dysfunctional upbringing theme
A character grows up in a family under conditions that professionals would probably describe as dysfunctional. This typically involves some amount of psychological problems.
Examples
Beverly in "It" (1990) had a physically abusive father and later in life find herself drawn to other abusive men against her better judgment.
12 total · 4 choice · 6 major · 2 minor
| Story | Level | Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| movie: Boyhood (2014) | choice | Mason and Samantha had a turbulent upbringing with their mostly single mom |
| movie: The 400 Blows (1959) | choice | we are given to understand that Antoine's behavior may have been cause by a lack of love and attention from his parents, neither of whom really wanted him |
| rbt1985e6x05 | choice | The story concerns a father who pushed his son to an insane degree by acting like a army drill sergeant. |
| voy7x12 | choice | B'Elanna had had and worried about her daughter |
| ahh2x15 | major | Roy was upset about the way Marcia treated her step-son, Stevie, because he recognized in their situation that of his own earlier childhood, which we understand was none too happy. Roy and Stevie conversed briefly about how they both had "moved around a lot". |
| as1985e1x10 | major | Walter was henpecked and manhandled by his domineering spouse Grendel. He was also tormented by his two no-good sons. |
| movie: It (1990) | major | Beverly's abusive father and Eddie's overprotective mother |
| movie: Red Beard (1965) | major | several characters told stories of growing up with poverty and abuse, one in a brothel |
| tz1985e1x03b | major | Little Debby fed up with her parents yelling and arguing. |
| tz2002e1x10 | major | Craig was being raised by his ill-tempered and abusive father, Darrell. |