CONFLICT THESAURUS

AN EX INTERFERING IN ONE'S LIFE



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HELPFUL TIP:

Conflict is your story’s secret sauce, supplying tension, relationship friction, and complications to a character’s journey. It comes in a million different forms, so identify the obstacles and problems that will hit your character the hardest by using the Character Builder to uncover their primary insecurities, fears , and desires. Don’t forget to include everyday conflict scenarios that will frustrate them and keep the pressure high.
CATEGORY:
Relationship friction, power struggles

EXAMPLES:
An ex causing friction with the character's new love interest
A past partner stalking the character (appearing at a favorite coffee shop, place of work, etc.)
The ex misrepresenting the breakup to shared friends, manipulating them into picking sides
The character being blackmailed by an ex with intimate details about their life 
The ex making unreasonable demands surrounding alimony, shared property, or custody arrangements
An old flame spreading untrue rumors in the character's social circle or workplace
An ex buying the character's place of employment or becoming a client
An ex-spouse going after something important to the character (the kids, his or her job, etc.) as a way of getting back at or controlling the character

MINOR COMPLICATIONS:
Friction with the character's current love interest because of the ex
The character being forced to change routines to avoid running into their past partner
Having to consult with the ex before making decisions (if finances or property are involved)
Frequent arguments with the ex
Hesitating to pursue new romantic relationships because of the past partner's volatility
Trust issues with family, friends, or co-workers who may be sympathetic to the ex
Losing friends who picked sides after the breakup
Work or friendships suffering because the character is always dealing with the ex's demands, jealousy, or unreasonable behavior
Avoiding communication from the ex and missing other important correspondences
The situation putting a character on edge, always wondering what else is coming

POTENTIALLY DISASTROUS RESULTS:
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RESULTING EMOTIONS:
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POSSIBLE INTERNAL STRUGGLES:
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PEOPLE WHO COULD BE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED:
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NEGATIVE TRAITS THAT COULD MAKE THE SITUATION WORSE:
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IMPACT ON BASIC NEEDS:
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WOUNDS THIS COULD LEAD TO:
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POSITIVE TRAITS TO HELP THE CHARACTER COPE:
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POSITIVE OUTCOMES:
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