I haven’t done an official study, but I think fantasy is overpopulated by orphans.
The lone hero is a classic protagonist because they’re not tied down by familial commitments and are free to adventure. An orphan is also on a search (quest) for who they might be.
But for all the advantages offered by an orphan re plot development and character growth, I wonder if part of their appeal is due to our unacknowledged desire to escape intergenerational trauma. We’re all curious as to who we’d be if we weren’t shaped by the suffering of those who contributed to our genes.
In truth, genes are inescapable. However, in fantasy an orphan hero presents as a blank slate. Their experience, and their experience alone, shapes who they are.
And yet, hearing the stories of those who came before us could be the key to our own resilience.
Breaking the Chains of Generational Trauma
I value fiction precisely because it offers an escape as well as a safe space to explore difficult issues. But life is challenging and as much as stories can be part of our healing, we all need help sometimes. Our stories are integral to us and should be shared carefully. In Australia you can find help from Lifeline and Beyond Blue. Wherever you are in the world, please be kind to yourself, respect your own needs, and choose wisely the people who will help you to tell your stories.
Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Lifeline https://www.lifeline.org.au/