I know that this has been asked alot, but not this exact situation. After being tortured psychologically and physically for a couple of months, could a high official be used as a puppet by the torturers to get bills and such to be passed? How likely is this? The main idea is that the person would be a wreck and do whatever the torturers wanted because of the fear of being tortured again. Could instict be beaten out of someone by torture?
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
RexRacer
----------
NaNoWriMo '07 - The Gang Wars-33,083 words - Failed
Script Frenzy '08 - Untitled-101 pages - Won
NaNoWriMo '08 - Chaos-0 words so far - Will win
77,000 / 50,000
Jul 22, 2008 - 01 34
Very doable, I'd say. They could convince him that they have agents following him everywhere, ready to grab him again at any time and bring him back to be tortured again. Of course once he's free he might start to doubt that this is true, but he could be too afraid to risk it - just in case it is true. And if he has family or other loved ones they can say the same thing will happen to them. They could also make him sign things under duress that would compromise him - or someone he cared about - if revealed later.
An element of blackmail to control him would be good. I think it would be reckless of the torturers to assume they have him under their total psychological control, without an extra element of security. Of course the blackmail threat can be the threat of being tortured again.
89,004 / 50,000
Jul 22, 2008 - 05 06
It might have more of an impact on him if they were holding a loved one. He knows what they can do and so wouldn't risk ignoring what they want. If it's not possible in your story for them to hold a family member you could have one of them (the ones that tortured him) show up from time to time near one of his family. The bad guy could be nice to whoever while giving your character a slick grin, or whatever look would get the message across. Your character will know they are there and he knows they wouldn't bat an eye in harming someone he cares about. Visual reminders that he is being watched goes a long way.
--------------------
Melanie A.
jadedragon's muse
You can't edit what you haven't written.
0 / 50,000
Jul 23, 2008 - 10 21
Going on what Mel was saying... one of the torturers or one of the agents, could be "seeing" one of the official's female relatives. The relative has no clue what's going on, and thinks Agent a good person, even if he does "look bad." She'd be one of those "he can be reformed be someone who loves him!" kind of women if need be... OR he could look harmless. Whatever you wish.
-Death