Sourced from The Conflict Thesaurus, Volume 2
EXAMPLES:
Fleeing from an enemy and running into a dead-end
Being forced up a tree or into a crevice by a wild animal
Retreating to an interior bathroom to evade a home invader
Being surrounded by an enemy force
Getting caught in a dangerous weather or environmental situation
Getting caught in a lie with no way out but to tell the truth
Being forced to follow a life path that is unlivable or abhorrent
Being stuck in an abusive marriage—because the character can’t leave their kids, for instance
Being required to make a choice when there are no winning options
Being unable to climb out of poverty
Being trapped by the bonds of addiction; feeling incapable of escaping
A cognitively sound character being stuck in a body that doesn’t work
MINOR COMPLICATIONS:
Being forced to share the predicament with people the character can’t stand
Having to formulate a plan of escape
Having very few resources to work with
The character’s mobility being limited (because they’re tied up, confined to a hospital bed, etc.)
Experiencing minor injuries from the ordeal
Having no one to turn to for help
Being trapped with other, more vulnerable people the character feels responsible for
The character’s concerns or worries being minimized by others
Insomnia and mild physical ailments brought on by worry
A language barrier or injury that makes communication with other survivors difficult
Being unable to share their feelings of frustration
An unforeseen event (an injury, loss of a resource, etc.) disrupting the character’s escape plan
Being trapped alone and having no one to strategize with
POTENTIALLY DISASTROUS RESULTS:
Making a decision that makes the situation worse
Having an incompetent leader who wastes resources, making circumstances more dire
A cave-in that cuts the character off from others who are trapped
The character discovering they’re trapped with a threat (a rabid animal, a cache of unstable dynamite, an opportunistic murderer, etc.)
Discovering time is running out and the place the character is trapped will soon become lethal
Trusting someone who ends up betraying the character
The character’s physical condition deteriorating (due to a lack of resources, infection, dehydration, being unable to move, neglect, etc.)
Slipping into a pattern of negative, self-defeating thoughts
An ally or source of comfort being removed
Developing a mental health issue from the trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression, etc.)
Giving up; surrendering to the situation or the person in charge
RESULTING EMOTIONS: Agitation, Anger, Anxiety, Bitterness, Defeat, Depressed, Desperation, Determination, Discouraged, Envy, Intimidated, Overwhelmed, Panic, Powerlessness, Resignation, Self-Pity, Shame, Tormented, Vulnerability, Worry, Worthlessness
POSSIBLE INTERNAL STRUGGLES:
The character doubting their ability to escape or better their situation
Having difficulty maintaining hope after multiple failed escape attempts
Wanting to think positively but being consumed with negativity
Being paralyzed with indecision because the stakes are too high
The character blaming themselves for not being able to avoid or escape the situation
Envying others who are in a better place
Feeling abandoned by those who could fix the situation
The mind cycling through life regrets
Contemplating suicide as a last resort to escape agony
NEGATIVE TRAITS THAT MAY WORSEN THE SITUATION: Controlling, Fussy, Gullible, Impatient, Impulsive, Lazy, Macho, Self-Destructive, Subservient, Timid, Uncommunicative, Uncooperative, Unintelligent, Weak-Willed, Whiny
IMPACT ON BASIC NEEDS:
Self-Actualization: A character stuck in undesirable or dangerous circumstances likely won’t have the time or energy to pursue personal endeavors; either their efforts will be focused on escape or they’ll be so overwhelmed by the feeling of captivity that pursuing a dream will seem futile.
Esteem and Recognition: Powerlessness is a common feeling for someone in this situation, eroding their confidence and belief in their abilities.
Love and Belonging: A character trapped alone (say, in a bunker after a chemical attack) will be isolated and have no one to bond with.
Safety and Security: A character living out this scenario is in a vulnerable state; given enough time, their mental or physical well-being will deteriorate.
Physiological Needs: Someone trapped in a life-or-death situation can easily find them- selves in mortal peril if they can’t escape or no one intervenes.
POSITIVE TRAITS TO HELP THE CHARACTER COPE: Alert, Ambitious, Analytical, Bold, Decisive, Disciplined, Discreet, Focused, Industrious, Optimistic, Patient, Persistent, Persuasive, Proactive, Resourceful
POSITIVE OUTCOMES:
Perseverance, persuasion, and flawless research enabling the character to change the mind of the person in power, thereby altering the course of their life
The character finding strength they didn’t know they had
Discovering allies in unlikely places
Being unable to change their circumstances but learning to live in contentment and peace
See the complete lists of entries for Volume 1 and Volume 2.
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