Sourced from The Conflict Thesaurus
EXAMPLES
The character being offered a solution in exchange for a favor down the road
Someone offering to take over a difficult situation the character is struggling with
A powerful connection offering to pay someone off to make one’s sticky situation go away
A friend being willing to lie so the character can escape repercussions
Having an inside man offer to fast-track a process or application
Being offered a position because of a connection, not because the character earned it
Someone offering to ensure evidence against the character gets “lost”
An insider offering to alter records to get the character out of trouble
Being offered a bribe or donation to look the other way after making a discovery that could be hazardous to one’s job, health, etc.
Discovering incriminating evidence against a competitor and being tempted to use it to take them out of the running
A friend providing a fake alibi that will allow the character to avoid unwanted consequences
A romantic partner the character has lost interest in breaking things off before the character has a chance to
MINOR COMPLICATIONS
Accepting the offer and being forced to lie about it to the people one cares about
Accepting the offer and having to lie on the record
Giving in to temptation and later regretting it
Deciding to resist temptation and deal with the fallout
Turning down the offer and being threatened or bullied
Disappointing others when the truth comes out
Being unable to enjoy the victory or achievement because it wasn’t earned
POTENTIALLY DISASTROUS RESULTS
Owing the wrong sort of person a favor
Problems escalating when the person acting on one’s behalf does something unconscionable
Being blackmailed
The truth getting out and one’s reputation or standing being ruined
Losing the trust of someone the character cares deeply about
Having to live a lie
Being forced to do something uncomfortable (dangerous, morally wrong, etc.) in return
The people who solved the problem using their leverage to control the character in the future
RESULTING EMOTIONS: Anxiety, Conflicted, Dread, Fear, Gratitude, Guilt, Panic, Paranoia, Powerlessness, Regret, Relief, Reluctance, Self-Loathing, Shame, Tormented
POSSIBLE INTERNAL STRUGGLES
Being paranoid about someone finding out but trying to act like nothing’s amiss
Having an identity crisis from crossing a moral line
Wanting to find the courage to be honest about a failure but not wanting to disappoint the people who have invested so much in the character’s success
Guilty feelings over the fallout to others that resulted from one’s actions
Self-hatred for being weak (if one took the easy way out)
Trying to make up for what one did in a way that doesn’t reveal what truly happened but finding it doesn’t erase the guilt or shame
Wanting to confide in someone about the mistake but being too ashamed
NEGATIVE TRAITS THAT MAY WORSEN THE SITUATION: Cocky, Cowardly, Foolish, Gossipy, Gullible, Paranoid, Self-Destructive, Weak-Willed, Whiny, Worrywart
IMPACT ON BASIC NEEDS
Self-Actualization: If the character gives in to a temptation they believe is ethically or morally wrong, the resulting guilt or shame can weigh on their conscience and make them doubt who they are at their core.
Esteem and Recognition: Taking the easy way out can erode the character’s self-esteem as they doubt whether they can succeed on their own merits. Moving forward, they may continue to seek unfair advantages because they’re afraid of someone discovering they’re a fraud. On the flip side, if others know the character was “helped,” it can lower their opinions about the character and generate contempt.
Safety and Security: If taking the easy way out includes cutting corners meant to keep the character safe, they (and others) could end up hurt. Another danger lies with the one offering to help. If the person who encourages the character to let them fix the problem has questionable motives, rejecting the offer of help could be dangerous for the character.
POSITIVE TRAITS TO HELP THE CHARACTER COPE: Analytical, Cautious, Courageous, Disciplined, Honorable, Intelligent, Perceptive, Professional, Proper, Wise
POSITIVE OUTCOMES
Resisting temptation and accepting responsibility
The character declining the offer and winning or succeeding on their own merits, growing in confidence
Learning the value of being prepared
Being determined to not make the same mistake that landed the character into trouble
Redoubling one’s efforts to be ethical, moral, or honest in the days ahead
Gaining respect for people who accept responsibility, even when it hurts the character
Becoming wiser regarding the difference between shortsighted wins and harder-to-reach yet deeply satisfying long-term goals
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See the list of entries from Volume 1 of The Conflict Thesaurus
See the list of entries from Volume 2 of The Conflict Thesaurus