CONFLICT THESAURUS

DISAPPOINTING SOMEONE



Never struggle with Show-and-Tell again. Activate your free trial or subscribe to view the Conflict Thesaurus in its entirety, or visit the Table of Contents to explore unlocked entries.

CHOOSE MY PLAN

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, failures and mistakes, ego-related conflict

NOTES:
This entry explores the character disappointing someone they look up to, such as a parent, a mentor, or a coach. It also refers to situations where the character lets down someone who looks up to them—a younger sibling or a clergy member's parishioner, for instance. For information on conflict produced by the reverse scenario, see the entry on BEING BETRAYED OR ABANDONED BY A TRUSTED ALLY OR FRIEND.

EXAMPLES:
The character choosing a different career than the one their parents want them to pursue
The character bombing an interview or business meeting set up by a mentor
A younger cousin witnessing the character abusing alcohol, drugs, or another person
Being suspended as a coach for behaving unethically or making insensitive comments
Immoral behavior being exposed (such as a congregation discovering the character—their pastor, priest, etc.—has embezzled church funds or engaged in an extra-marital affair)  
Sports fans discovering the character is taking steroids to enhance their performance 
The character using his position of power to get items that are in short supply, such as life-saving medicines earmarked for others or extra food rations
Rallying others to join a team, fight for a cause, or take a risk when the character isn't willing to do the same

MINOR COMPLICATIONS:
Enduring embarrassment and shame as word gets around 
Becoming the focus of ugly gossip
Having to grovel to get back into a mentor's good graces
The character overcompensating to make up for their behavior
The character's reputation being sullied when their behavior goes public on social media
Having to release a statement and apologize, promising to do better
Not being invited to events or family gatherings 
Losing the trust of an impressionable younger cousin or sibling
Having to attend counseling or sensitivity training to save face

POTENTIALLY DISASTROUS RESULTS:
...

RESULTING EMOTIONS:
...

POSSIBLE INTERNAL STRUGGLES:
...

PEOPLE WHO COULD BE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED:
...

NEGATIVE TRAITS THAT COULD MAKE THE SITUATION WORSE:
...

IMPACT ON BASIC NEEDS:
...

WOUNDS THIS COULD LEAD TO:
...

POSITIVE TRAITS TO HELP THE CHARACTER COPE:
...

POSITIVE OUTCOMES:
...