History WellDoneSonGuy / Literature

* Orrec in ''Literature/AnnalsOfTheWesternShore'' is eager to please his father as a young child, but grows more restive as he gets older and the Caspro gift continually fails to manifest -- which is bad news since you need the gift to be a brantor. He grows increasingly desperate until he's struck with PowerIncontinence.
* {{Exaggerated|Trope}} with the title character Adeline from ''Literature/ChineseCinderella''. She constantly tries to get approval from everyone in the household. Feeling honored to play with her siblings, anyone?

%%* The title character of the Donald Barthelme novel ''Literature/TheDeadFather'' is this in spades.

* In ''Literature/EastOfEden'', Cyrus Trask is this to his son Charles, who's TheUnfavorite. Thanks to GenerationXerox, his brother Adam becomes this to his own eldest son, Cal.

** Also, to some extent, Ron Weasley. He's always been [[OvershadowedByAwesome overshadowed by his brothers]] and simply wants to be set apart, and earn the recognition of his parents. However, the Weasley family is an extremely loving one, so while he doesn't necessarily feel "special" in their eyes, he does know that he's loved.
** Also Draco Malfoy, although more so in the films than in the books. Draco obviously worships his father and is constantly trying to live up to his considerable reputation.

* Will in ''Literature/HisDarkMaterials'' grew up never knowing his father, and states outright in ''The Subtle Knife'' that he wants to find his father so that he can hear the words "Well done, son." When they finally do meet, [[spoiler: his father is killed within seconds of Will realizing it's him.]] However, [[spoiler: Will finally gets his wish in the third book when he meets his father in ghost-form.]]
** Lyra starts off the series looking up to her uncle [[spoiler:(who is revealed to be her father)]] Lord Asriel and initially wants his approval. She is extremely annoyed when he doesn't thank her after she saves his life by warning him about the poisoned wine and bringing him the alethiometer. Things go straight to hell shortly after the latter event, though, and any desire she has for his approval [[spoiler:evaporates at that point]].
* Variation: In Creator/OrsonScottCard's ''Literature/HomecomingSaga'', protagonist Nafai longs for the love and approval of his eldest brother, Elemak. He ''knows'' this isn't very rational, as Elemak is an openly bullying JerkAss who sees Nafai as a useless mama's boy responsible for ruining his life and would happily crush his head with a rock.

* The relationship dynamic between Chris and his father in ''Literature/ThePaleKing''. Chris is fully aware of how disappointed his father is in him, but is usually too stoned or selfish to care. It's not until [[spoiler: his father dies]] that Chris feels guilty enough to change his life.
** This is made depressingly clear when the father comes home early to find Chris and his buddies in his living room, high out of their minds, surrounded by discarded Taco Bell wrappers, and their feet resting lazily on one of his prized pieces of furniture. The father doesn't yell; he simply says, ''Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!'', walks into his bedroom, and shuts the door.
* Plenty of the demigods in ''Literature/PercyJacksonAndTheOlympians'' long for their godparent to acknowledge them. Especially Percy. Grover even says it when he tried to deny it.
-->''You're glad that your dad is alive. You feel good that he's claimed you and part of you wants to make him proud. That's why you mailed Medusa's head to Olympus. You want him to notice what you'd done.''
** Luke took this even more seriously. Many children of Hermes tend to feel very ignored, considering they get put with all 'the others', meaning those who aren't claimed. Furthermore, Hermes [[spoiler: accidentally caused Luke's mother's mental deterioration and left the boy to be raised by her.]] Eventually Luke became so bitter that he changed sides and tried to take down the gods. Although eventually, he had a last-minute change of heart and [[RedemptionEqualsDeath sacrificed himself]] it shows just what an effect this trope can have. Percy even makes it a rule that all gods and goddesses must claim their children so that less of this kind of thing will happen. Considering that in this series, Winston Churchill was the son of Poseidon, it means he got a double-dose: both his biological father ''and'' his step-father (see main page).

* In the third ''Literature/{{Spaceforce}}'' book, Damien Howe, grandson of the founder of the Fantasia Corporation, seems to have been seeking his grandfather’s approval in vain all his life (or at least since his mother’s premature death). [[spoiler: In the end, it drives him to bring about the destruction of Fantasia.]]

* In Jeramey Kraatz's ''Literature/TheCloakSociety'', Alex. More toward his mother than his father. [[spoiler:He has to get over it.]]

* The title character of the Donald Barthelme novel ''The Dead Father'' is this in spades.

[[WellDoneSonGuy People seeking parental approval]] in literature.

* The title character Adeline from ''Literature/ChineseCinderella''. She constantly tries to get approval from everyone in the household. Feeling honored to play with her siblings, anyone?

* The title character Adeline from ''Literature/ChineseCinderella'' is this trope cranked UpToEleven. She constantly tries to get approval from everyone in the household. Feeling honored to play with her siblings, anyone?

* In 'the 'Literature/TrickstersDuet'', despite knowing her mother loves her, Aly feels that her mother doesn't understand her and underestimates her abilities. In one of her dreams where she can see what her mother is doing, she realizes that Alanna does understand and trust Aly and knows she has the talents to survive.

* The title character Adeline from ''Chinese Cinderella'' is this trope cranked UpToEleven. She constantly tries to get approval from everyone in the household. Feeling honored to play with her siblings, anyone?

* Jochi in the ''Literature/{{Conqueror}}'' books is constantly trying to gain some small measure of the respect his father, Genghis Khan, [[ParentalFavoritism showers on his younger brothers]]. No matter how successful as a warrior and general Jochi is, he never gets more than a reluctant, grunting acknowledgment that he's done something right.

* ''Literature/KindlingAshes'': Corran's every action is driven by his desire to prove to father that he is his father's son and become a dragonslayer. [[spoiler: His father disowning him drives him over the DespairEventHorizon.]]

** In the ''Literature/LastHeraldMageTrilogy'', Vanyel spends a great deal of his life in trying to [[ChronicHeroSyndrome be heroic enough]] to get his father to accept him as a person, thanks to his "flaw" of being gay.

** Silverblade, Tadrith, and Keenath (from ''[[Literature/HeraldsOfValdemar The Silver Gryphon]]'') are all examples in different ways. Tadrith is frustrated with the default "he's almost as good at X as Skandranon" "compliments" he gets from everyone, and wants his father to see him as an independent gryphon. Keenath loves Skan but knows he has nothing in common with his father. Silverblade is simply convinced that Amberdrake will never be able to accept Blade's chosen life-path.

* The relationship dynamic between Chris and his father in ''Literature/ThePaleKing''. Chris is fully aware of how disappointed his father is of him, but is usually too stoned or selfish to care. It's not until [[spoiler: his father dies]] that Chris feels guilty enough to change his life.
** This is made depressingly clear when the father comes home early to find Chris and his buddies in his living room, high out of their minds, surrounded by discarded Taco Bell wrappers, and their feet resting lazily on one his prized pieces of furniture. The father doesn't yell; he simply says, ''Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!'', walks into his bedroom and shuts the door.

** Luke took this even more seriously. Many children of Hermes tend to feel very ignored, considering they get put with all 'the others', meaning those who aren't claimed. Furthermore, Hermes [[spoiler: accidentally caused Luke's mother's mental deterioration and left the boy to be raised by her.]] Eventually Luke became so bitter that he changed sides and tried to take down the gods. Although eventually, he had a last minute change of heart and [[RedemptionEqualsDeath sacrificed himself]] it shows just what an effect this trope can have. Percy even makes it a rule that all gods and goddesses must claim their children so that less of this kind of thing will happen. Considering that in this series, Winston Churchill was the son of Poseidon, it means he got a double-dose: both his biological father ''and'' his step-father (see main page).

* In ''Literature/{{Relativity}},'' Ravenswood is an alcoholic and a failure for most of his life. When he climbs out of it and becomes a successful coffee-shop owner, his father is still unimpressed. Unfortunately, he can't tell his father anything about his really impressive accomplishments, because he needs to keep his superhero identity secret.

** It seems to drive [[SmugSnake Cersei]] (to a lesser extent) as well, although she flip flops between [[DaddysGirl wanting to make him proud]] and wanting to become so much greater than him that he would only be remembered as her father, [[NeverASelfMadeWoman instead of the other way around.]]

** In a ''very'' twisted sense, Joffrey Baratheon is like this towards Robert Baratheon, irritating his grandfather Tywin Lannister immensely. Tywin had thought Joffrey did not care for Robert and is pissed the little brat shows some pride at being a Baratheon rather than a Lannister. Which is ironic, considering Joffrey is ''all'' Lannister because he and his two siblings are actually the children of his mother Cersei Lannister with [[BrotherSisterIncest her twin brother, Jaime]], not Robert.

** Iseult is always trying to please her mother, and the fact that she can't leave her with a bad case of HeroicSelfDeprecation.

* In Creator/GrahamMcNeill's ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40000 Literature/HorusHeresy'' novel ''Fulgrim'', when Horus tells Fulgrim that the Emperor intends to become a god and dispose of them, Fulgrim speaks of how he has longed for his love and respect.
* In Creator/JohnCWright's ''[[Literature/WarOfTheDreaming Mists of Everness]],'' there are not one but two examples in the same family. [[HandicappedBadass Peter]] regarding his father's AncientTradition; Peter's son [[KidHero Galen]] regarding his [[IJustWantToBeNormal father]].
* In Steve Perry's ''[[Literature/MatadorSeries Black Steel]]'', it's revealed that the brash revolutionary Sleel is the son of the two most famous botanists alive - who are both {{Absent Minded Professor}}s who care only about their work. Sleel's father, in particular, is very dismissive of everything his son has ever achieved since it doesn't involve botany or genetic engineering. Sleel has known all this from childhood, but can't help trying to get their acknowledgment and approval when visiting them during the course of the book.
* In Creator/JamesSwallow's TabletopGame/Warhammer40000 Literature/HorusHeresy novel ''The Flight of the Eisenstein'', the captain of the Eisenstein comments on how the Astartes strive to be independent of the Emperor as if he were their father -- and yet crave his approval.
** Prior to the storyline Captain Nathaniel Garro had craved validation from Mortarion but finds himself moving away from his primarch's ideals at the time the book starts and Solun Decius is desperate to live up to Garro's expectations [[spoiler: despite the cancer from hell (pun intended) infecting his body]]. By extension this trope probably applies to most of the Deathguard, considering that those who sided with Mortarion are known for worshipping ''Father'' Nurgle.

* Jochi in the ''Literature/{{Conqueror}}'' books is constantly trying to gain some small measure of the respect his father, Genghis Khan, [[ParentalFavoritism showers on his younger brothers]]. No matter how successful as a warrior and general Jochi is, he never gets more than a reluctant, grunting acknowledgment that he's done something right.

* In Simon Spurrier's ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40000'' Literature/NightLords novel ''Lord of the Night'', Sahaal remembers how the Night Haunter had been this, and the Emperor had treated him with contempt. Thus justifying, in the Night Haunter's eyes and Sahaal's own, his revolt against the Emperor.
* The title character Adeline from ''Chinese Cinderella'' is this trope cranked UpToEleven. She constantly tries to get approval from everyone in the household. Feeling honored to play with her siblings, anyone?
* Jeb's son Ari becomes this in ''Literature/SchoolsOutForever'', hanging out with the copycat Max to make Jeb mad, and also coming up with a plan to take Max for his own. The plan eventually gets Jeb to notice him, which makes him happy enough to go out and steal a Game Boy. So...
* Plenty of the demigods in ''Literature/PercyJacksonAndTheOlympians'' long for their godparent to acknowledge them. Especially Percy. Grover even says it when he tried to deny it.
-->''You're glad that your dad is alive. You feel good that he's claimed you and part of you wants to make him proud. That's why you mailed Medusa's head to Olympus. You want him to notice what you'd done.''
** Luke took this even more seriously. Many children of Hermes tend to feel very ignored, considering they get put with all 'the others', meaning those who aren't claimed. Furthermore, Hermes [[spoiler: accidentally caused Luke's mother's mental deterioration and left the boy to be raised by her.]] Eventually Luke became so bitter that he changed sides and tried to take down the gods. Although eventually, he had a last minute change of heart and [[RedemptionEqualsDeath sacrificed himself]] it shows just what an effect this trope can have. Percy even makes it a rule that all gods and goddesses must claim their children so that less of this kind of thing will happen. Considering that in this series, Winston Churchill was the son of Poseidon, it means he got a double-dose: both his biological father ''and'' his step-father (see main page).
* In the ''Literature/VorkosiganSaga'', Miles Vorkosigan started out an odd variant of this. It is not so much his father Aral's feelings of contempt or disapproval that he strives against as his feelings of guilt (Aral blames himself for the sequence of events that led to his son's prenatal poisoning and resultant physical disabilities). Miles's grandfather Piotr has enough disapproval for both Aral and Miles to go around. If he didn't Aral and Piotr are such towering giants of Barayaran history Miles nearly kills himself trying to measure up.
* The title character of the Donald Barthelme novel ''The Dead Father'' is this in spades.
* In 'the 'Literature/TrickstersDuet'', despite knowing her mother loves her, Aly feels that her mother doesn't understand her and underestimates her abilities. In one of her dreams where she can see what her mother is doing, she realizes that Alanna does understand and trust Aly and knows she has the talents to survive.
* There's a bit of an inversion in the ''Franchise/StarWarsLegends''. After he dies, Anakin Skywalker becomes a Force ghost. He appears briefly to Luke in ''Film/ReturnOfTheJedi'' but says nothing; a hundred twenty years later, in ''ComicBook/{{Legacy}}'', he speaks to a {{wangst}}y descendent, but in the meantime, he's only been written speaking to one person - [[Literature/TheTruceAtBakura Leia]]. He wants to apologize to her, tell her how proud he is of her, and be forgiven. However, she is furious and ''horrified'' at the sight of him, doesn't want to know that any part of him survived, still considers Bail to be her real father, and doesn't believe that [[KarmaHoudini redemption equaled death at all]]. Even after he fades out she's angry and deeply disturbed; by the end of the book, she hasn't changed her mind but decides that if he wants to be proud of her, fine.
** Later in the EU she doesn't quite forgive him, but she does come to terms with who he was; she names her third child "Anakin" (who, for his part, was not too happy for being saddled with such a name, but it sort of helped keep him from the Dark Side).
* Heather Acosta from the ''Literature/SammyKeyes'' books qualifies. Heather's relationship with her mother and father is a far cry from what Sammy has with her grandmother. Her mom seems to be going through some sort of mid-life crisis and her father admitted that he'd want a restraining order against her. The fact the Casey seems to be their father's favorite has led to some problems (among other things) between the siblings. It's been hinted in the series that this may be the reason why Heather act's out -- to gain attention.
* ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings'': As noted in the Film category, Faramir was TheUnfavorite, though he fared better than his movie counterpart. By the time we see them interact, Faramir is more or less resigned to it and just does his job as best he can. Even so, his father's constant remarks that Boromir was a way better son makes Faramir lose his temper enough to remind Denethor that it was his order which sent Boromir away in the first place. There is also a displaced desire for this with Beregond, who laments that his fellow soldiers don't rank Faramir as Boromir's equal simply because Faramir is more scholarly than his brother was, and to them, that translates as "not as good a warrior" even though it's not true at all.
* Will in ''Literature/HisDarkMaterials'' grew up never knowing his father, and states outright in ''The Subtle Knife'' that he wants to find his father so that he can hear the words "Well done, son." When they finally do meet, [[spoiler: his father is killed within seconds of Will realizing it's him.]] However, [[spoiler: Will finally gets his wish in the third book when he meets his father in ghost-form.]]
** Lyra starts off the series looking up to her uncle [[spoiler:(who is revealed to be her father)]] Lord Asriel and initially wants his approval. She is extremely annoyed when he doesn't thank her after she saves his life by warning him about the poisoned wine and bringing him the alethiometer. Things go straight to hell shortly after the latter event, though, and any desire she has for his approval [[spoiler:evaporates at that point]].
* Michael in the ''Literature/KnightAndRogueSeries'' struggles in the first book to try and stave off his father's disapproval for the life he chose. When his father [[spoiler:has him marked as an unredeemable criminal]] to try and force a 'better' life on him in the second book he claims that he's stopped caring, but in the third book when trying to escape death one of the things that unlocks his 'needs' driven magic is his desire to prove to his father that he can make it.
* The relationship dynamic between Chris and his father in ''Literature/ThePaleKing''. Chris is fully aware of how disappointed his father is of him, but is usually too stoned or selfish to care. It's not until [[spoiler: his father dies]] that Chris feels guilty enough to change his life.
** This is made depressingly clear when the father comes home early to find Chris and his buddies in his living room, high out of their minds, surrounded by discarded Taco Bell wrappers, and their feet resting lazily on one his prized pieces of furniture. The father doesn't yell; he simply says, ''Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!'', walks into his bedroom and shuts the door.
* Will from ''Literature/RangersApprentice'' grew up an orphan; his father-figure is Halt, his mentor. Gaining Halt's approval means more to Will than anything - even just a small smile from Halt means more to Will than any amount of praise his friends and his king laud on him.
* ''Literature/TimeScout'':
** Margo wants to be a time scout to rub it in her dying father's face.
** Skeeter also fits this trope. When he says "My father made me the man I am today." he means it as the absolute truth. He just doesn't know which father. One he hates, the other he loves and fears.
* In ''Literature/EastOfEden'', Cyrus Trask is this to his son Charles, who's TheUnfavorite. Thanks to GenerationXerox, his brother Adam becomes this to his own eldest son, Cal.
* In ''Literature/FlowersForAlgernon'', Charlie senselessly pursues ''both'' his parents after he becomes a genius, hoping that they'll be impressed by his newfound intelligence and finally acknowledge him. He's ashamed of this, but it's deeply embedded in his personality since he always thought that his parents would love him if he became "smart". [[spoiler: In the end, he was unable to reveal his identity to his father, his mother was too senile to appreciate it, and he ended up losing his intelligence anyway. At least his sister was proud of him.]]
* Lt Armstrong from ''Literature/PhulesCompany'' is revealed to have been that. By the start of the series, his father is long dead and it's clear to Armstrong that the approval never was an option, but he's already so set in his by-the-book ways that he has long become a caricature of an officer. [[ReassignedToAntarctica He ends up in The Omega Company]].
%% * In ''Literature/TheMortalInstruments'' Jace spent most of his life being this - until he found out who his father really was. And even then...
%%* David Rain from ''Literature/TheLastDragonChronicles'' around [[ParentalSubstitute Liz]], usually.
* Orrec in ''[[Literature/AnnalsOfTheWesternShore Gifts]]'' is eager to please his father as a young child, but grows more restive as he gets older and the Caspro gift continually fails to manifest--which is bad news since you need the gift to be a brantor. He grows increasingly desperate until he's struck with PowerIncontinence.
* ''Literature/KindlingAshes'': Corran's every action is driven by his desire to prove to father that he is his father's son and become a dragonslayer. [[spoiler: His father disowning him drives him over the DespairEventHorizon.]]
* In the ''Literature/SabinaKane'' series Sabina's main motivation for most of her life has been to earn at least the ''respect'' of her grandmother Lavinia, the ruler of all vampires and her only living family member. [[spoiler:By the end of the first book she's determined that not only does her grandmother not give half a hump whether she lives or dies, but that the Dominae, in general, is not worthy of her respect either.]]
* In Jeramey Kraatz's ''Literature/TheCloakSociety'', Alex. More toward his mother than his father. [[spoiler:He has to get over it.]]
* In ''Literature/{{Relativity}},'' Ravenswood is an alcoholic and a failure for most of his life. When he climbs out of it and becomes a successful coffee-shop owner, his father is still unimpressed. Unfortunately, he can't tell his father anything about his really impressive accomplishments, because he needs to keep his superhero identity secret.
* In ''Literature/TheDinosaurLords'', villainous count Falk is one of the finest warriors of the Empire, yet has something of a masochistic relationship with his mother. He despises her, yet craves her approval; he desperately wants her to appreciate his accomplishments, yet knows it will never happen; he tries anyway.

* In ''Literature/OneOfUsIsLying'' Cooper's father is thrilled that he's a star pitcher and has talent scouts interested. His pride over this doesn't fade even when his son is a murder suspect and accused of using steroids. [[spoiler: When Cooper is outed as gay, however...]]
** Knox, in the sequel. He has five older sisters but no brothers. His father, a self-made businessman with a construction company, sees him as a video game-obsessed wastrel and raves about a young employee, [[spoiler: Nate]], as if he'd rather have him as a son instead. [[spoiler: He warms up after Knox helps catch a killer ''and'' prevents multiple deaths from a bomb.]]
* ''Literature/TheNeverendingStory'': After his wife's death, Bastian's father became emotionally distant and Bastian couldn't figure out how to even get him to care about him anymore.

* David Rain from [[Literature/{{Dragons}} The Last Dragon Chronicles]] around [[ParentalSubstitute Liz]], usually.

* In Creator/GrahamMcNeill's ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}} Literature/HorusHeresy'' novel ''Fulgrim'', when Horus tells Fulgrim that the Emperor intends to become a god and dispose of them, Fulgrim speaks of how he has longed for his love and respect.

* In Creator/JamesSwallow's TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}} Literature/HorusHeresy novel ''The Flight of the Eisenstein'', the captain of the Eisenstein comments on how the Astartes strive to be independent of the Emperor as if he were their father -- and yet crave his approval.

* In Simon Spurrier's ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}}'' Literature/NightLords novel ''Lord of the Night'', Sahaal remembers how the Night Haunter had been this, and the Emperor had treated him with contempt. Thus justifying, in the Night Haunter's eyes and Sahaal's own, his revolt against the Emperor.

* In ''Literature/DaughterOfTheLioness'', despite knowing her mother loves her, Aly feels that her mother doesn't understand her and underestimates her abilities. In one of her dreams where she can see what her mother is doing, she realizes that Alanna does understand and trust Aly and knows she has the talents to survive.
* There's a bit of an inversion in the Franchise/StarWarsExpandedUniverse. After he dies, Anakin Skywalker becomes a Force ghost. He appears briefly to Luke in ''Film/ReturnOfTheJedi'' but says nothing; a hundred twenty years later, in ''ComicBook/{{Legacy}}'', he speaks to a {{wangst}}y descendent, but in the meantime, he's only been written speaking to one person - [[Literature/TheTruceAtBakura Leia]]. He wants to apologize to her, tell her how proud he is of her, and be forgiven. However, she is furious and ''horrified'' at the sight of him, doesn't want to know that any part of him survived, still considers Bail to be her real father, and doesn't believe that [[KarmaHoudini redemption equaled death at all]]. Even after he fades out she's angry and deeply disturbed; by the end of the book, she hasn't changed her mind but decides that if he wants to be proud of her, fine.

* Inverted in one of the two third Literature/RedDwarf novels (it's confusing), ''Last Human''. Arnold Rimmer is understandably dejected when his [[spoiler:long lost son has been sorely disappointed to learn that the heroic feats of his father were a fiction invented by his mother and that the reality is that his father is a sniveling coward. Then, in the end, Rimmer performs an incredibly brave (if a bit reckless) feat; even though he kind of screws up the execution (though it does accomplish the intended end) his son, looking on, is incredibly proud of the act. Seeing his son beaming with pride, Rimmer is finally freed of the neurosis that has plagued his entire existence which ultimately leads to him selflessly volunteering for a HeroicSacrifice]].

** Luke took this even more seriously. Many children of Hermes tend to feel very ignored, considering they get put with all 'the others', meaning those who aren't claimed. Furthermore, Hermes [[spoiler: accidentally caused Luke's mother's mental deterioration and left the boy to be raised by her.]] Eventually Luke became so bitter that he changed sides and tried to take down the gods. Although eventually, he had a last minute change of heart and [[RedemptionEqualsDeath sacrificed himself]] it shows just what an effect this trope can have. Percy even makes it a rule that all gods and goddesses must claim their children so that less of this kind of thing will happen. Considering that in this series, Winston Churchill was the son of Poseidon, it means he got a double-dose: both his biological father ''and'' his step-father.

** Luke took this even more seriously. Many children of Hermes tend to feel very ignored, considering they get put with all 'the others', meaning those who aren't claimed. Furthermore, Hermes [[spoiler: accidentally caused Luke's mother's mental deterioration and left the boy to be raised by her.]] Eventually Luke became so bitter that he changed sides and tried to take down the gods. Although eventually, he had a last minute change of heart and [[RedemptionEqualsDeath sacrificed himself]] it shows just what an effect this trope can have. Percy even makes it a rule that all gods and goddesses must claim their children so that less of this kind of thing will happen. Considering that in this series, Winston Churchill was the son of Poseidon, it means he got a double-dose: both his biological father ''and'' his [[RealLife/WellDoneSonGuy step-father.]]

** Luke took this even more seriously. Many children of Hermes tend to feel very ignored, considering they get put with all 'the others', meaning those who aren't claimed. Furthermore, Hermes [[spoiler: accidentally caused Luke's mother's mental deterioration and left the boy to be raised by her.]] Eventually Luke became so bitter that he changed sides and tried to take down the gods. Although eventually, he had a last minute change of heart and [[RedemptionEqualsDeath sacrificed himself]] it shows just what an effect this trope can have. Percy even makes it a rule that all gods and goddesses must claim their children so that less of this kind of thing will happen. Considering that in this series, Winston Churchill was the son of Poseidon, it means he got a double-dose: both his biological father, ''and'' his step-father, as seen below.