Finally, family dramas force an examination of redemption and the limits of forgiveness. In many genres, the climax involves the defeat of a villain, but in family dramas, the climax often involves the painful realization that a relationship cannot be saved. The most poignant storylines acknowledge that sometimes the healthiest form of love is distance. Whether it is a sibling cutting ties to preserve their sanity or a parent accepting their child’s differences, these resolutions are rarely triumphant. Instead, they are bittersweet, acknowledging that while blood may be thicker than water, it can also be toxic.
When crafting your story, consider the following:
The experience had left the Smith family changed. They had come to realize that their relationships were complex and multifaceted, and that they required effort and commitment to maintain. John and Emily began to rebuild their relationship, and they made a conscious effort to be more present and engaged with their children.
Can do no wrong, but suffocates under the pressure of perfection.