CONFLICT THESAURUS

EXPERIENCING HARASSMENT



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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, losing an advantage, loss of control, ego-related conflict, dangers and threats

NOTES:
Harassment occurs when a character is personally and repeatedly targeted due to their race, gender, religion, political views, or another identifier. While discrimination involves mistreatment based on the same factors, harassment takes things a step further, with the character being picked out individually. The mistreatment can be a one-time event or repeated over and over by the same offender.

EXAMPLES:
Being touched inappropriately or physically assaulted by someone
Threats, rumors, or personal information about the character being spread online
Being threatened or intimidated by a peer, co-worker, coach, or supervisor
The character repeatedly being teased or mocked (about their accent, femininity, intelligence, financial standing, etc.)
Being on the receiving end of offensive jokes, derogatory statements, names, slurs, or epithets
The character being shown offensive pictures or objects without their consent
A person in a position of power placing unfair demands or expectations on the character
The character being questioned about aspects of their personal life they're not comfortable discussing
Being stalked
Being offered a quid pro quo arrangement in which the character must do certain things to receive advantages—perks that will be denied if they don't comply 

MINOR COMPLICATIONS:
Putting up with the behavior so the character can gather evidence and build a case
Needing to document or file a complaint
Having to confront the harasser
Needing to find ways to avoid the harasser
Dealing with gossip and public attention
Having awkward encounters with others who fear being accused of harassment
Being threatened by the harasser or their supporters
Trying to befriend the harasser
Having to report to someone who has an existing relationship with the harasser 
Being placed on professional leave while the harassment is investigated
Having to find another job, school, or place for an activity

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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