Literary Parents: Pros and Cons

*this is a post that first appeared on my blog a year or two ago*

*note: In no way is this anti-parent. When I say there are 'good and bad' things about having parents in books, I am strictly talking about literary advantages/disadvantages.*

I had a discussion with a couple of my friends about parents of our main character (MC). There are good things about parents in your books, and there can be bad things. First, the good stuff.

1. Having good, helpful parents can be very un-cliche. In most books you'll find that the main characters are orphans. Examples are Eragon (Christopher Paolini), A Series of Unfortunate Events (Lemony Snicket), and Fly by Night (Francis Hardinge).

2. Sometimes, if a character has parents they are unfortunately portrayed in a very bad light, as in 'holding the character down' and stuff. It's a very bad stereotype, not to mention a lie (in most cases). It's a mold that needs to be broken, and having good parents is the perfect way to do it!

3. Parents can provide another side to your MC. If your MC has a very strong relationship with their dad, it will be more touching if something happens to their dad. Therefore, your reader will feel more with your character.

Then the negatives.

1. Parents, as bad as it may sound, can tie down the MC. After all, it would be easier to have your character race around Washington DC with evil gangsters chasing them without having to wonder, 'And where are their parents?' Do you know what I mean?

2. It's more exciting for you MC to be orphaned. It adds another element. Without parents to protect and provide, your character is on their own. It's another tension--not only do they have to overcome evil, but they have to survive and act more mature for their age.

3. It might add more emotion and sympathy toward your character if their parents were no longer living.

I personally prefer to have parents in my books. In my NaNoWriMo novel, Elizabeth's mom and dad are divorced. (SPOILER--if you want to be surprised if you ever read my book, skip over this part) I'm planning on having them back together by the end of the trilogy. (END OF SPOILER)

Besides, my dad is my proofreader, and if my MC is anti-parent without reform, I might get in big trouble! (just kidding...lol).

But seriously, when I'm a mom, I wouldn't really want my kids to read a book where the parents are depicted as a hindrance and 'holding the character down'.

What do you all think? I would love to hear your opinions!

Yours without wax,

Izori