It's not easy to plan an escape from a person or situation, particularly when the key to its success is keeping it secret. Whether the character is escaping prison, an abusive relationship, or a powerful group such as a cult or the mafia, they must gather resources, assess risks, and time their departure carefully—all while maintaining the appearance of compliance. Any slip-up could alert the people in control, leading to increased surveillance, punishment, or the loss of their chance to get away.

Personal or Private (primary), Dangerous Knowledge

ASSUMING A NEW IDENTITY, BEING A SECRET AGENT, BEING IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP, BELONGING TO AN UNDERGROUND RESISTANCE, KNOWING A WAR OR CRISIS IS IMMINENT

A LOVED ONE DYING, BEING ATTACKED, BEING RETURNED TO AN ABUSIVE ENVIRONMENT, BEING SEPARATED FROM LOVED ONES, BEING UNSAFE, BEING WATCHED, BETRAYAL, CONDITIONAL LOVE, CONFLICT, CRITICISM, DEATH, LETTING OTHERS DOWN, LOSING AUTONOMY, NEVER FINDING HAPPINESS, PHYSICAL PAIN

Self-neglect resulting from sacrificing short-term needs for long-term survival (by hoarding food, money, etc.)
Being paralyzed with indecision and fear (that they'll make a critical error, someone will find out, etc.)
Having to pretend that everything's fine and they're content with the status quo
Having to plan everything alone
Constant fear of discovery impeding their judgment and causing them to make mistakes
Feeling guilty for escaping alone and not taking others with them

Acting “normal” and compliant
Diverting attention from themselves with distractions or by fomenting conflict between other people
Gradually stockpiling money or supplies to avoid suspicion
Learning new skills that will help them escape
Creating a hiding place for supplies and escape-related materials
Preparing covertly (under cover of darkness, when they're alone, etc.