I’d like anyone and everyone who has been in the adoption system/is in the system’s opinion on a character I’m writing.
He is 15 and newly adopted. I haven’t written too much on his inner conflict because I don’t know how to handle it. I also don’t know the points of conflict he’d have with himself.
this is in 1966, but I’d imagine the feelings are universal.
I’d also like to be accurate. So I’ll tell you about him—
His name is Leo. His mom and aunt died in a car accident when he was 9 or 10. He was left with his dad. His dad is nice! But got a problem with alcohol after his wife’s death. He never became abusive but dinner commonly ended up getting prepped the way a drunk guy would make it. (Yall know that one vid about some guy being upset cause nothing works for his microwave but the popcorn button and he wants to heat up an enchilada? Basically that.)
Cut short— the dad couldn’t really take care of him properly. I’m not even sure if this would be cause for intervention to happen— but that’s why I’m asking. Maybe a neighbor asks why Leo is having trouble recently and when the time comes the dad confesses he knows he won’t be able to take care of Leo. He can hardly take care of himself. So Leo gets sent off??
Leo gets placed into the system, at 10 or 11 and gets adopted without hassle at 15. His new family is very nice. Two 35 year old parents, a 10 year old girl, 7 year old boy, and another 3 year old girl. He’s the oldest.
I plan to have Leo get closer with his new family but he definitely misses his mom and aunt. And he’s sad that his dad couldn’t take proper responsibility and care for him.
I’d like to know how to write him better. please tell me how! I currently have him calling his adoptive parents by their first name or Mr./Mrs. *insert first name*
Please, please, PLEASE tell me how. I’d like to be accurate and properly understand all the inner conflict in this kids mind.