FEAR THESAURUS

BEING WATCHED



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HELPFUL TIP:

A deeply embedded fear often stems from trauma, so it can be helpful to explore emotional wounds that may be a factor. Your character might also become risk-averse, avoiding people and situations they associate with this fear. And for a character to achieve their story goal, they must overcome any fear-based thinking that's holding them back. The Character Builder is a great resource for pulling all these factors together.
NOTES:
A certain amount of positive attention is usually welcomed—but not by everyone. A character with a sensitivity in this area may develop an aversion to being stared at, scrutinized, or actively watched by someone else. Characters with this fear can maintain meaningful relationships with others, but their personal boundaries and what they're comfortable with will differ greatly from most people's, putting them at odds with others and making it more difficult for them to connect.

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE:
Not making eye contact
Being combative to stop someone from staring (glaring back at them, calling them out, starting a fight, etc.)
Scanning the room to make sure no one is staring
Avoiding roles and responsibilities that would require the character to speak publicly or address a group
Refraining from activities that would draw attention, such as playing a sport or leading a club
The character connecting with others and expressing themselves creatively through platforms that don't involve face-to-face communication (social media, a blog, etc.)
A demeanor that's meant to avoid attention (a closed-off stance, head bowed, eyes averted, a quiet voice, etc.)
Attending video meetings with the camera turned off
Being uncomfortable when their picture is taken
Difficulty navigating conversations with people who use active listening techniques and give their full attention
The character having anxiety or panic attack symptoms when they're forced to endure scrutiny (during an interview, in a police interrogation, while giving a presentation, etc.)
Friction with friends and family members who disagree with the character's claims that people are always staring

COMMON INTERNAL STRUGGLES:
Being confused when the character believes that others are rudely scrutinized him or her and a trusted friend claims this isn't the case
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FLAWS THAT MAY EMERGE:
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HINDRANCES AND DISRUPTIONS TO THE CHARACTER'S LIFE:
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EMOTIONAL WOUNDS IT COULD STEM FROM:
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SCENARIOS THAT MIGHT AWAKEN THIS FEAR :
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HUMAN NEEDS THAT COULD BE IMPACTED:
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GOALS MADE DIFFICULT BY THIS FEAR:
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CONFLICT SCENARIOS THAT OFFER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES:
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