Sourced from The Conflict Thesaurus, Volume 2
EXAMPLES:
A child being blamed for something their sibling did
An innocent person being convicted of a crime they didn’t commit
Backing up a friend’s story or alibi and being accused of covering up for them
Reporting a serious crime (burglary, assault, murder, etc.) that isn’t investigated seriously
A character calling the police so often that they’re dismissed when there’s a real emergency
The character sharing their harassment story and not being believed
Being accused of infidelity and the character’s denials not being believed
Being assaulted, then being punished as the aggressor instead of being protected
Being accused of an infraction and not being believed because the people in charge have set up the character as a scapegoat
Presenting facts that go against popular sentiment and being accused of spreading misinformation
MINOR COMPLICATIONS:
The character having to plead their case
Trying to find a witness to what happened
Having to ask people who don’t want to get involved to step up and share what they know
Getting shut out of a social group
Being publicly accused of lying
Dealing with behind-the-back gossiping and whispering
Time spent gathering research and evidence
The character losing a contest or game they should have won
The character having to ask friends or family to vouch for their trustworthiness
Becoming increasingly cynical
A friend or coworker taking the character’s side and experiencing backlash
Being right but not being good at arguing or debating
Friends and family getting tired of hearing the character vent about the situation
The character taking a simple misunderstanding personally
POTENTIALLY DISASTROUS RESULTS:
Crying wolf so many times that no help comes when the character needs it
The character’s self-image being undermined
Forcing friends or family to choose sides
Creating an irreparable schism with a significant other
The character becoming obsessed with proving they’re right
The character carrying a grudge against their accuser
Not opening up to anyone about anything because they fear they won’t be believed again
Developing a reputation for being untrustworthy
The character blowing up in anger and reinforcing other people’s ideas about them
The offense being put on the character’s permanent record
The character laying the blame on others to detract suspicion from themselves
Losing a professional designation (as a doctor, lawyer, government official, etc.)
Being forced to make amends (reimbursing missing money, replacing a broken object, etc.)
Being sent to jail
Giving in, and a horrible injustice going unpunished
RESULTING EMOTIONS: Agitation, Anger, Anxiety, Betrayed, Bitterness, Contempt, Defensiveness, Desperation, Disillusionment, Emasculated, Embarrassment, Frustration, Grief, Humiliation, Hurt, Insecurity, Irritation, Obsessed, Powerlessness, Self-Pity, Shock, Unease
POSSIBLE INTERNAL STRUGGLES:
The unfairness and betrayal causing deep resentment the character can’t get over
Running arguments over and over in their mind
Wanting to lash out at the accuser but knowing it will make things worse
The character starting to doubt their own story
The character wanting to get out of the toxic situation but not wanting to rock the boat
Wanting revenge
NEGATIVE TRAITS THAT MAY WORSEN THE SITUATION: Cocky, Confrontational, Dishonest, Grumpy, Haughty, Hostile, Irrational, Macho, Martyr, Melodramatic, Oversensitive, Paranoid, Perfectionist, Selfish, Spoiled, Stubborn, Unethical, Whiny, Worrywart
IMPACT ON BASIC NEEDS:
Self-Actualization: A character in this position will have a number of vital needs being attacked, such as their sense of belonging, their esteem, and possibly their safety. Actualization will have to take a back seat until the other more critical issues are resolved.
Esteem and Recognition: The character’s credibility, reputation, and ego will take a hit as people assume the worst about them.
Love and Belonging: This situation is especially damaging when the people who don’t believe the character are loved ones and close friends who should have their back.
Safety and Security: If the truth is a threat to influential, ego-driven, or volatile people, the character may become a target simply from trying to be honest.
POSITIVE TRAITS TO HELP THE CHARACTER COPE: Calm, Cautious, Centered, Charming, Confident, Courageous, Diplomatic, Honest, Honorable, Humble, Idealistic, Mature, Objective, Observant, Optimistic, Persuasive, Resourceful, Spiritual, Tolerant, Unselfish
POSITIVE OUTCOMES:
The character finding allies in unlikely places
Gaining perspective through loyalty, seeing which relationships are solid and which are not
Gaining clarity about the accuser’s character, and cutting ties
Triumphing through persistence, and bringing the truth to light
Taking heart in having done the right thing despite the difficulties
Finding a newfound passion for advocacy, helping others have a voice
Recognizing the value of trustworthiness and striving to become a more honest person
See the complete lists of entries for Volume 1 and Volume 2.
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