FEAR THESAURUS

DISCOVERING AN UNCOMFORTABLE TRUTH



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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, which can create problems in their relationships and limit their fulfillment. 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:
The truth isn't always pleasant. It can evoke uncertainty, fear, and anxiety—especially when the discovery runs contradictory to what the character believes. If they suspect that a truth could showcase loved ones in a difficult light, reveal personal shortcomings, or be otherwise hurtful, the character may (even subconsciously) choose to ignore or avoid it.

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE:
Ignoring phone calls and text messages from certain people or groups
Avoiding the news
Disengaging when a conversation gets too close to an uncomfortable topic
Quitting social media
Not asking about a particular person and what they may be up to
Not tracking expenditures or paying attention to financial accounts
Dismissing the advice of loved ones around the topic
Developing false narratives to contradict the truth
Gathering “evidence” to support what they believe
Making excuses for why something (or someone) is the way it is
Surrounding themselves with people who support their version of the truth
Going on the offensive when people disagree
Avoiding medical practitioners (if the truth involves a medical condition)
Fully devoting themselves to their version of the truth; not considering anything else
Throwing away unopened mail 
Making a big change for no obvious reason (getting a new phone number, moving, quitting their job, etc.)
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COMMON INTERNAL STRUGGLES:
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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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HOW THE CHARACTER CAN MINIMIZE OR OVERCOME IT:
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