The parents may feel a mix of gratitude and deep shame, leading them to lash out at the very child who keeps the family together. 4. The Estrangement and the "Missing Stair"

Here are four archetypal storylines and the complex dynamics that drive them: 1. The "Golden Child" and the "Black Sheep"

As an adult, this character struggles to set boundaries. They feel responsible for everyone’s happiness but resent the childhood they lost.