SECRET THESAURUS

TAKING THE FALL FOR SOMEONE ELSE



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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:
Why would a character purposely take the blame for something they didn't do? This choice might stem from a need to prove themselves, the belief that they're partially responsible for the event, or a desire to protect the person. It could also result from outside pressure from another person. And, of course, a self-serving or manipulative character might take the fall for someone because it will put the person in their debt. Whatever the reason, this secret is a complicated one because it means the character isn't the only one who knows about it.

CATEGORY:
Positive or Altruistic (primary), Betrayals and Violation of Trust, Illegal or Immoral Acts

SIMILAR OR RELATED SECRETS:
FIXING SOMEONE ELSE'S MISTAKE, GIVING FALSE TESTIMONY, GIVING UP AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ALTRUISTIC REASONS

SPECIFIC FEARS THAT MAY DRIVE THE NEED FOR SECRECY:
A LOVED ONE DYING, ABANDONMENT, BEING ATTACKED, BEING UNSAFE, LOSING THE RESPECT OF OTHERS, REGRET, REJECTION

HOW THIS SECRET COULD HOLD THE CHARACTER BACK:
Being arrested and facing jail time for the other person's actions
Facing financial repercussions for the act
Losing their job 
Having to endure false slander and gossip 
Losing valued friendships because of something they didn't do
Feeling isolated because people think they've done something terrible
Being looked at differently now
Their partner or spouse leaving them
Constantly worrying that the true culprit will slip up and reveal the truth
Their resentment affecting their relationship with the culprit

BEHAVIORS OR HABITS THAT HELP HIDE THIS SECRET:
Acting guilty or ashamed about the incident
Manufacturing proof that they were responsible 
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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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