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Alphabetizing example(s)


* ComicBook/{{Batgirl|2000}} was taken from her parents as a child by an assassin, who trained her to be the ultimate killer. As the series progresses, she learns that [[spoiler: she wasn't taken at all. The assassin who raised her is her real father.]] In addition, the final arc of the series has her trying to discover the identity of her mother, and learning that [[spoiler: she's her longtime ArchEnemy Lady Shiva.]]

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* ComicBook/{{Batgirl|2000}} ''ComicBook/{{Batgirl}}'': [[ComicBook/Batgirl2000 Cassandra Cain]] was taken from her parents as a child by an assassin, who trained her to be the ultimate killer. As the series progresses, she learns that [[spoiler: she wasn't taken at all. The assassin who raised her is her real father.]] In addition, the final arc of the series has her trying to discover the identity of her mother, and learning that [[spoiler: she's her longtime ArchEnemy Lady Shiva.]]]]
* ''ComicBook/GreenArrow'': Roy Harper knows absolutely nothing about his mother. Literally nothing, other than he had to have had one. He knows his father died in a forest fire, but his mother was just never mentioned or never alluded to anywhere. The lack of information actually helped Roy break out of a LotusEaterMachine situation.



* In ''ComicBook/TeenTitans'', ComicBook/{{Raven}}'s mother stayed away from her until she was about ten years old. Since her Father is an inter-dimensional Demon, he doesn't show up until [[spoiler: he's ready to use Raven as a portal to Earth]].
** Another Titan with parent issues, Roy Harper knows absolutely nothing about his mother. Literally nothing, other than he had to have had one. He knows his father died in a forest fire, but his mother was just never mentioned or never alluded to anywhere. The lack of information actually helped Roy break out of a LotusEaterMachine situation.

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* In ''ComicBook/TeenTitans'', ''ComicBook/TeenTitans'': ComicBook/{{Raven}}'s mother stayed away from her until she was about ten years old. Since her Father is an inter-dimensional Demon, he doesn't show up until [[spoiler: he's ready to use Raven as a portal to Earth]].
** Another Titan with parent issues, Roy Harper knows absolutely nothing about his mother. Literally nothing, other than he had to have had one. He knows his father died in a forest fire, but his mother was just never mentioned or never alluded to anywhere. The lack of information actually helped Roy break out of a LotusEaterMachine situation.
Earth]].
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* The ''Franchise/KingdomHearts'' fic ''Fanfic/FilteredLight'' focuses on Sora's unseen mother, who is quickly revealed to know more about the Heartless and the Keyblade than her son could have imagined, though the details are only gradually revealed to the reader.

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* The ''Franchise/KingdomHearts'' fic ''Fanfic/FilteredLight'' ''Fanfic/FilteredLight'', set during the original ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsI'', focuses on Sora's unseen mother, who is quickly revealed to know more about the Heartless and the Keyblade than her son could have imagined, though the details are only gradually revealed to the reader.
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* The ''Franchise/KingdomHearts'' fic ''Fanfic/FilteredLight'' focuses on Sora's unseen mother, who is quickly revealed to know more about the Heartless and the Keyblade than her son could have imagined, though the details are only gradually revealed to the reader.
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None


* Rumors flew during the first half of the ''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'' series' run that Ash's father was really Team Rocket's leader, Giovanni. This was discredited by canon in the [[VideoGameRemake updated remakes]] of the original games. A scientist at the end of the Rocket Warehouse mistook the main character (including the new female variation) for Giovanni's child, but then corrected himself, stating that said child has red hair. This seems to match the description of the rival from Gold, Silver, and Crystal.
** [[spoiler: Their remakes confirm this. A flashback sequence shows the second generation rival (Silver) talking to his dad, Giovanni.]]

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* Rumors flew during the first half of the ''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'' series' ''Anime/PokemonTheOriginalSeries''' run that Ash's father was really Team Rocket's leader, Giovanni. This was discredited by canon in the [[VideoGameRemake updated remakes]] of the original games. A scientist at the end of the Rocket Warehouse mistook the main character (including the new female variation) for Giovanni's child, but then corrected himself, stating that said child has red hair. This seems to match the description of the rival from Gold, Silver, and Crystal.
** [[spoiler: Their [[spoiler:Their remakes confirm this. A flashback sequence shows the second generation rival (Silver) talking to his dad, Giovanni.]]
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* Linda Walkerton in ''[[http://www.itswalky.com It's Walky!]]'' [[spoiler: who switched one of her twin children, Sal, at birth in an attempt to mislead Head Alien.]]

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* Linda Walkerton in ''[[http://www.itswalky.com ''[[Webcomic/RoomiesItsWalkyJoyceAndWalky It's Walky!]]'' [[spoiler: who switched one of her twin children, Sal, at birth in an attempt to mislead Head Alien.]]
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%%* Sumire's father in the [[Anime/SakuraWarsTV TV series version]] of ''VideoGame/SakuraWars''.

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%%* Sumire's father in the [[Anime/SakuraWarsTV TV series version]] of ''VideoGame/SakuraWars''.''Anime/SakuraWars2000''.
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* [[ComicBook/Batgirl2000 Batgirl]] was taken from her parents as a child by an assassin, who trained her to be the ultimate killer. As the series progresses, she learns that [[spoiler: she wasn't taken at all. The assassin who raised her is her real father.]] In addition, the final arc of the series has her trying to discover the identity of her mother, and learning that [[spoiler: she's her longtime ArchEnemy Lady Shiva.]]

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* [[ComicBook/Batgirl2000 Batgirl]] ComicBook/{{Batgirl|2000}} was taken from her parents as a child by an assassin, who trained her to be the ultimate killer. As the series progresses, she learns that [[spoiler: she wasn't taken at all. The assassin who raised her is her real father.]] In addition, the final arc of the series has her trying to discover the identity of her mother, and learning that [[spoiler: she's her longtime ArchEnemy Lady Shiva.]]



* ''Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy'' ended with Star-Lord learning that he is a HalfHumanHybrid, and that his father is a member of a mysterious ancient species. [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol2 The following film]] revealed that the father is the Celestial, Ego the Living Planet.

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* ''Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy'' ''Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy2014'' ended with Star-Lord learning that he is a HalfHumanHybrid, and that his father is a member of a mysterious ancient species. [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol2 The following film]] revealed that the father is the Celestial, Ego the Living Planet.



[[folder:Web Comics]]

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[[folder:Web Comics]][[folder:Webcomics]]
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%%* [[spoiler:The Evil Queen]] of ''Series/TheTenthKingdom.''

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%%* [[spoiler:The Evil Queen]] of ''Series/TheTenthKingdom.''Series/The10thKingdom.''
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** In the [[Anime/FullmetalAlchemist 2003 anime version]] this is changed; Hohenheim "''Elric''" [[spoiler:is the former husband of the BigBad Dante, and helped create several of the Homunculi. He left so that his decaying body would not be noticed.]]

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** * In ''Anime/FullmetalAlchemist2003'' the [[Anime/FullmetalAlchemist 2003 anime version]] this details of the Elric brothers' father's disappearance is changed; Hohenheim "''Elric''" [[spoiler:is the former husband of the BigBad Dante, and helped create several of the Homunculi. He left so that his decaying body would not be noticed.]]

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[[folder:Films]]

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[[folder:Films]][[folder:Films -- Animation]]
* ''WesternAnimation/{{Coco}}'': It's common in animated movies for one or both parents to be absent from the protagonist's life without explanation, and the consequences are usually vague. In this story, however, a missing parent is a crucial plot point, has ''huge'' consequences on the family left behind, and his death is explored and the family comes to terms with it.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]
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Examples need context


* [[spoiler: Nube's father Jikuu]] in ''Manga/HellTeacherNube''. We only find out about him in the manga; he doesn't appear in the anime.

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* %%* [[spoiler: Nube's father Jikuu]] in ''Manga/HellTeacherNube''. We only find out about him in the manga; he doesn't appear in the anime.



* Franz Hopper in ''WesternAnimation/CodeLyoko''.

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* In ''WesternAnimation/CodeLyoko'', [[spoiler:Aelita]] discovers she's the biological daughter of Franz Hopper in ''WesternAnimation/CodeLyoko''.Hopper, the scientist who created [[{{Cyberspace}} Lyoko]] and [[AIIsACrapshoot X.A.N.A.]]



* [[spoiler:Morgana]], Roxy's mother, in ''WesternAnimation/WinxClub''. Also Bloom’s biological parents Oritel and Marion.

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* %%* [[spoiler:Morgana]], Roxy's mother, in ''WesternAnimation/WinxClub''. Also Bloom’s biological parents Oritel and Marion.

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Placing examples in alphabetical order


* Haru's father, Gale Glory, from ''Manga/RaveMaster'', due to the fact that [[spoiler:he helped found Demon Card and when he tried to stop them, he had a Dark Bring shoved in his forehead that would mature into a powerful explosive.]]
* Kanon's dad in ''Manga/KanonChihoSaito''.
* Mikoto's constant references to her brother in ''Anime/MyHime''. [[spoiler: He turns out to be much, ''much'' nearer than she thinks...]]
* Nadia's long-lost (and presumed dead) father in ''Anime/NadiaTheSecretOfBlueWater''.
* Sumire's father in the [[Anime/SakuraWarsTV TV series version]] of ''VideoGame/SakuraWars''.
* Ahryung's mother in ''Manhwa/GwisinByeolgok'', a powerful shaman who for some reason sold her child's soul and body to Nachal.

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* Haru's father, Gale Glory, [[spoiler:Suzuhara Shuuko]] in ''Manga/AngelicLayer'' is [[spoiler:Misaki]]'s long-gone mother, "busy with work" and defending her title as Angelic Layer champion. This is a spoiler for the manga, but is revealed early in the anime.
* ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'':
** Historia Reiss's father is a nobleman that had an affair with a servant. [[spoiler: Rod Reiss is actually the ''true'' King of the Walls, ruling
from ''Manga/RaveMaster'', due the shadows. After his death, Historia reveals herself to the fact public and is crowned Queen]].
** Eren's father Grisha vanished after the fall of Shinganshina. [[spoiler:It is revealed
that [[spoiler:he helped found Demon Card Grisha was the Attack Titan, who massacred the Reiss Family and when he tried stole the Founding Titan. He then titanized Eren and fed himself to stop them, he had a Dark Bring shoved in his forehead son to transfer the Attack and Founding Titans to him. It is further revealed that would mature into Grisha was originally from [[TechnologicallyAdvancedFoe Marley]], a powerful explosive.nation outside the Walls.]]
* Kanon's dad Masaru's DisappearedDad in ''Manga/KanonChihoSaito''.
* Mikoto's constant references
''Anime/DigimonDataSquad'', Daimon Suguru, is second only to her brother [[ScaryShinyGlasses Hitlermo -- er, Kurata]] on the list of "Characters Most Instrumental in ''Anime/MyHime''. [[spoiler: He turns out Driving the Plot." Li Jiang-Yu from ''Anime/DigimonTamers'' may count -- very important to be much, ''much'' nearer than she thinks...]]
the backstory and, eventually, the plot, but not very mysterious and definitely not missing.
* Nadia's long-lost (and presumed dead) Renton's father in ''Anime/NadiaTheSecretOfBlueWater''.
* Sumire's father
''Anime/EurekaSeven'' is revealed to be more and more involved in the [[Anime/SakuraWarsTV TV series version]] of ''VideoGame/SakuraWars''.
* Ahryung's mother in ''Manhwa/GwisinByeolgok'', a powerful shaman who for some reason sold her child's soul and body to Nachal.
main plot as the story moves on.



* Renton's father in ''Anime/EurekaSeven'' is revealed to be more and more involved in the main plot as the story moves on.
** Ironically, Ao's parents, [[spoiler:Renton and Eureka]] In the sequel ''Anime/EurekaSevenAO''.
* Shun's father from ''VideoGame/GateKeepers''.
* Nagi Springfield, father of Negi Springfield of ''Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi''.
** Also Negi's mother [[spoiler:Arika]]. {{Justified|Trope}} in that she was unjustly accused of a crime, and they didn't want Negi going off half-cocked to defend her reputation, so they didn't tell him about her at all.
** Konoka's mother is said to be a super skilled MagicKnight, but she is never seen. It's believed that Mrs. Konoe is WalkingTheEarth to hone her skills.
* [[spoiler:Suzuhara Shuuko]] in ''Manga/AngelicLayer'' [[spoiler:is Misaki's long-gone mother, "busy with work" and defending her title as Angelic Layer champion.]] This is a spoiler for the manga, but is revealed early in the anime.
* Rumors flew during the first half of the ''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'' series' run that Ash's father was really Team Rocket's leader, Giovanni. This was discredited by canon in the [[VideoGameRemake updated remakes]] of the original games. A scientist at the end of the Rocket Warehouse mistook the main character (including the new female variation) for Giovanni's child, but then corrected himself, stating that said child has red hair. This seems to match the description of the rival from Gold, Silver, and Crystal.
** [[spoiler: Their remakes confirm this. A flashback sequence shows the second generation rival (Silver) talking to his dad, Giovanni.]]
* Masaru's DisappearedDad in ''Anime/DigimonDataSquad'', Daimon Suguru, is second only to [[ScaryShinyGlasses Hitlermo -- er, Kurata]] on the list of "Characters Most Instrumental in Driving the Plot." Li Jiang-Yu from ''Anime/DigimonTamers'' may count -- very important to the backstory and, eventually, the plot, but not very mysterious and definitely not missing.

to:

* Renton's father in ''Anime/EurekaSeven'' is revealed to be more and more involved in the main plot as the story moves on.
** Ironically, Ao's parents, [[spoiler:Renton and Eureka]] In the sequel ''Anime/EurekaSevenAO''.
*
%%* Shun's father from ''VideoGame/GateKeepers''.
* Nagi Springfield, Ahryung's mother in ''Manhwa/GwisinByeolgok'', a powerful shaman who for some reason sold her child's soul and body to Nachal.
* [[spoiler: Nube's
father of Negi Springfield of ''Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi''.
** Also Negi's mother [[spoiler:Arika]]. {{Justified|Trope}}
Jikuu]] in that she was unjustly accused of a crime, and they didn't want Negi going off half-cocked to defend her reputation, so they didn't tell him ''Manga/HellTeacherNube''. We only find out about her at all.
** Konoka's mother is said to be a super skilled MagicKnight, but she is never seen. It's believed that Mrs. Konoe is WalkingTheEarth to hone her skills.
* [[spoiler:Suzuhara Shuuko]]
him in ''Manga/AngelicLayer'' [[spoiler:is Misaki's long-gone mother, "busy with work" and defending her title as Angelic Layer champion.]] This is a spoiler for the manga, but is revealed early manga; he doesn't appear in the anime.
* Rumors flew during the first half of the ''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'' series' run that Ash's father was really Team Rocket's leader, Giovanni. This was discredited by canon %%* Kanon's dad in the [[VideoGameRemake updated remakes]] of the original games. A scientist at the end of the Rocket Warehouse mistook the main character (including the new female variation) for Giovanni's child, but then corrected himself, stating that said child has red hair. This seems to match the description of the rival from Gold, Silver, and Crystal.
** [[spoiler: Their remakes confirm this. A flashback sequence shows the second generation rival (Silver) talking to his dad, Giovanni.]]
* Masaru's DisappearedDad in ''Anime/DigimonDataSquad'', Daimon Suguru, is second only to [[ScaryShinyGlasses Hitlermo -- er, Kurata]] on the list of "Characters Most Instrumental in Driving the Plot." Li Jiang-Yu from ''Anime/DigimonTamers'' may count -- very important to the backstory and, eventually, the plot, but not very mysterious and definitely not missing.
''Manga/KanonChihoSaito''.



* Ken "The Eagle" Washio's DisappearedDad in ''Anime/ScienceNinjaTeamGatchaman'', [[spoiler:also known as [[SixthRanger Red Impulse]]]].
* In ''Franchise/OnePiece'', the main character Monkey D. Luffy's father is [[spoiler:Dragon the Revolutionary, the most wanted criminal in the world and the only one actively trying to bring down the [[TheGovernment World Government]].]]

to:

* Ken "The Eagle" Washio's DisappearedDad Mikoto's constant references to her brother in ''Anime/ScienceNinjaTeamGatchaman'', [[spoiler:also known as [[SixthRanger Red Impulse]]]].
''Anime/MyHime''. [[spoiler: He turns out to be much, ''much'' nearer than she thinks...]]
%%* Nadia's long-lost (and presumed dead) father in ''Anime/NadiaTheSecretOfBlueWater''.
* In ''Franchise/OnePiece'', ''Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi'', Negi is looking for his father, the famous wizard Nagi who disappeared when Negi was a baby. However, Negi never bothered to ask anything about his mother until he finds out [[spoiler:she was the last queen of the oldest royal family of the Magic World. She was unjustly accused of a crime, and those in the know didn't want Negi going off half-cocked to defend her reputation, so they didn't tell him about her at all. Negi's connection to his mother becomes even more relevant due it making him the descendant of a PhysicalGod.]]
* ''Franchise/OnePiece'':
** The
main character Monkey D. Luffy's father is [[spoiler:Dragon the Revolutionary, the most wanted criminal in the world and the only one actively trying to bring down the [[TheGovernment World Government]].]]



* Maka's mother in ''Manga/SoulEater'' is quite possibly being setup as something like this. Reportedly very skilled as a meister, former partner (and ex-wife) of the current Death Scythe, yet she has not turned up in any capacity - or had any significant references made - in the manga while Shibusen was dealing with Asura. The anime's Gecko Ending had her send Maka encouraging postcards from her trips around the world...rather than doing anything practical for her daughter or colleagues who were trying to prevent the end of the world. Maka idolises her mother, and from ''her'' comments about the woman she is clearly trying to emulate her as a successful, strong scythe meister.
* [[spoiler: Nube's father Jikuu]] in ''Manga/HellTeacherNube''. We only find out about him in the manga; he doesn't appear in the anime.

to:

* Maka's mother in ''Manga/SoulEater'' is quite possibly being setup as something like this. Reportedly very skilled as a meister, former partner (and ex-wife) Rumors flew during the first half of the current Death Scythe, yet she has not turned up in any capacity - or had any significant references made - ''Anime/{{Pokemon}}'' series' run that Ash's father was really Team Rocket's leader, Giovanni. This was discredited by canon in the manga while Shibusen was dealing with Asura. The anime's Gecko Ending had her send Maka encouraging postcards from her trips around [[VideoGameRemake updated remakes]] of the world...rather than doing anything practical for her daughter or colleagues who were trying to prevent original games. A scientist at the end of the world. Maka idolises her mother, and Rocket Warehouse mistook the main character (including the new female variation) for Giovanni's child, but then corrected himself, stating that said child has red hair. This seems to match the description of the rival from ''her'' comments about the woman she is clearly trying to emulate her as a successful, strong scythe meister.
*
Gold, Silver, and Crystal.
**
[[spoiler: Nube's Their remakes confirm this. A flashback sequence shows the second generation rival (Silver) talking to his dad, Giovanni.]]
* Haru's father, Gale Glory, from ''Manga/RaveMaster''. [[spoiler:He helped found Demon Card and when he tried to stop them, he had a Dark Bring shoved in his forehead that would mature into a powerful explosive. Obviously, he couldn't go back to his children for their own safety.]]
%%* Sumire's
father Jikuu]] in ''Manga/HellTeacherNube''. We only find out about him in the manga; he doesn't appear [[Anime/SakuraWarsTV TV series version]] of ''VideoGame/SakuraWars''.
* Ken "The Eagle" Washio's DisappearedDad
in the anime.''Anime/ScienceNinjaTeamGatchaman'', [[spoiler:also known as [[SixthRanger Red Impulse]]]].



* ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'':
** Historia Reiss's father is a nobleman that had an affair with a servant. [[spoiler: Rod Reiss is actually the ''true'' King of the Walls, ruling from the shadows. After his death, Historia reveals herself to the public and is crowned Queen]].
** Eren's father Grisha vanished after the fall of Shinganshina. [[spoiler:It is revealed that Grisha was the Attack Titan, who massacred the Reiss Family and stole the Founding Titan. He then titanized Eren and fed himself to his son to transfer the Attack and Founding Titans to him. It is further revealed that Grisha was originally from [[TechnologicallyAdvancedFoe Marley]], a nation outside the Walls.]]



* [[ComicBook/Batgirl2000 Batgirl]] was taken from her parents as a child by an assassin, who trained her to be the ultimate killer. As the series progresses, she learns that [[spoiler: she wasn't taken at all. The assassin who raised her is her real father.]] In addition, the final arc of the series has her trying to discover the identity of her mother, and learning that [[spoiler: she's her longtime ArchEnemy Lady Shiva.]]
* ''ComicBook/{{Shutter}}'': Kate's father Chris is a mystery, with his many deals and war orphans.



* [[ComicBook/Batgirl2000 Batgirl]] was taken from her parents as a child by an assassin, who trained her to be the ultimate killer. As the series progresses, she learns that [[spoiler: she wasn't taken at all. The assassin who raised her is her real father.]] In addition, the final arc of the series has her trying to discover the identity of her mother, and learning that [[spoiler: she's her longtime ArchEnemy Lady Shiva.]]
* ''ComicBook/{{Shutter}}'': Kate's father Chris is a mystery, with his many deals and war orphans.



* For much of ''Fanfic/TheOutside'', Ragyo was this, as her absence conflicted the plot, with Soichiro being dead, Satsuki being deemed an unfit guardian, and no one really knowing what too much about or what happened to her, much less her reasons for leaving. To add to this, she left when Ryuuko was about two, thus, the latter wouldn't remember too much of her at all.



* For much of ''Fanfic/TheOutside'', Ragyo was this, as her absence conflicted the plot, with Soichiro being dead, Satsuki being deemed an unfit guardian, and no one really knowing what too much about or what happened to her, much less her reasons for leaving. To add to this, she left when Ryuuko was about two, thus, the latter wouldn't remember too much of her at all.



* [[Franchise/StarWars Darth Vader]], most famously.

to:

* [[Franchise/StarWars Darth Vader]], most famously.''Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy'' ended with Star-Lord learning that he is a HalfHumanHybrid, and that his father is a member of a mysterious ancient species. [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol2 The following film]] revealed that the father is the Celestial, Ego the Living Planet.



%%* ''Franchise/StarWars'': Darth Vader, most famously.



* ''Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxy'' ended with Star-Lord learning that he is a HalfHumanHybrid, and that his father is a member of a mysterious ancient species. [[Film/GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol2 The following film]] revealed that the father is the Celestial, Ego the Living Planet.



* In the ''Literature/HisDarkMaterials'' trilogy, [[spoiler:Lord Asriel and Mrs. Coulter are revealed to be Lyra's parents.]]

to:

* %%* In the ''Literature/HisDarkMaterials'' trilogy, [[spoiler:Lord Asriel and Mrs. Coulter are revealed to be Lyra's parents.]]



* Pansy Osmond from ''Literature/ThePortraitOfALady'' turns out to be [[spoiler: the product of an affair between her father and Serena Merle.]]



* [[spoiler:The Evil Queen]] of ''Series/TheTenthKingdom.''
* Claire Bennet from ''Series/{{Heroes}}''. [[spoiler:Her birth father is Nathan Petrelli.]]
** In the very first episode, Clara's father is perpetually on his way home from a business trip. TheReveal comes that this is the same man that has been menacing Mohinder Suresh throughout the episode and he plays himself to be a typical dad when he comes home. Not as much as a spoiler, but considering how ''Heroes'' loves the end-of-episode reveals, it's one of the first big reveals of the series.
* ''Series/{{Alias}}'' did this most famously with the season one finale, "Almost Thirty Years", in which "The Man" walks into the room where Sydney Bristow has been tortured. Sydney raises her head weakly and says [[spoiler: "MOM?!"]]
* Arguably, the Mother in ''Series/HowIMetYourMother'' counts as one, despite only being a mother in flash-forwards. Throughout the series, she appears often, though her face is always hidden by her signature yellow umbrella until the Season 8 finale, where her face is finally shown and she speaks for the first time in the series.



* Claire on ''Series/{{Lost}}'': a throwaway line about her "daddy abandonment crap" in Season 1 is explained in Season 3 when her father turns out to be Christian Shephard, Jack's dad.
* Narrowly averted on ''Series/{{Battlestar Galactica|2003}}'' when it was widely presumed that [[spoiler:the missing Number 7 Cylon, Daniel, was Kara Thrace's missing father until WordOfGod denied it.]]



* [[Series/{{Supernatural}} John Winchester]] probably counts. Until the end of Season One, he was busy investigating the secrets of Sam's identity as an evil ChosenOne, and he was basically hiding all of these secrets, as well as his whereabouts, from Sam and Dean (who were thus searching for their father without knowing why he was missing.

to:

%%* [[spoiler:The Evil Queen]] of ''Series/TheTenthKingdom.''
* [[Series/{{Supernatural}} ''Series/{{Alias}}'' did this most famously with the season one finale, "Almost Thirty Years", in which "The Man" walks into the room where Sydney Bristow has been tortured. Sydney raises her head weakly and says [[spoiler: "MOM?!"]]
* Narrowly averted on ''Series/{{Battlestar Galactica|2003}}'' when it was widely presumed that [[spoiler:the missing Number 7 Cylon, Daniel, was Kara Thrace's missing father until WordOfGod denied it.]]
* Claire Bennet from ''Series/{{Heroes}}''. [[spoiler:Her birth father is Nathan Petrelli.]]
** In the very first episode, Clara's father is perpetually on his way home from a business trip. TheReveal comes that this is the same man that has been menacing Mohinder Suresh throughout the episode and he plays himself to be a typical dad when he comes home. Not as much as a spoiler, but considering how ''Heroes'' loves the end-of-episode reveals, it's one of the first big reveals of the series.
* Arguably, the Mother in ''Series/HowIMetYourMother'' counts as one, despite only being a mother in flash-forwards. Throughout the series, she appears often, though her face is always hidden by her signature yellow umbrella until the Season 8 finale, where her face is finally shown and she speaks for the first time in the series.
* Claire on ''Series/{{Lost}}'': a throwaway line about her "daddy abandonment crap" in Season 1 is explained in Season 3 when her father turns out to be Christian Shephard, Jack's dad.
* ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'':
John Winchester]] Winchester probably counts. Until the end of Season One, he was busy investigating the secrets of Sam's identity as an evil ChosenOne, and he was basically hiding all of these secrets, as well as his whereabouts, from Sam and Dean (who were thus searching for their father without knowing why he was missing.



* Both of Ashley's parents take this role in the ''VideoGame/AnotherCode'' games. Her dad is this for the first game while her mom takes the second.



%%* ''VideoGame/DragonQuestV'': TheHero's mother.
* ''VideoGame/HiddenCity'' has a mysterious ''grand''parent in Clarissa Storke, grandmother of Rayden Storke who had disappeared in the fog years ago. Rayden remembers her as nothing but a sweet and kindly old woman, until a stranger shows up in her house and claims that she's actually a very powerful sorceress.



* [[spoiler: Kratos]] of ''VideoGame/TalesOfSymphonia.''
* ''VideoGame/DragonQuestV'': TheHero's mother.
* Both of Ashley's parents take this role in the ''VideoGame/AnotherCode'' games. Her dad is this for the first game while her mom takes the second.
* ''VideoGame/HiddenCity'' has a mysterious ''grand''parent in Clarissa Storke, grandmother of Rayden Storke who had disappeared in the fog years ago. Rayden remembers her as nothing but a sweet and kindly old woman, until a stranger shows up in her house and claims that she's actually a very powerful sorceress.

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* %%* [[spoiler: Kratos]] of ''VideoGame/TalesOfSymphonia.''
* ''VideoGame/DragonQuestV'': TheHero's mother.
* Both of Ashley's parents take this role in the ''VideoGame/AnotherCode'' games. Her dad is this for the first game while her mom takes the second.
* ''VideoGame/HiddenCity'' has a mysterious ''grand''parent in Clarissa Storke, grandmother of Rayden Storke who had disappeared in the fog years ago. Rayden remembers her as nothing but a sweet and kindly old woman, until a stranger shows up in her house and claims that she's actually a very powerful sorceress.
''



* In ''Webcomic/{{Drowtales}}'' [[spoiler:Mel'arnach turns out to be the "father" of Kalki, with Snadhya'rune as the mother.]] Made possible with the Jaal'darya clan's OrganicTechnology / BioAugmentation.



* Linda Walkerton in ''[[http://www.itswalky.com It's Walky!]]'' [[spoiler: who switched one of her twin children, Sal, at birth in an attempt to mislead Head Alien.]]



* In ''Webcomic/{{Drowtales}}'' [[spoiler:Mel'arnach turns out to be the "father" of Kalki, with Snadhya'rune as the mother.]] Made possible with the Jaal'darya clan's OrganicTechnology / BioAugmentation.
* Played for laughs in ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick'' [[http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0723.html here.]]
* In ''[[http://thewretchedoneswebcomic.com The Wretched Ones]]'', Charlie and Kazuko's father disappeared right before Kazuko was born. His fate is unknown.

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* In ''Webcomic/{{Drowtales}}'' [[spoiler:Mel'arnach turns out Linda Walkerton in ''[[http://www.itswalky.com It's Walky!]]'' [[spoiler: who switched one of her twin children, Sal, at birth in an attempt to be the "father" of Kalki, with Snadhya'rune as the mother.]] Made possible with the Jaal'darya clan's OrganicTechnology / BioAugmentation.
*
mislead Head Alien.]]
%%*
Played for laughs in ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick'' [[http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0723.html here.]]
* In ''[[http://thewretchedoneswebcomic.com The Wretched Ones]]'', Charlie and Kazuko's father disappeared right before Kazuko was born. His fate is unknown.



* [[spoiler:Morgana]], Roxy's mother, in ''WesternAnimation/WinxClub''. Also Bloom’s biological parents Oritel and Marion.


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* [[spoiler:Morgana]], Roxy's mother, in ''WesternAnimation/WinxClub''. Also Bloom’s biological parents Oritel and Marion.
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Up To Eleven is a defunct trope


* ''Fanfic/PokemonResetBloodlines'' takes Ash's father and his status of this in canon UpToEleven. Not only does Ash realize the memories of him have become so hazy he can't even remember anything about him, but [[spoiler: Ash also encounters a number of characters who look like him, culminating in one of these people calling Ash her brother.]] Outside of that, plot occurring outside of Ash's awareness builds the mystery up more and more.

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* ''Fanfic/PokemonResetBloodlines'' takes Ash's father and his status of this in canon UpToEleven. ''Fanfic/PokemonResetBloodlines'': Not only does Ash realize the memories of him his father have become so hazy he can't even remember anything about him, but [[spoiler: Ash also encounters a number of characters who look like him, culminating in one of these people calling Ash her brother.]] Outside of that, plot occurring outside of Ash's awareness builds the mystery up more and more.
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* Kanon's dad in ''Manga/{{Kanon|ByChihoSaito}}''.

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* Kanon's dad in ''Manga/{{Kanon|ByChihoSaito}}''.''Manga/KanonChihoSaito''.
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Dewicking disambig


* ''Series/{{Alias}}'' did this most famously with the season one finale, "Almost Thirty Years", in which TheMan walks into the room where Sydney Bristow has been tortured. Sydney raises her head weakly and says [[spoiler: "MOM?!"]]

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* ''Series/{{Alias}}'' did this most famously with the season one finale, "Almost Thirty Years", in which TheMan "The Man" walks into the room where Sydney Bristow has been tortured. Sydney raises her head weakly and says [[spoiler: "MOM?!"]]
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* In ''VisualNovel/DaughterForDessert'', Amanda, thanks to the protagonist's selective truth-telling, knows very little about Lainie. However, when her sister, Cecilia, shows up at the diner, she proves very consequential.
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* Masaru's DisappearedDad in ''Anime/DigimonSavers'', Daimon Suguru, is second only to [[ScaryShinyGlasses Hitlermo -- er, Kurata]] on the list of "Characters Most Instrumental in Driving the Plot." Li Jiang-Yu from ''Anime/DigimonTamers'' may count -- very important to the backstory and, eventually, the plot, but not very mysterious and definitely not missing.

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* Masaru's DisappearedDad in ''Anime/DigimonSavers'', ''Anime/DigimonDataSquad'', Daimon Suguru, is second only to [[ScaryShinyGlasses Hitlermo -- er, Kurata]] on the list of "Characters Most Instrumental in Driving the Plot." Li Jiang-Yu from ''Anime/DigimonTamers'' may count -- very important to the backstory and, eventually, the plot, but not very mysterious and definitely not missing.

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* ''VideoGame/HiddenCity'' has a mysterious ''grand''parent in Clarissa Storke, grandmother of Rayden Storke who had disappeared in the fog years ago. Rayden remembers her as nothing but a sweet and kindly old woman, until a stranger shows up in her house and claims that she's actually a very powerful sorceress.



* ''VisualNovel/AceAttorney'''s Kay Faraday [[spoiler: took up the thief's lifestyle after finding out that her dead father was the original Yatagarasu. She doesn't find out the [[CollectiveIdentity major twist]] until later.]]

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* ''VisualNovel/AceAttorney'''s [[RhymingNames Kay Faraday Faraday]] [[spoiler: took up the thief's lifestyle after finding out that her dead father was the original Yatagarasu. She doesn't find out the [[CollectiveIdentity major twist]] until later.]]
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* [[spoiler:Suzuhara Shuuko]] in ''Anime/AngelicLayer'' [[spoiler:is Misaki's long-gone mother, "busy with work" and defending her title as Angelic Layer champion.]] This is a spoiler for the manga, but is revealed early in the anime.

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* [[spoiler:Suzuhara Shuuko]] in ''Anime/AngelicLayer'' ''Manga/AngelicLayer'' [[spoiler:is Misaki's long-gone mother, "busy with work" and defending her title as Angelic Layer champion.]] This is a spoiler for the manga, but is revealed early in the anime.
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* Mikoto's constant references to her brother in ''Anime/MaiHime''. [[spoiler: He turns out to be much, ''much'' nearer than she thinks...]]

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* Mikoto's constant references to her brother in ''Anime/MaiHime''.''Anime/MyHime''. [[spoiler: He turns out to be much, ''much'' nearer than she thinks...]]



* Nagi Springfield, father of Negi Springfield of ''Manga/MahouSenseiNegima''.

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* Nagi Springfield, father of Negi Springfield of ''Manga/MahouSenseiNegima''.''Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi''.



* [[spoiler:Suzuhara Shuuko]] in ''Anime/KidouTenshiAngelicLayer'' [[spoiler:is Misaki's long-gone mother, "busy with work" and defending her title as Angelic Layer champion.]] This is a spoiler for the manga, but is revealed early in the anime.

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* [[spoiler:Suzuhara Shuuko]] in ''Anime/KidouTenshiAngelicLayer'' ''Anime/AngelicLayer'' [[spoiler:is Misaki's long-gone mother, "busy with work" and defending her title as Angelic Layer champion.]] This is a spoiler for the manga, but is revealed early in the anime.



* In ''Manga/KenichiTheMightiestDisciple'', [[spoiler: Miu]]'s father is[[spoiler: the leader of the organization of [[EvilMentor Evil Mentors]] YAMI]] and possible BigBad of the series. He is also directly responsible for [[spoiler: Miu]]'s MissingMom.

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* In ''Manga/KenichiTheMightiestDisciple'', [[spoiler: Miu]]'s father is[[spoiler: is [[spoiler: the leader of the organization of [[EvilMentor Evil Mentors]] {{Evil Mentor}}s YAMI]] and possible BigBad of the series. He is also directly responsible for [[spoiler: Miu]]'s MissingMom.
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* In ''Film/{{Thor}}'' [[spoiler: Laufey turns out to be Loki's father]]. A variation since the latter didn't even know about his ParentalAbandonment.

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* In ''Film/{{Thor}}'' ''Film/{{Thor}}'', [[spoiler: Laufey turns out to be Loki's father]]. A variation since the latter didn't even know about his ParentalAbandonment.
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* Ahryung's mother in ''GwisinByeolgok'', a powerful shaman who for some reason sold her child's soul and body to Nachal.

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* Ahryung's mother in ''GwisinByeolgok'', ''Manhwa/GwisinByeolgok'', a powerful shaman who for some reason sold her child's soul and body to Nachal.



* [[spoiler: Nube's father Jikuu]] in Manga/HellTeacherNube. We only find out about him in the manga; he doesn't appear in the anime.

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* [[spoiler: Nube's father Jikuu]] in Manga/HellTeacherNube.''Manga/HellTeacherNube''. We only find out about him in the manga; he doesn't appear in the anime.

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