Conflict: HAVING TO RELY ON OTHERS

HAVING TO RELY ON OTHERS

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HELPFUL TIP:

Conflict is your story’s secret sauce, supplying tension, friction, and complications to a character’s journey. It comes in a million different forms, so identify the obstacles and problems that will hit your character the hardest by using the Character Builder to uncover their primary insecurities, fears , and desires. Don’t forget to include everyday conflict scenarios that will frustrate them and keep the pressure high.

A parent in a health crisis—such as suffering a stroke or struggling with dementia—having to move in with grown children
The character becoming dependent on their spouse after suffering brain damage in a car accident
Requiring live-in support from caretakers due to a physical or mental health issue, such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or Down syndrome
An illegal immigrant without working papers relying on friends and family for support
An orphaned character being taken in by an older sibling or relative
An unemployed character having to frequently borrow money from family members
A fugitive or persecuted character being hidden by friends until the danger passes
Losing everything and having to rely on the kindness of others
Being sick and unable to contribute to the family or community supporting the character

Chafing from having to follow someone else's rules
Adapting to a caregiver's schedule
Struggling with certain restrictions (which may or may not be necessary)
Not getting along with an assigned caregiver
The character having to find work that will accommodate their disability
No longer being involved in decision-making processes
Frequent doctor's appointments or medical procedures
The character's love interest not being welcome in the caregiver's home
Family feuds over how to best care for the character
Power struggles arising when the character becomes obstinate or acts out
Lack of privacy
Having to rely on others for information
Being monitored or watched (if the character is a flight risk or is used to being independent)
Becoming forgetful and confused in a new home
Added expenses causing friction between the character and whoever is helping them

HAVING TO RELY ON OTHERS

HELPFUL TIP:

CATEGORY:

EXAMPLES:

MINOR COMPLICATIONS:

POTENTIALLY DISASTROUS RESULTS:

RESULTING EMOTIONS:

POSSIBLE INTERNAL STRUGGLES:

PEOPLE WHO COULD BE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED:

NEGATIVE TRAITS THAT COULD MAKE THE SITUATION WORSE:

IMPACT ON BASIC NEEDS:

WOUNDS THIS COULD LEAD TO:

POSITIVE TRAITS TO HELP THE CHARACTER COPE:

POSITIVE OUTCOMES: