I know this is probably a common topic. For me, I’m not sure if it’s a “trope” or just totally misinformed writing, but it’s how many authors approach alcoholism. Some examples are Girl on the Train and The House Across the Lake, among HUNDREDS. If anyone else here has struggled with alcoholism, you know it’s not just "i woke up after downing an entire bottle of whiskey but was able to shower, down a cup of coffee, and solve a murder. "

  • -OnTheMap-@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    The way children are written. In fiction geared towards an adult audience, the kid is either a precocious little genius or a total moron who is also a hellian.

    • Dazzling-Ad4701@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      or all of that in the same gaptoothed package. yeah, only a handful of people have written kids I could buy (you know what I mean). Anne Tyler and, unexpectedly, John Updike both come to mind.

      • Rock_Me-Amadeus@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        10 months ago

        Lex in Jurassic Park is a very well written, realistic portrayal of an EXTREMELY ANNOYING CHILD. God that kid makes reading JP a slog.

    • watchingblooddry@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      Danny from the shining was an actual good example of writing a precocious kid well, felt like he could be an actual child

    • LeglessYak0@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      And either way they are written as a weird form of small dumb asexual adult, not as an authentic child.