One main theme is family. The large family in the story has to deal with the chaos and love that comes with having so many members. Another theme could be adaptability as they face various situations together.
The main characters include the parents and of course, the twelve children. Each child has their own personality and role within the family. Some might be more mischievous while others are more responsible. The parents play a crucial role in guiding and taking care of this large brood.
Sure was! Cheaper by the Dozen draws from the actual events and dynamics of the Gilbreth family. It presents a fictionalized but still true-to-life account that captures the essence of their experiences.
Well, it takes some inspiration from real family situations, but it's also fictionalized and embellished for entertainment purposes. So, it's a mix of real and made-up elements.