With rising divorce rates, the "step-" dynamic is rich territory. A stepparent trying to discipline a stepchild is walking through a minefield. A half-sibling rivalry can be more vicious than a full-blooded one because of the underlying question of legitimacy .

This is the clash of valid perspectives. The Prodigal leaves the small town/family business for the big city, returning only for holidays or crises. The Stay-at-Home sibling stayed behind, cared for aging parents, and sacrificed their own ambitions.

If you are looking to craft these storylines, avoid the soap opera trap (amnesia, evil twins, sudden wealth). Instead, focus on