Orphan

:For alternative meanings of the word orphan, see Orphan (disambiguation).

Orphans in literature

Orphaned characters are extremely common as literary protagonists, especially in children's and fantasy literature. The lack of parents leaves the characters to pursue more interesting and adventurous lives, by freeing them from familial obligations and controls, and depriving them of more prosaic lives. The lack of parents creates characters that are self-contained and introspective and who strive for affection. Orphans can metaphorically search for self-understanding through attempting to know their roots. All these characteristics make orphans attractive characters for authors.

Related Topics:
Children - Fantasy literature

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Some examples of literary orphans include:

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• Oliver Twist
• Philip Pirrip ("Pip")
• Tom Sawyer
• Anne Shirley
• Little Orphan Annie
• James Henry Trotter
• Homer Wells
• Harry Potter
• Huckleberry Finn was technically a half-orphan, but neglected to such an extent by "Pappy" that he was effectively an orphan

Some literary children have no parents, but it is not clear whether they are orphans or simply came into being without ever having had parents, such as:

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• The Little Prince
• Momo