Trauma Without Exploitation: Handling Depression, Addiction, Grief Respectfully
Shane stands on the edge of a cliff. He’s drunk. He’s suicidal. He tells you he doesn’t see a point in living anymore. This is a farming game. And somehow, Stardew Valley handles this moment with more care, respect, and emotional intelligence than most “serious” narratives manage. How do you depict trauma—depression, addiction, grief—without: Exploiting it for shock value Romanticizing suffering Using it as lazy characterization Trivializing recovery Let’s explore how to write pain respectfully. ...