Sourced from The Conflict Thesaurus
NOTES: Though most people believe lying is wrong and strive to avoid it, no one is 100% honest all the time. One factor that will dictate the repercussions of getting caught telling a lie is the reason behind it. Below are some examples of why your character might choose to be less than straightforward.
EXAMPLES
To save someone’s feelings
To protect someone (from harm, from others discovering their involvement, etc.)
To keep from getting into trouble
So the character can hide their true opinions or feelings
So the character can get what they want
To tell someone what they want to hear
So the character can project or maintain a certain image
To impress others
As a way to keep the peace
To sabotage, manipulate, or control others
Because the character is a pathological liar
Because they don’t believe lying is wrong
MINOR COMPLICATIONS
Having to quickly de-escalate the situation (especially if it’s not the time or place to explain)
The character needing to buy someone’s silence by making a promise, offering a bribe, or agreeing to their terms
The character’s honesty being questioned in the future
People being reluctant to broach certain topics with the character
Revealing a “tell” in the moment that others will remember (and watch for)
Being accused of manipulation
POTENTIALLY DISASTROUS RESULTS
The character’s reputation being damaged
Loved ones (a spouse, children, friends) questioning the character’s honesty
Being called out publicly
Being fired or demoted for a lie that reflects badly on the character’s employer
Important relationships being damaged or lost
The character using leverage to ensure silence, thereby revealing their true nature
People losing faith in someone or something important (if the character was influential)
The character losing their standing, platform, or connections
A company or organization (and those associated with it) suffering because of one person’s lie
A hurtful stereotype or bias being reinforced
Conflict arising from the character digging in their heels and refusing to admit to the lie
Trying to save face or reverse the narrative (by telling more lies, discrediting the accuser, etc.)
Lashing out in anger instead of taking responsibility
RESULTING EMOTIONS: Anger, Apprehension, Defensiveness, Defiant, Desperation, Embarrassment, Fear, Guilt, Humiliation, Insecurity, Panic, Regret, Self-Loathing, Shame, Stunned, Tormented, Unease, Vengeful, Worry, Worthlessness
POSSIBLE INTERNAL STRUGGLES
Struggling with insecurity, guilt, shame, or self-loathing
Being unable to share the reason behind the lie because it would hurt someone
The character believing the lie was justified
Misremembering or being blind to the facts; believing the lie was the truth
The character doubting herself
Feeling guilty for keeping certain people in the dark, even for good reasons
Having a hollow reason for lying but being too embarrassed to admit to it
NEGATIVE TRAITS THAT MAY WORSEN THE SITUATION: Apathetic, Callous, Cocky, Confrontational, Defensive, Hostile, Macho, Martyr, Self-Destructive, Stubborn, Tactless
IMPACT ON BASIC NEEDS
Self-Actualization: If the character’s lie results in professional or personal limitations, it could lead to lifelong regret.
Esteem and Recognition: Shame and guilt can have a devastating impact on the psyche. If the character’s esteem plummets because of his misstep, he may experience unwanted personality changes, such as struggling with insecurity or becoming an underachiever.
Love and Belonging: If the lie isn’t the first one (or it’s a big one) for the character, it could be the final straw that ends a friendship or romantic relationship.
Safety and Security: Characters who lose something they can never regain may seek to punish themselves. Risky behaviors, addictions, and other dysfunctional coping mechanisms can damage their health.
POSITIVE TRAITS TO HELP THE CHARACTER COPE: Cooperative, Diplomatic, Discreet, Friendly, Honest, Humble, Innocent, Loyal, Obedient, Persuasive, Proper, Protective
POSITIVE OUTCOMES
Recognizing the importance of always telling the truth
Realizing a person’s reputation can be easily destroyed and vowing to protect that
Eventually becoming grateful for being called out because it led to important revelation and growth
The incident inspiring a moral status check, leading to growth and change
The uncovering of the lie bringing an injustice to light
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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
