FEAR THESAURUS

THE PAST BEING DISCOVERED



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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:
Everyone has secrets. But some past events are traumatic or shameful enough that the risk of exposure generates a compelling fear to keep them hidden. A character in this situation may sacrifice relationships, sabotage their goals, and harm themselves to maintain secrecy.

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE:
Changing the subject when people start talking about the past
Not introducing love interests to family members associated with the event
Being evasive when questions are raised about that event or period in their life
Omitting certain facts or lying about past events 
Being ambiguous so people can draw their own (incorrect) conclusions
Focusing intently on the future
Maintaining a quiet online profile
Not being given to sentimentality or nostalgia
Keeping past-related items in a secret location (a safe, the attic, a storage locker, etc.)
Cutting ties with people associated with the past event
Staying busy so they don't have to think about the past
Inventing a fake past
Changing their identity
Moving to a new location
Ghosting people who want a deeper relationship or try to get too close
Abusing drugs or alcohol
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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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