A plotline might involve Lorelai's love life. If Luke breaks up with her again, she would be extremely sad. She could feel like she's doomed in the love department and start to question her self - worth. Also, the loss of a dear friend in Stars Hollow could make her sad. She's so involved in the community, and if someone like Miss Patty or Babette were to pass away, it would deeply affect her.
Luke is another possibility. His gruff nature and sometimes inability to communicate well could lead to misunderstandings and heartache for Lorelai. If he shuts her out or doesn't support her dreams, it would make her sad.
A sad Lorelai fanfic could involve the death of a beloved character in Stars Hollow like Miss Patty. Lorelai was very close to the community, and Miss Patty was always a fun and important part of it. With her passing, Lorelai would feel a deep sense of loss. The fanfic could detail Lorelai's struggle to come to terms with the death, how she helps the community grieve, and her own personal sadness as she misses her friend.
The fanfic could center around Lorelai's health issues causing her pain. Maybe she discovers she has a minor illness that requires some lifestyle changes. This would not only be physically painful but also mentally challenging as she tries to adjust. It could also be that Lorelai is in pain due to feeling left out in Stars Hollow. If there are new social groups forming or events that she's not a part of, it would make her feel isolated and in emotional pain.
One great idea for a Lorelai Leigh Gilmore fanfic could be her adventures in a cooking competition outside of Stars Hollow. It would be interesting to see how her quick - witted and charming personality fares against tough competitors. Maybe she teams up with Sookie and they create some truly unique dishes that surprise everyone.
One common plotline could be Lorelai being sick and Rory having to take care of her, which would reverse their usual roles. Rory might struggle to balance her own life while looking after her mom, just like Lorelai had to do when Rory was growing up.
By showing her in her familiar settings but with a different mood. Like at Luke's diner. Usually, it's a place of comfort and chatter for her. But in a sad fanfic, she could be sitting alone at a booth, pushing food around on her plate, not really eating, while the diner bustles around her. The contrast between the lively diner and her still, sad figure would effectively show her state of mind.
A plot idea could be Lorelai starting her own business in Stars Hollow. Maybe a small boutique hotel that combines her love for the town and her knack for hospitality. It would be filled with her unique style and charm, and she'd have to deal with all the challenges of running a business, like getting permits and dealing with difficult customers.
A prevalent theme is her past haunting her. Lorelai's upbringing in a wealthy but cold family environment might resurface in fanfiction when she's depressed. Additionally, the pressure she feels to be a good mother to Rory could also be a factor. If she feels she's failing at motherhood in the fanfiction, it could push her into a depressive state.
The main ethical issue is the non - consensual and violent nature of rape being associated with a character. It can be triggering for survivors of sexual assault and is generally in poor taste.
Romance is a big theme too. Fans love to explore Lorelai's love life, whether it's her relationship with Luke or other potential love interests. And of course, the theme of friendship is prevalent. Lorelai's friendships with Sookie and others are often elaborated on in fanfic to show the strong female bonds in the show.