How Can I start a Novel Without being cliche?

[MillagerProductions]

I wanted to start a story about an orphan boy who finds a secret that changes his whole life... I am not actually worried about the "big change" in his life but rather on the orphan idea... isn't it cliche? Does anyone have an idea on how I could change that aspect of my plot. I need something that prevented the protagonist of finding the truth that changes his whole life... I could only think of being an orphan (isn't that harry potter, a series of unfortunate events-ish) I need your help please.. xoxoxo.

 

[Knuckles]

Perhaps you could make him an adopted child, and use his sense of abandonment as an underlying sub-plot (to find his biological parents) or driving force

 

[Wondertwin]

to: Millager Productions

it isnt really that cliche. its only cliche if the boys parents were murdered or something. i sugest this parents were ina house fire and they save him (so hes the only survivor) you might begin the story with him at an orphanage a month or two later and recap whats happened
email me if you have a question

 

[~tJaBBaFiEdt~]

What about hide the orphan idea and build it up?
What about the character is raised by people totally different.
Then his parents tell him he is adopted and he searches to find his parents on the adventure he finds his secret that changes his whole life!

 

[Ashcan]

Does the -hero- have to have good parents what about a child who lives with his natural parents and they are cr4p and treat him badly.

Or alternatetively what about he was stolen as a child from their natural parents, the natural parent's turn up but turn out to be cr4p, compared to his adoptive parents who stole him in the first place and were actually quite wonderful.