Post B08HBDc9SLgSNdVia0 by oheso@ieji.de
 (DIR) More posts by oheso@ieji.de
 (DIR) Post #B06YYtqfuFXqvsGIAC by futurebird@sauropods.win
       2025-11-10T14:08:30Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       In fiction are there any huge stereotypes, tropes about divorced characters that are overdone, annoying?Writing this as someone who “simply can’t imagine getting divorced*”  I decided to just make my character as astonished & confused as I would be. (write what you know?)I do feel like I’m bumbling around a bit here. This guy is a math professor, gets divorced after his daughter goes to college—  didn’t expect it, even if he understands it.*I also get this is naive#divorce #writing
       
 (DIR) Post #B06ZTYsaXdRGP7AvNA by Bumblefish@mastodon.scot
       2025-11-10T14:18:44Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @futurebird Then he will be bumbling about a bit. I think the big fiction trope is that it’s terrible and melodramatic but honestly it doesn’t have to be. If neither person enjoys drama it can just be a moving apart. There can even still be love. Your life paths are just not aligned anymore. Maybe one person wants to grow while the other wants to stay put. Maybe running the joint household is too much as other opportunities call. It can be gentle.
       
 (DIR) Post #B06Zxk1TfvGTeUiwUK by creativegamingname@infosec.exchange
       2025-11-10T14:24:10Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @futurebird To better understand the question, are you asking to avoid certain behaviors? I think a lot of the negative we read/see comes from the writer trying to lead/guide the narrative. The cheating husband is also clueless about bills/cooking/etc.  The housewife who was left to raise the kids is clueless about basic concepts outside of the home. To me, at least, they feel dated and trying to push an agenda.For someone who "simple can't imagine getting divorced" I imagine they would handle it the same way they would handle a sudden and unexpected tragedy. Do they drink casually/socially? Perhaps that elevates or becomes more centered.Are they usually gullible and passive in public? That is likely to become far more aggressive and forward.They are likely dealing with a lot of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. If they are, how does that manifest itself in their daily habits?Perhaps explaining some of that to the audience would help drive the story forward?Trying for helpful, hope I helped...
       
 (DIR) Post #B06cDJ1K2NbMRmCV5E by log@mastodon.sdf.org
       2025-11-10T14:49:23Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @futurebird There's the "divorced dad" trope where his housing is cheap and sad, like a used mobile home or a courtyard motel room.  The kids, who only visit on alternate weekends, are bored and ashamed because there is no life or joy in his home.  Very overdone and annoying.
       
 (DIR) Post #B06pmTnPGTs1PFnIXo by llewelly@sauropods.win
       2025-11-10T17:21:27Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @futurebird all the ones that involve the divorced couple getting back together were done to the death back in the 1980s.
       
 (DIR) Post #B08HBDc9SLgSNdVia0 by oheso@ieji.de
       2025-11-11T10:03:04Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @futurebird My buddy and I were just recalling the Happy Days episode where Richie dates a divorcee, and they did the whole “hot to trot” schtick. This of course was in the 70s (with a show whose premise was in the 50s).Can’t help much more with tropes, but do have a lot of experience with my parents’ and my own rather messy divorces. (One each, I hasten to add.)