Dangers and threats, duty and responsibility, increased pressure and ticking clocks

Similar to BEING TRAPPED (where a character is focused on escaping or changing their circumstance), this entry explores situations where they can't retreat and are forced to make a stand, even when success is impossible.

Soldiers having to keep enemy forces from crossing a boundary at all costs
Moral beliefs being threatened, triggering a need to uphold what's right no matter what the cost
The character standing up to forces beyond them to protect a vulnerable party (their child, a physically or mentally weak individual, a group of disenfranchised people, etc.) 
A character being pursued to a physical barrier (such as a wall, cliff, or ocean), making fighting their way out the only option left
Being forced into a fight-or-die situation—e.g., gladiators in the arena
Making a final stand because the character is out of options 

Having to compartmentalize emotion to focus on the task at hand
Having to quickly assess resources (in pockets, a combat pack, immediate surroundings, etc.)
Trying to find high ground or a defensive position
Setting up a barrier to slow the onslaught (if there's time)
Gathering weapons, setting traps, and creating a barricade if time allows
Getting one's group to inventory resources and distribute them 
Not having a weapon, or having something that will do little good against the threat
Being unsuited for the task the character is about to face
Needing help, resources, or guidance, and having none of these things
Having multiple threats or enemies to contend with
Being injured or depleted of energy due to exhaustion
Having to push aside grief and fear to focus
Having little time to say the things that matter to someone important (or not having access to the person they want to say these things to)