Affection tied strictly to achievement or obedience creates deep resentment. 3. The Shared Mythology

Families have "inside" languages—half-finished sentences, specific nicknames, and "looks" that convey an entire history of baggage without a word.

A character can be furious at their brother but still be the first person to defend him against an outsider.

A grandparent who knows a truth about the family’s past that would shatter the current generation's identity, struggling with whether "the truth sets you free" or simply destroys what’s left.