1. Artemis Fowl Sr.'s Disappearance:
- Immediate Challenge: Artemis Fowl II faced an immediate challenge to prove himself capable of leading his family and the Fowl legacy after his father's sudden and mysterious disappearance. This thrust him into the role of taking on responsibilities he never anticipated.
- Financial Constraints: Artemis Sr.'s disappearance resulted in a financial crisis for the Fowl family. This added pressure on Artemis II, forcing him to seek creative ways to replenish the family's wealth and power.
- Clues and Quests: Artemis Sr.'s vanishing provided clues and puzzles that led Artemis II on various adventures and quests to unravel mysteries surrounding his father's whereabouts and possible enemies. This became the central driving force for many plotlines in the series.
2. Angeline's Illness:
- Emotional Conflict: Angeline's illness became a source of emotional conflict for the Fowl family, particularly for Artemis II and Juliet, who faced uncertainty and fear about their mother's condition. This added a human dimension to the otherwise technological and fantastical aspects of the series.
- Story Twist: Angeline's illness, later revealed to be part of a bigger conspiracy, added an unexpected twist to the plot. It highlighted the complex web of intrigue and deception that Artemis II had to navigate.
- Character Development: Angeline's illness also led to significant character development for Artemis II. It helped him mature and become more compassionate, as he focused on protecting and supporting his family amid these challenges.
- Moral Choice: The illness prompted Artemis II to make difficult moral choices between using advanced technology for medical intervention and respecting his mother's wishes regarding end-of-life decisions. This aspect further humanized the characters and made the story more emotionally resonant.