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WRITING GLOSSARY

What is Forced Proximity?

Forced proximity is a trope that traps characters in close quarters (road trip, storm, shared assignment) so attraction and conflict intensify by circumstance.

Definition

Forced proximity is a trope that traps characters in close quarters (road trip, storm, shared assignment) so attraction and conflict intensify by circumstance.

Example

Coworkers snowed in at a remote lodge must share one heat source and conversation they avoided at the office.

Related terms

Common mistakes

  • Using forced proximity without personality clash or goal conflict to fuel scenes.
  • Assuming proximity alone replaces character choice and mutual growth.
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