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Johanny OrtegaThe Complexity of Guilt-Ridden Mothers in Stories
Morally Gray Mothers in Fiction
In the world of storytelling, there’s something undeniably captivating about morally gray characters. These are the characters who exist in the messy in-between—neither fully good nor entirely bad. They challenge us, frustrate us, and, most importantly, make us think. As a writer, I find myself drawn to these complex figures. I am especially interested in mothers who are riddled with guilt. Mothers who have feelings of inadequacy. Most of my stories explore complex mother-daughter relationships.
Check out this post on morally gray characters and how to write them.
Why mothers, you ask? Because motherhood, in all its beauty and complexity, is often viewed through an unrealistic lens of perfection. Society tends to place mothers on a pedestal, expecting them to embody selflessness, strength, and unwavering love at all times. But what happens when a mother falters? When she feels like she’s not enough? When guilt becomes her constant companion?
I’ve been hurt by my own mother. She was the adult who held that role in my life. I always wondered why. Then I became a mother and realized that not everything is black and white. There is more nuanced to that. So in my curiosity I have leaned into exploring this conundrum through the safety of fictional stories.
These are the questions I love to explore in my stories.
Take Marisol Espinal’s mother in The Ordinary Bruja as an example. While she doesn’t take center stage in the narrative, her presence—or absence—shapes Marisol’s journey in profound ways. Her mother’s choices, her secrets, and her silence about their ancestral history all originate from imperfection. They stem from a place of guilt. She loved deeply but made mistakes. She carried the weight of her own trauma while trying to shield her daughter from it. Was she right? Was she wrong? The answer isn’t black and white—and that’s the point.
For me, writing these kinds of mothers is not just about creating tension or drama. It’s about reflecting real-life complexities. Many of us have complicated relationships with our mothers or as mothers ourselves. I know I do. We carry guilt, shame, and the nagging feeling that we’re not doing enough. But through these characters, I aim to offer a mirror and, perhaps, a bit of solace.
Morally gray mothers remind us that love can coexist with flaws. That guilt doesn’t erase care. And that being human means making mistakes—sometimes big ones.
In the end, these characters resonate because they feel real. They challenge readers to confront their own biases, to empathize with the imperfect, and to see beauty in the broken.
So, here’s to the morally gray, guilt-ridden, and imperfect mothers. They may not be perfect, but they are powerful. And their stories deserve to be told.
What are your thoughts on morally gray characters? Do you find yourself drawn to their complexities, too? Let’s chat in the comments!
Want to get to know these morally gray characters? Preorder The Ordinary Bruja
The Ordinary Bruja: Book One of Las Cerradoras Series – J.E. Ortega
$4.99 – $23.99When grief pulls Marisol Espinal back to Willowshade, she uncovers a legacy buried in shadows, silence, and ancestral magic. The Ordinary Bruja is a haunting coming-of-age story that blends psychological horror with Dominican folklore and magical realism. For fans of Silvia Moreno-Garcia and Isabel Cañas.
If you love what you read, I’d be honored to hear your thoughts. Please leave a review on your preferred platform and let other readers find the magic in The Ordinary Bruja.
FormatChoose an optionPaperbackHardbackE-BookClear The Ordinary Bruja: Book One of Las Cerradoras Series – J.E. Ortega quantityPre-order now
SKU: ORDINARYBRUJAPAPERBACK Category: Books, Books for Adults, Fantasy, Fiction Books, Horror, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Women’s Fiction Tags: ancestral magic, atmospheric fiction, books about brujas, dark fantasy, Dominican folklore, haunted inheritance, Isabel Cañas fans, Latine fantasy, magical realism, psychological horror, Silvia Moreno-Garcia fans, spooky reads, supernatural mystery, The Ordinary Bruja, witchy books
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