Avoidance

Definition

Avoidance is a coping mechanism where a character consciously or unconsciously evades confronting problems, emotions, or situations. This behavior can lead to significant character flaws, as it often prevents personal growth and the resolution of underlying issues. Characters who rely on avoidance may face deeper struggles as they interact with others and confront challenges, ultimately highlighting their flaws and presenting opportunities for growth through overcoming these barriers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Avoidance can manifest in various forms, such as procrastination, withdrawal from social interactions, or ignoring responsibilities.
2. Characters who exhibit avoidance often create additional conflict in their stories by delaying necessary confrontations with other characters or situations.
3. While avoidance may provide temporary relief from anxiety or discomfort, it often results in long-term consequences, deepening the character's flaws.
4. The journey of a character overcoming avoidance usually involves pivotal moments that force them to face their fears and embrace change.
5. Avoidance is commonly explored in character arcs that highlight the importance of self-awareness and emotional growth.

Review Questions

• How does avoidance impact a character's relationships and overall development throughout the story?
  • Avoidance significantly impacts a character's relationships by creating barriers to open communication and trust. When a character consistently evades difficult conversations or emotions, it can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts with others. This behavior not only hinders the character’s personal growth but also affects the dynamics with other characters, often pushing them away instead of fostering deeper connections.
• In what ways can a character's reliance on avoidance serve as both a flaw and a catalyst for growth?
  • A character's reliance on avoidance can be seen as a flaw that prevents them from facing critical challenges, leading to stagnation in their development. However, this same avoidance can act as a catalyst for growth when the character is eventually confronted with situations that force them to confront their fears. As they navigate these pivotal moments, they may learn valuable lessons about vulnerability and resilience, ultimately leading to significant personal transformation.
• Evaluate how different narrative techniques can be used to portray avoidance in a character’s journey and its effect on their growth.
  • Narrative techniques such as internal monologue, symbolism, and foreshadowing can effectively portray avoidance in a character's journey. For instance, an internal monologue might reveal the character's thoughts about avoiding confrontation, showcasing their fears and insecurities. Symbolism—like recurring imagery of doors left unopened—can represent missed opportunities for growth. Additionally, foreshadowing can hint at future challenges that will force the character to confront their avoidance. These techniques not only enhance the storytelling but also provide depth to the character's development as they evolve from avoidance to acceptance.

Related terms

Denial: A defense mechanism in which a character refuses to accept reality or facts, often leading to avoidance of uncomfortable truths.

Conflict:

A struggle between opposing forces, which can be internal or external, that drives character development and reveals flaws.

Resolution:

The process through which a character confronts their flaws and challenges, leading to growth and change in their story arc.