Not trying to trigger anyone or offend anyone. I know this is a difficult topic for some, so you might wanna skip this chapter if you have triggers.
I don't think giving examples would do much.
I've noticed in LOTS of Wattpad books, mostly teen fiction, and romance, the MC often has some trouble with their parents, enough to be considered abuse or neglect. One parent could be missing, one or both could be alcoholics or addicts, or one or both could give verbal and/or physical abuse, etc. Usually, this is used to give 'depth' to a character, a twist to a flat board of a person. Sometimes because of this abuse, characters are cold-hearted, introverted, broken, or have gone through or need therapy. Of course, not every abuse story is the same, and the victims aren't able to be all treated the exact same way, and not everyone acts the same before, after, or during the abuse.
Sometimes when people do it, it feels a little unnecessary, as if the abuse done to the character is a joke. For example, a character could have an abusive addict mom as part of her description, but the mother isn't relevant in the story or doesn't affect the character in any way. The mother is kinda just, there. Irrelevant and doesn't affect the character at all, the least being a way for the character to get someone's sympathy. Parents are a huge influence on a characters life, so making them seemingly irrelevant is plainly unrealistic.
Of course, having an introverted personality or trust issues can make for some great character development if done well. In lots of stories, characters with cold hearts often have a special someone break that ice, and set them free, which is great.
How to avoid?: If you love your characters, don't give them an awful childhood. You could also try parents being out of recovery, or in recovery.
I probably could've written a lot more than this, but I didn't want this to be too long, so I stopped.
If anyone here is dealing with parental abuse, tell someone. Your friend, a school guidance counselor (if they aren't shitty), a teacher you trust, anyone who can help you. I send you my support through difficult times c:
YOU ARE READING
Seemingly unavoidable cliches
RandomY'all know those cliches we see everywhere, but seem so hard to avoid? Well, I'M GOING TO BE A CLICHE AND MAKE A LIST. Also will I try and help my fellow wattpad authors who struggle with these.
