recipient of the bad news
The recipient becoming shocked, upset, or angry
Having to provide comfort and support to a stranger
Being nervous about not saying the right thing
Being put on the spot for additional information or answers
Difficulty getting the recipient alone to share the news privately
Having to navigate a language barrier    
Being asked for proof that may or may not be in the character's possession
The receiver attacking the messenger instead of responding to the news itself
Putting the confrontation off until the last minute

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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