Sourced from The Conflict Thesaurus, Volume 2
EXAMPLES:
Slipping on a wet floor
Falling down a flight of stairs
Misusing a tool and sustaining an injury
Overexerting while working out
Being injured while playing a sport
Being attacked by an animal or another person
Getting hurt while under the influence
Sustaining an injury because a safety protocol wasn’t followed Being hurt in a car accident
MINOR COMPLICATIONS:
Feeling foolish (if the character is at fault)
Attending multiple doctor or physical therapist appointments
Missing work or school while healing
Having to file medical insurance or legal documentation
Having to rely on others while recuperating
Complications resulting in a longer than usual recovery time
Needing to learn about the injury and the options for treating it
Having to arrange for childcare
Finding affordable medical care
Being questioned by police (if foul play was involved) or safety inspectors and human resources (if the injury happened at work)
Missing out on previously made plans
Not being able to care for family while recovering
Having to go to the hospital
POTENTIALLY DISASTROUS RESULTS:
Being blamed despite someone else being at fault
Facing legal charges for criminal activity related to the injury
Needing care and having no one to help
Becoming injured in an isolated location
Needing to relocate closer to loved ones or medical care
The character being unable to continue their job because of the injury
Not having access to adequate medical care
Incurring insurmountable medical bills
Becoming disfigured or disabled in a life-altering way
The injury leading to life-threatening medical complications
Miscarrying a baby
Suffering chronic pain
Becoming addicted to pain pills
A family member being injured or killed in the same situation that wounded the character
RESULTING EMOTIONS: Anxiety, Bitterness, Defeat, Denial, Depressed, Devastation, Disbelief, Emasculated, Embarrassment, Fear, Frustration, Grief, Guilt, Humbled, Impatience, Inadequate, Insecurity, Powerlessness, Regret, Self-Pity, Shock, Uncertainty, Worthlessness
POSSIBLE INTERNAL STRUGGLES:
Experiencing guilt for having to depend on others
Struggling with trauma associated with the circumstances of the injury
Feeling shame for choices that led to the situation
Struggling with the loss of independence and self-reliance
The character questioning their self-worth
Hating that people treat them differently after the injury
Accident-related anxiety affecting the character’s performance
Developing a fear or phobia around being injured
Having difficulty accepting the injury’s impact on their life
Experiencing survivor’s guilt
NEGATIVE TRAITS THAT MAY WORSEN THE SITUATION : Addictive, Controlling, Cowardly, Impatient, Impulsive, Inflexible, Insecure, Macho, Melodramatic, Morbid, Needy, Perfectionist, Pessimistic, Reckless, Resentful, Self-Destructive, Vain, Weak-Willed, Withdrawn
IMPACT ON BASIC NEEDS:
Self-Actualization: An injury will likely move the character’s focus away from higher-level needs, especially if it directly impairs an activity they previously enjoyed. They may also become pessimistic and bitter if the injury forces them to give up a dream.
Esteem and Recognition: A character’s self-image will suffer if an injury lessens their ability to function as they once did.
Safety and Security: A character’s injury and an inability to care for themselves or loved ones can threaten their sense of security.
Physiological Needs: Under specific circumstances, an injury in an isolated location could become life-threatening.
POSITIVE TRAITS TO HELP THE CHARACTER COPE: Adaptable, Ambitious, Analytical, Appreciative, Centered, Courageous, Disciplined, Industrious, Inspirational, Objective, Optimistic, Patient, Persistent, Proactive, Resourceful, Responsible, Sensible, Spiritual
POSITIVE OUTCOMES:
Learning to persevere and overcome obstacles
Finding a better career path because of the injury
Becoming inspired to help others or taking up a philanthropic cause
Educating others about the injury or circumstances surrounding it Learning to accept help from others
Becoming more cautious and responsible
Finding faith in life’s difficult circumstances
Discovering a community of survivors
Acquiring a renewed perspective on life
Interested in viewing the full range of conflict scenarios in The Conflict Thesaurus? See the complete lists of entries for Volume 1 and Volume 2.
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