The most heart-wrenching storylines stem from the question: How much of myself must I amputate to fit into this family?
Introduce an outsider (a new boyfriend, a therapist, a neighbor) who points out how abnormal the family is. The family’s reaction to this outsider—whether they close ranks or cannibalize themselves—reveals their true nature.
If you are looking to write or understand these types of stories, expert resources like Writer's Digest suggest focusing on these elements: Character First
Finally, great family drama rarely ends with a neat bow. Real life is messy. Relationships evolve, degrade, and settle into new, often uncomfortable shapes.