COWORKERS
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Relationships are part of the very fabric of your character’s life. How well or poorly they get along with others oftentimes comes down to personality, so carefully consider the positive traits and negative traits of your story’s cast. Another factor that can pull characters together or create friction is motivation, so keep each individual’s goal—both at the scene and story level—in mind as you write.
DESCRIPTION:
RELATIONSHIP DYNAMICS:
Coworkers treating each other as part of the team rather than threats or rivals
Workmates recognizing the strengths each person brings to the table
People working together who respect the established office hierarchy
Coworkers making things easier for others and not more difficult (keeping their desk neat, cleaning up after a meal in the break room, providing requested materials on time, etc.)
Each party respecting personal boundaries
Both parties maintaining an attitude of professionalism
Coworkers who are tolerant of differences
One party having more leverage or influence than the others
Coworkers who engage in gossip, cliques, and spreading rumors
One party acting selfishly (being late to meetings, not following through with responsibilities, letting others do the lion's share of the work, etc.)
People who work together but don't engage personally or get to know each other
Coworkers creating an uncomfortable or toxic environment by telling jokes, using language, or touching someone inappropriately
One person always having to get their way or have the last word
One party poaching clients or business from another
Coworkers engaging in unethical behaviors (stealing supplies, sabotaging others, making false claims, etc.)