What is the found family trope?

Found family is one of the most loved tropes in fantasy and queer fiction alike: a ship's crew, a circus troupe, a band of thieves or a household of strays who choose each other. It speaks directly to readers who had to build their own families.

The best found-family stories let the group argue, fail and forgive — belonging is earned, not assumed.

Common variations

  • Ship's crew
  • Circus or travelling troupe
  • Heist crew
  • Household of misfits

What to watch out for

  • A 'family' that exists only to support the protagonist

Classic examples