Whether the character chose to give false testimony to protect themselves, their loved ones, or the interests of an organization, the ripple effects of their lie can spiral out of control, implicating others and drowning the character in a whirlpool of deceit. Even if their testimony served a noble purpose, the guilt and fear from lying (or being discovered lying) can weigh heavily, complicating many aspects of their life and decisions.

Illegal or Immoral Acts (primary); Betrayals and Violation of Trust; Regrets, Guilt, or Shame

A LOVED ONE DYING, ABANDONMENT, BECOMING WHAT ONE HATES, BEING ATTACKED, BEING JUDGED, BEING LABELED, BEING RETURNED TO AN ABUSIVE ENVIRONMENT, BEING SEPARATED FROM LOVED ONES, BEING UNABLE TO ACHIEVE A DREAM, BEING UNSAFE, BETRAYAL, CONDITIONAL LOVE, CRITICISM, DEATH, DISCRIMINATION, FAILURE, GOVERNMENT, HUMILIATION, ISOLATION, LETTING OTHERS DOWN, LOSING AUTONOMY, LOSING FINANCIAL SECURITY, LOSING ONE'S SOCIAL STANDING, LOSING THE RESPECT OF OTHERS, NOT BEING BELIEVED, NOT BEING IN CONTROL, NOT FITTING IN, ONE'S INSTINCTS BEING UNRELIABLE, PERSECUTION, PHYSICAL PAIN, REJECTION

Avoiding the people who coerced the character tin lying or those harmed by their lie—e.g. a cop steering clear of a blackmailer
Reminders of the harm their lie caused contributing to escalating mental health issues, substance abuse, and difficulty in intimate relationships
Experiencing a rift with a partner or friend who knows the character wasn't honest
Taking extreme measures to ensure their lies aren't contradictory and don't expose them (keeping detailed records, manipulating and gaslighting others, etc.)
Coercing or blackmailing others to keep them from exposing the character

Avoiding conversations about the case or incident
Overcompensating by becoming obsessively honest or law-abiding in other areas
Keeping a low profile to avoid drawing attention to themselves
Creating a false alibi to corroborate their false testimony
Attempting to surreptitiously “fix” any negative outcomes without revealing their lie
Destroying or hiding evidence that contradicts their lie (photos, documents, a digital trail, etc.)

Reacting nervously or defensively when the case or their testimony is mentioned