 Initiate Thomas • STAGE TWO • Task One
The following 4 questions will be based around one of your characters fears. Please choose one fear, and answer the questions based on that.
Fear one;Â Tom's fear of his loved ones leaving
1. How did the fear begin? What caused or started it?
When Tom was born his mother died at birth which ended up being the catalyst for this particular fear. His father blamed him for her death in short accusing his son of murder. Tom had a few friends when he was younger including Jackson and Sammy however the majority of them left him after finding out about his father who was pretty much the town drunk. Thomas eventually became rather closed off to everyone knowing that he couldn't endure the heartache of being left every again. It is more of a psychological fear rather than physical. He's only come to let three people in through this initiation which is Liz, Malia and Laurie. However he is still very hesitant to let them pass the point of no return where Sam is the only which is his heart. He loves Sam like a brother and wouldn't live in a world without him. Tom's sister had moved to dauntless to get away from her father and that abandonment alone left him no choice but to build up walls around him that were impenetrable. Â
2. Rate the fear on a scale of 1-10. 1 being faceable, and 10 being unbearable.
Around a 5-6 because even if someone were to die or eventually end up leaving him -- especially Laurie or Sam -- he'd be able to continue. When Malia overdosed it did wear him down and it's emotionally draining for him which would take his mind off of the fear landscape however I still believe he'd be able to shut himself off from the pain at least for a moment. It's not his biggest fear however it is one he worries about on a day to day basis and prepares himself for.
3. If put under a simulation, what could your character do to fight the fear?
I think within the fear landscape he'd more or less be dealing with Laurie, Malia or most likely Sammy facing near death and Tom only has a split second chance to save them. This is because if he were a minute too late he'd blame himself and never let go especially if it were Sam. Tom was the whole reason Sam chose Dauntless so if he were to die or become factionless Tom would never forgive himself.
4. Has your character ever faced this fear in real life? If so, how?
Most of Tom's family abandoned him whether it was by choice, by association or because they died. His father repeated many times that Tom wasn't his son, his sister left him knowing full well the situation at home would become worse for Tom and also his mother whom had no choice in the matter. Family is suppose to be your support, a place where unconditional love and trust was built however he never got a chance to see this.
