CONFLICT THESAURUS

DISCOVERING ONE HAS A CHILD



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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:
Relationship friction, moral dilemmas and temptations, duty and responsibility, ego-related conflict, increased pressure and ticking clocks

NOTES:
This entry refers to a situation in which the character becomes aware of a child they unknowingly conceived years prior. To explore the scenario where someone discovers that an unborn child is on the way, check out AN UNEXPECTED PREGNANCY. 

EXAMPLES:
Being informed by an ex that a child was conceived in the final days of the relationship
An unexpected visitor showing up who identifies as the character's son or daughter
Discovering an unknown descendant through a genealogy study
Being asked to take a paternity test and getting a positive result
The character learning that the child they were told died at birth is actually alive
A lover getting in touch years later because they need help (to get the character's medical history, to ask for financial assistance, etc.)
Authorities contacting the father after the mother has died

MINOR COMPLICATIONS:
Having to investigate the circumstances around the event to make sure it's true
Losing sleep over worries about the future
Difficulty focusing at work or school
Experiencing minor stress-related ailments (stomachaches, weight loss, anxiety, etc.)
The character having to keep the news secret until they figure out what to do
Awkwardness with the child
The character having to reprioritize their life to make room for the child
Hearing rumors and misinformation about the situation
Getting a paternity test
Difficult conversations with the ex
Friends and family thinking less of the character

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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