FEAR THESAURUS

GROWING UP



Never struggle with Show-and-Tell again. Activate your free trial or subscribe to access the Fear Thesaurus, or visit the Table of Contents to explore unlocked entries.

CHOOSE MY PLAN

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:
While many young people welcome the freedom and independence of adulthood, some see only increased pressure, impossible expectations, and the loss of the ease of childhood. This fear can develop if the character feels incapable of fulfilling adult obligations or faces overwhelming expectations about being a grown-up. 

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE:
Holding onto childish things, such as toys, hobbies, or interests
Escaping into daydreaming, video games, books, etc.
Dating for fun only; not pursuing a long-term relationship
Making only vague plans
Allowing others to make the important decisions
Focusing on leisurely or fun activities
Going through the motions when it comes to adult milestones—e.g., attending college only to have fun and not caring about getting a degree or education
Feigning illness to get out of school, work, or other obligations
Procrastinating
Being unreliable; not following through 
Being left behind by peers 
Losing touch with friends who move on to a new stage in life
Living a party lifestyle
Maintaining the appearance (clothing, hair styles, etc.
...

COMMON INTERNAL STRUGGLES:
...

FLAWS THAT MAY EMERGE:
...

HINDRANCES AND DISRUPTIONS TO THE CHARACTER'S LIFE:
...

EMOTIONAL WOUNDS IT COULD STEM FROM:
...

SCENARIOS THAT MIGHT AWAKEN THIS FEAR :
...

HUMAN NEEDS THAT COULD BE IMPACTED:
...

GOALS MADE DIFFICULT BY THIS FEAR:
...

CONFLICT SCENARIOS THAT OFFER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES:
...

HOW THE CHARACTER CAN MINIMIZE OR OVERCOME IT:
...