Sourced from The Conflict Thesaurus, Volume 2
EXAMPLES:
Not having a map or compass in an outdoor environment
Losing a phone or laptop
A family heirloom being misplaced
The character losing their passport or birth certificate, a relative’s will, or other documentation
Losing necessary medication, a medical device, or a prosthetic
Not having a plug adapter for international travel
Losing car keys or a security card for work
A police badge and gun being stolen from a locker
An airline losing the character’s luggage
Losing critical resources in an outdoor environment (a water purifier, fire starter, knife, etc.)
A key piece of evidence in a criminal investigation being misfiled
A wallet, credit card, or purse being stolen
Losing a portable energy source
MINOR COMPLICATIONS:
Needing to search for what has been lost
Wasting time notifying security personnel
Needing to file documentation for an insurance claim
Having to tell a friend, family member, or employer about the loss
Needing to notify banks and creditors
Having to borrow the item from someone else
Changing or canceling travel plans
Having to scramble for a replacement or workaround
Needing to summon help (a locksmith, technician, etc.)
Not being able to use their phone, computer, or another electronic device
Developing a reputation for being irresponsible
Lying about what happened
Being reprimanded for the loss
POTENTIALLY DISASTROUS RESULTS:
Becoming lost in an outdoor environment or an unknown area
Being held liable for what was lost
Being detained by law enforcement due to a lack of documentation
Having to barter something of importance to address the loss
Not being able to communicate with others in an emergency
Getting caught lying about the item’s whereabouts
Rushing to remedy the situation and ending up with a substandard or deficient replacement
The thief using the item to access sensitive information or secure areas
Someone committing a crime with the item, which is traced back to the character
Being extorted to get the item back
Being injured or killed without the vital item
RESULTING EMOTIONS:
Agitation, Annoyance, Anxiety, Defensiveness, Denial, Despair, Desperation, Devastation, Disbelief, Dread, Embarrassment, Fear, Flustered, Frustration, Guilt, Humbled, Obsessed, Overwhelmed, Panic, Powerlessness, Remorse, Uncertainty, Vulnerability
POSSIBLE INTERNAL STRUGGLES:
Feeling panicked, worrying with each passing minute that a stolen item is further from reach
Becoming obsessed with finding the item
Blaming someone else for the loss
Catastrophizing about what can go wrong
Indulging in self-blame over the loss
Being tempted to compromise their morals to regain or replace the item
Struggling with embarrassment and shame
Questioning whether or not to tell others about losing the item
Feeling responsible for what will happen if the item falls into an unethical person’s hands
Feeling guilty when others suffer from the loss
NEGATIVE TRAITS THAT MAY WORSEN THE SITUATION: Controlling, Defensive, Dishonest, Disorganized, Evasive, Forgetful, Inattentive, Irresponsible, Materialistic, Obsessive, Paranoid, Perfectionist, Possessive, Reckless, Scatterbrained, Stingy, Suspicious, Unethical
IMPACT ON BASIC NEEDS:
Esteem and Recognition: The character’s sense of self-worth will diminish with the loss of an important item—not only because they feel responsible (whether self-blame is deserved or not) but because they believe others will see them as incompetent.
Love and Belonging: Colleagues may not want to associate with the character and loved ones may be disappointed or angry, causing distance in these relationships.
Safety and Security: The loss of a vital resource that impacts the character’s safety will make them vulnerable, creating a lack of security.
Physiological Needs: If the item directly impacts the character’s survival, they may be unable to meet basic needs and find themselves in a perilous situation.
POSITIVE TRAITS TO HELP THE CHARACTER COPE: Adaptable, Calm, Cooperative, Focused, Honest, Humble, Industrious, Innocent, Just, Loyal, Mature, Meticulous, Nature-Focused, Optimistic, Organized, Patient, Persistent, Proactive, Resourceful, Responsible
POSITIVE OUTCOMES:
Regaining the item through negotiation or the intervention of a third party
A stranger finding the item and giving it to authorities so it can be returned to its owner
Developing improved organizational habits
Having a contingency plan
The loss helping the character identify an area of dependency that must be addressed
Asking for help and receiving it
Learning to be honest and take responsibility for mistakes
Receiving mercy and extending it to others
See the complete lists of entries for Volume 1 and Volume 2.
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