Being a murderer isn't exactly something a character would discuss over Sunday brunch. Whether it was an act of desperation, revenge, or pure accident, this secret will haunt them, tainting their relationships, influencing their decisions, and undermining any sense of normalcy. There's no such thing as “just a little” murder confession; once the secret's out, nothing will ever be the same again.

Illegal or Immoral Acts (primary); Dark or Disturbing; Regrets, Guilt, or Shame

BEING A SERIAL KILLER, BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR A DEATH, FANTASIZING ABOUT KILLING SOMEONE, KNOWING WHERE A BODY IS BURIED, PLANNING A MASS MURDER OR TERRORIST ATTACK

ABANDONMENT, BEING ATTACKED, BEING JUDGED, BEING LABELED, BEING SEPARATED FROM LOVED ONES, BEING TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF, BEING UNSAFE, BEING WATCHED, CONDITIONAL LOVE, CONFLICT, DEATH, GOVERNMENT, ISOLATION, LEAVING NO LEGACY, LETTING OTHERS DOWN, LOSING AUTONOMY, LOSING FINANCIAL SECURITY, LOSING ONE'S SOCIAL STANDING, LOSING THE RESPECT OF OTHERS, NOT BEING IN CONTROL, PERSECUTION, PHYSICAL PAIN, REJECTION

Fearing that associates of the victim will find out and come after the character or their family
Experiencing sleep problems due to recurring nightmares of the event
Never settling down; having to live on the run or always looking over their shoulder
Being unable to engage with law enforcement, even to help themselves or a loved one
Their mental health degrading from discovering they were capable of killing (and fearing they might do it again)

Disposing of evidence (bloody clothes, a weapon, blood splatter, etc.)
Formulating an alibi
Lying about their association with or knowledge of the victim
Shifting blame or suspicion to someone else
Offering to “help” with the investigation to allay suspicions and intercept incriminating evidence
Changing their appearance, moving, or going into hiding
Actively suppressing emotional reactions or tells (nervous tics, stuttering) that may betray them when the subject of the murder comes up
Acting “normal” by attending work, social events, and other activities as if nothing happened