EMOTIONAL WOUND THESAURUS

DISCOVERING HIDDEN INFORMATION ABOUT ONE'S ANCESTRY



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HELPFUL TIP:

Emotional wounds will steer a character's behavior, corrupt his worldview, and cause negative traits to form. To understand exactly how this occurs, please read our tutorial for the Wound Thesaurus.

NOTE: We realize that sometimes a wound we profile may have personal meaning, stirring up the past for some of our readers. It is not our intent to create emotional turmoil. Please know that we research each wounding topic carefully to treat it with the utmost respect.
NOTES:
Like all wounds, this one can have varying effects on the individual depending on the circumstances. In some cases, the person may discover something that isn't a bad thing (such as the truth about a racial or cultural heritage) but it rocks their world due to how it reshapes their identity. This could be especially challenging if they grew up being taught specific racist beliefs and now they must reconcile with this new information that places them within that same group. In other instances, they may discover something unethical or unconscionable in their family history that they'll have to come to grips with. Another factor to consider is how the character discovers the information. Was it deliberately kept from them or simply an unknown? Do they stumble upon it unexpectedly or was there suspicion in their minds all along? Do they discover it on their own or is it uncovered by someone who goes public with it, forcing the character to process the information before they're ready to do so? As always, examine the event from many different angles to ensure it has the proper impact.

EXAMPLES:
Descending from a different race than one has always associated with
One's family not being part of the heritage or culture it was supposed to have belonged to
Being part of the family because of an unsavory act (through adultery or rape, when a forebear blackmailed or bought their way into the family, etc.)
Descending from ancestors who played a part in a genocide (such as the Nazi holocaust or the Khmer Rouge Cambodian genocide)
Descending from ancestors who were responsible for the oppression or enslavement of others
Having ancestors who were part of a far-reaching political cover-up

WOUND CATEGORY:
Misplaced Trust and Betrayals

BASIC NEEDS OFTEN COMPROMISED BY THIS WOUND:
love and belonging, esteem and recognition, self-actualization

LIES THAT MAY DEVELOP FOR CHARACTERS WITH THIS WOUND:
They're not the person they thought they were
Their entire life is a sham
They don't belong anywhere
They'll be rejected if others find out
If this part of their life is a lie, then nothing is certain
Their blood makes them guilty by association (if notoriety is discovered in the family roots)
If they share the discovery with family members, it will destroy them, so it's best to keep it secret

THE CHARACTER MAY FEAR:
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POSSIBLE RESPONSES AND RESULTS:
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POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES THAT MAY RESULT:
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NEGATIVE TRAITS THAT MAY RESULT:
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TRIGGERS THAT MIGHT AGGRAVATE THIS WOUND:
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STEPS TOWARD HEALING:
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OPPORTUNITIES TO FACE OR OVERCOME THIS WOUND:
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