Triggering: Too Cliche?

[VampirePrincess]

Triggering only for a word, so you know.

I'm writing a book, and the way I write is to pick one character, and work on their background. I learn that through writing bits of the story, and then watching them grow. I think about what in their past could make them like that.

So, my main character's name is Leyhs. His mother was raped, and was ashamed of him so threw him out on the streets as a baby. Not too long afterwards, he was picked up and rescued by Kalan, an older man who is an outcast of society. Kalan pretends to not care about Leyhs, but he really does. So, I ask you: is it too cliche to make Kalan his real father? Kalan wouldn't know. Leyhs wouldn't know. The mother would be reunited with her son, and upon being introduced to Kalan they recognize each other. They wouldn't become a happy family, in fact it will tear apart Leyhs' ties with Kalan at first.

I'm not completely sold on that particular storyline. Though I like the idea, and Leyhs not ever finding out who his father is nags me to no end, something is not quite right about it. Until I find out what that is, I'm sort of remaining undecided. What do you think? Thanks in advance.

[Kira-Kira]

that would make a good twist to the story though i think its a good idea

[ChaosControl]

Depends how you write it. I'm sure you're a talented writer, but I can imagine it would need a lot of planning to reveal the twist. It's a huge coincidence, but coincidences do happen. Certainly consider it.

I think Leyhs should definitely find out who his father is, eventually. And I think the fact that it messes up their lives reduces the cliche factor, so I'm pretty sure you could get away with it. But... is there any way you could bring in even more of a twist? Maybe Kalan is more than just his father...

Sounds like a great story, by the way. Good luck and have fun writing it

[Celestial.]

Depending on how you write it, it could work well.

I like the fact that the truth will come out but won't make for a happy family. Although, I agree that it's a really big coincidence, for Kalan to unknowingly take in his own son. Also, what's his motivation for that? Why would he take in an abandoned kid he seemingly has no ties to?

I think - and remember this is just my opinion, feel free to ignore it - that it might work better if Kalan and Lehys' mother were connected in another way. Like, they used to be a couple, or, I don't know, they almost had a child together once, or something.

Good luck with your story, whichever way you decide to take it.