SECRET THESAURUS

BEING A SECRET AGENT



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HELPFUL TIP:

Secrets represent a past your character wants to forget and a future they want to prevent, so give them something that will change everything if it gets out. Mine their emotional wounds, relationships, fears, or occupations for ideas, and consider how this secret could tie into your story's theme.
ABOUT THIS SECRET:
The spy world is naturally full of duplicity, and any secret-agent character will lead a double life that's fraught with risk. This is even more true if they're a double agent, since this adds another layer of betrayal. While the revelation of a secret often comes with high stakes, it's even more so in this case, since it could literally be a matter of life and death for the character (and possibly their loved ones). 

CATEGORY:
Hidden Identity (primary), Betrayals and Violation of Trust, Dangerous Knowledge

SIMILAR OR RELATED SECRETS:

SPECIFIC FEARS THAT MAY DRIVE THE NEED FOR SECRECY:

HOW THIS SECRET COULD HOLD THE CHARACTER BACK:
The constant fear of detecting making them unable to relax or let down their guard 
Feeling like a fraud around loved ones because they can't reveal the truth about their identity
Being reluctant to marry or date seriously (because they couldn't be honest, their life is so transient, or they don't want to endanger loved ones)
Having to limit their friend circle 
Feeling trapped, unable to see a way out 
Feeling expendable and used by whomever has hired them
Being suspicious of everyone 
Losing sight of who they really are
No longer valuing loyalty or honesty

BEHAVIORS OR HABITS THAT HELP HIDE THIS SECRET:
Having a legitimate cover job 
Having a job or hobby that supports extensive travel
Revealing only carefully curated details about their personal life
Steering conversations away from themselves when questions become too intimate
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ACTIVITIES OR TENDENCIES THAT MAY RAISE SUSPICIONS:
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SITUATIONS THAT MAKE KEEPING THIS SECRET A CHALLENGE:
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SCENARIOS THAT MAY ENCOURAGE THEM TO LET THE SECRET GO:
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RESULTS OF THE SECRET BEING REVEALED OR DISCOVERED:
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