In psychology, we often talk about the stereotypical “fight, run, or freeze” response – simple survival scripts that decide for us when fear takes control.
But that’s only part of the picture.
When creating my protagonist, I built a mental model around this idea –
a cognitive-behavioral map of eight instinctive responses that define how he survives inner collapse.
But no system can survive forever – and when his finally fails, something far older takes control.
These are Gobby’s (my protagonist) personal survival patterns, shaped by fear, loss, and memory:
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Fight – attack the threat.
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Flight – escape at any cost.
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Freeze – go rigid, disappear within.
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Hide – seek cover.
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Protect – shield someone else.
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Summon – call an inner presence for help.
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Switch – change behavior or identity instantly.
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Endure – absorb pain and wait it out.
In the new episode, this system collapses.
Fear stops protecting – and starts rewriting who he is.
When does survival stop being instinct and become identity?
If you’ve ever written or drawn a moment when your character’s control breaks – share it.
How did you show that instant when instinct chooses before thought?
