Why We Love Found Families in Fiction

There’s a special kind of magic in stories where characters who don’t share blood ties become family anyway. We call it the “found family” trope, and it’s one of the most beloved in all of fiction. Whether it’s a band of adventurers, a group of misfits, or unlikely friends who stick together, found families tug at our hearts and keep us turning pages.

What Is a Found Family?

A found family is just what it sounds like: a group of characters who choose each other. They may start out as loners, outcasts, or people searching for belonging, but over time, bonds form—bonds that feel just as strong, if not stronger, than traditional family ties.

Why Readers Love It

At its core, the found family trope speaks to a universal longing: to belong somewhere, with people who understand us. Readers often see pieces of themselves in these characters, and when the characters finally find their people, it’s like finding hope on the page.

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