One tip of my own

[ozran]

I didnt know if its a pet peeve, or a tip, but I hate it when the character's parents tragically die or are brutally murdered or fall off a cliff or get eaten by a giant bird or have bowel problems and explode. Parents can die, but the story should be base around getting revenge for the parents death. Just one tip/advise from me.

- Ozran

[LittleRock]

I think one reason why there are so many characters w/o parents is because it makes the character seem less restricted. And when someone close to them (like their parents) are gone or destroyed or eaten by a mutant eagle it gives the character a reason for the way he is. But, I agree it's used so much that it becomes cliche, and the whole revenge thing is a but too much.

It makes you think, however, about the strong bond between parents and children and I think that's why (when it's broken) it can be used to cause stress and alter a characters personality and goals. Parents have huge roles in a persons life: If the parents are evil maniacs and want to take over the world and they had twins, maybe one of them stepped in his/her parents shoes and became what they were, and maybe the other totally rebelled and want to bring peace... *ahhhh*...

I dunno, I know what you mean and I agree that it is over used, but I think a lot of characters tragedy comes from lost loved ones. I would be interesting, however, to create a story where the persons parents are alive and well and see how much drama you cen get from it. I'm not saying it's impossible or even improbable because I know it's been done before, but It's an interesting thought.

LRock