Why are a character's family secrets important to the story, and how can you use secrets effectively?

In a story, the revelation of family secrets can create an impactful development, such as 'your father is actually a great person' or 'your brother is actually a member of the enemy.' January Gilchrist, a mystery and historical novel writer, explains the technique of using family secrets well in a story.

The Role of Family Secrets in Crime Novels and Thrillers ‹ CrimeReads

https://crimereads.com/the-role-of-family-secrets-in-crime-novels-and-thrillers/

Family secrets are a common theme in stories, especially in genres like mysteries and thrillers. Gilchrist gives three reasons why:

Readers can empathize
Most readers have a conflicting feeling about their families: 'I think I know everything about my family, but I'm sure there are secrets I'm keeping from them.' Therefore, the shock that the characters feel about their family secrets in stories is something that readers can easily empathize with.

- Influences character decisions
Learning about a family secret can have a major impact on a character's behavior, causing distress, shattering their sense of identity, and even taking steps to hide the secret from those around them.

Impressions and development
When secrets are revealed, heroes may seem less heroic than they were before, and villains may turn out to be not so evil after all.

'This is the shift that happens when a family secret is revealed,' Gilchrist says. 'Family secrets can create tension, provide motivation for shocking actions, and really hold the reader in awe.'

Regarding techniques for using family secrets as a turning point in a story, Gilchrist gives some points to keep in mind. First, it is important to tease the timing of revealing the secret by hinting at it or giving hints, and wait until the point where you can expect the 'greatest damage.' In addition, the damage to the character will be even more exciting if it is a secret that not only shocks the character, but also destroys their identity.

Secondly, when preparing a secret, if it can add a twist to the story plot, it will also contribute to the overall interest of the story. And finally, in either case, it is necessary to make sure that the secret has value. If you make the reader wait and the secret is disappointing, the reader is likely to feel a bad impression of being 'tricked' rather than a shock or interest.

'Family secrets make for the most unforgettable, thrilling and satisfying stories. After all, nothing stays buried secret forever,' Gilchrist said.