Wondering about the dark and emotional story of the Can We Become a Family? manga? You’re likely trying to understand its complex plot of abuse, revenge, and the search for love before diving in. This story handles very heavy themes.
“Can We Become a Family?” is a romance fantasy manhwa about Naviah Agnus, an orphan adopted by a duke to be a pawn. She is used as a substitute for the duke’s sick daughter, Vivian. When Vivian recovers, Naviah is abandoned and dies, only to wake up as her eight-year-old self, now determined to change her fate and find a real family.
Based on detailed analysis from official platforms and fan wikis, this guide breaks down the story, characters, and core themes. You’ll discover exactly why this manhwa resonates with so many readers and where you can read the official version.
Key Facts
- It’s a Manhwa, Not a Manga: “Can We Become a Family?” is a Korean webtoon, known as a manhwa, characterized by its full-color, top-down scrolling format.
- Primary Theme is “Found Family”: The story’s central conflict revolves around Naviah escaping her toxic adoptive family to find a new one based on genuine love and trust.
- Deals with Mature Themes: The narrative heavily features sensitive topics like child abuse, psychological trauma, and neglect, making it a dark and intense psychological drama.
- Official Platform is Tapas: Analysis of publishing data shows the official English version is legally available on Tapas, which directly supports the original creators.
- Currently on Hiatus: As of 2026, the manhwa has concluded its third season and is on a break before the start of its fourth season, according to official publisher announcements.
What Is the “Can We Become a Family?” Manga About?
“Can We Become a Family?” is a romance fantasy story about an adopted girl named Naviah Agnus who is used as a stand-in for a duke’s real daughter. This Korean comic, or manhwa, follows Naviah, an orphan taken in by the powerful Agnus family. Her purpose is to be a disposable substitute for their frail and sick biological daughter, Vivian. After a life of abuse and neglect, once Vivian is healed, the family discards Naviah, leading to her tragic death.
The core of the story begins with a popular fantasy trope: reincarnation or, more accurately, regression. Naviah awakens to find she has returned to her eight-year-old body with all the memories of her past suffering intact. Armed with the knowledge of her grim future, she abandons her desperate attempts to win her family’s love. Instead, she vows to use this second chance to orchestrate her revenge and escape to find people who will truly cherish her.
This premise sets the stage for a compelling psychological drama. It’s not just a story about revenge but also a deep exploration of trauma and the meaning of family. The narrative follows Naviah as she cleverly navigates the treacherous politics of high society, using her foreknowledge to outmaneuver her abusers. Her journey is a tense and emotional one, as she struggles to heal from her past while building a new future for herself.
Who Are the Main Characters in ‘Can We Become a Family?’
The main characters in “Can We Become a Family?” are Naviah Agnus, the abused protagonist who gets a second chance; Duke Nikan Agnus, her cold and calculating antagonist father; Vivian Agnus, the duke’s biological daughter; and Lark Ethelred, the head of a new family who offers Naviah hope. Understanding their roles is key to grasping the story’s emotional depth.
Who is the Protagonist, Naviah Agnus?
Naviah Agnus is the story’s tragic heroine, a character defined by deep trauma and a resilient spirit. Initially adopted from an orphanage, she spends her first life desperately trying to earn the affection of the Agnus family, only to be met with cruelty and indifference. After her death and regression, Naviah transforms from a victim into a proactive and calculating survivor. She uses her knowledge of the future not just for revenge, but to meticulously plan her escape and find a place where she can finally be safe and loved.
The Antagonists: Duke Nikan and Vivian Agnus
- Duke Nikan Agnus: He is the primary antagonist and Naviah’s adoptive father. Duke Agnus is a cold, manipulative man who views Naviah as nothing more than a political tool and a placeholder for his “real” daughter. His emotional and physical abuse is the catalyst for Naviah’s entire journey of revenge and healing. He represents the ultimate toxic family figure.
- Vivian Agnus: The Duke’s biological daughter, Vivian is the reason Naviah was adopted. She is portrayed as frail and ill, and the family’s obsession with her well-being leads to Naviah’s neglect. Vivian’s relationship with Naviah is complex, functioning as a rival for the family’s attention and a constant reminder to Naviah that she is an outsider.
The Hope for a New Family: Lark Ethelred
Lark Ethelred is the head of the Ethelred family and a pivotal figure in Naviah’s second life. He represents the concept of a “found family.” Unlike Duke Agnus, Lark sees Naviah’s worth and offers her the protection and kindness she never received. He becomes her new guardian, and his family stands in stark contrast to the abusive environment of the Agnus household, embodying the story’s central theme of finding true belonging.
What Are the Core Themes Explored in the Story?
The main themes in “Can We Become a Family?” are the meaning of “found family” versus a toxic biological one, the deep psychological impact of trauma and the long road to healing, and the protagonist’s journey of revenge and redemption. These elements elevate the story from a simple fantasy to a powerful drama.
The Meaning of Family
This is the central question of the entire manhwa. The story constantly contrasts the Agnus household—a family bound by blood but devoid of love—with the concept of a “found family.” Naviah’s journey to join the Ethelred family demonstrates that true familial bonds are forged through trust, respect, and kindness, not by birthright. The narrative suggests that the family you choose can be more real and healing than the one you are born into.
Trauma and Healing
“Can We Become a Family?” offers a raw and unflinching look at the effects of child abuse. Naviah is not a simple hero; she is a survivor grappling with deep-seated psychological trauma. Her regression gives her power, but she still carries the scars of her past. A significant part of the story is dedicated to her slow and difficult journey toward healing, learning to trust others, and allowing herself to experience happiness. It’s a nuanced exploration of how one can recover from profound suffering.
Revenge and Redemption
While revenge against the Agnus family is a primary motivator for Naviah, her ultimate goal is redemption. She isn’t just seeking to punish her abusers; she is fighting to reclaim the life that was stolen from her. Her arc is about redeeming her own existence from one of pain to one of purpose and joy. This dual focus on both getting justice and building a happy future makes her character incredibly compelling and her journey deeply satisfying.
Where Can You Read the ‘Can We Become a Family?’ Manhwa?
You can read the official English version of the ‘Can We Become a Family?’ manhwa on the Tapas platform. For readers looking for other options, fan-translated versions, often called scanlations, are available on aggregator sites, though they come with certain trade-offs. It’s important to understand the difference between official and unofficial sources.
The official platform, Tapas, is the legal publisher of the English version. Reading there ensures the highest translation quality and directly provides financial support to the author and artist who create the series. Unofficial fan platforms often release chapters faster but can suffer from inconsistent translation quality, disruptive ads, and a lack of legal standing.
Here is a comparison to help you decide where to read:
| Feature | Official Platform (Tapas) | Fan Translation Platforms (e.g., MangaDex) |
|---|---|---|
| Translation Quality | Professional, High-Quality | Varies (from excellent to poor) |
| Legality & Support | 100% Legal, Directly Supports Creators | Unofficial, No Creator Support |
| Release Schedule | Consistent, Follows Official Releases | Often Faster, but Can Be Erratic |
| Cost | Often requires “Ink” or payment for latest chapters | Generally Free |
| User Experience | Polished App/Site, No Pop-ups | Risk of Ads, Pop-ups, and Malware |
For the best and safest reading experience that honors the creators’ work, using the official Tapas app or website is the recommended choice. As of 2026, the manhwa has completed Season 3 and is on a planned hiatus before Season 4.
FAQs About can we become a family manga
Is ‘Can We Become a Family?’ a manga or a manhwa?
It is technically a manhwa, which is the Korean term for comics. Because it is produced in Korea, published in a top-down webtoon format, and is in full color, it fits the definition of a manhwa. The term manga is often used interchangeably by international fans, but manhwa is the more accurate term.
What is the current status of the ‘Can We Become a Family?’ manhwa?
As of late 2026, the manhwa has completed its third season and is currently on hiatus. The official publisher, Tapas, announced a break before the start of Season 4. The original Korean novel, however, is complete with 209 chapters and extra side stories.
Is there an anime adaptation of ‘Can We Become a Family?’?
No, there is currently no official anime adaptation of ‘Can We Become a Family?’. While it is a popular manhwa, no announcements have been made regarding an anime series. Fans of the series are hopeful for an adaptation in the future due to its compelling story and characters.
What genre does ‘Can We Become a Family?’ fall into?
It is primarily a Romance Fantasy with strong elements of Psychological Drama and Tragedy. It fits within the popular “Otome Isekai” sub-genre, which often involves female protagonists being reincarnated or regressing in time within a romance-focused, fantasy world.
Does Naviah Agnus get revenge on her abusive family?
Yes, a major part of the plot is Naviah using her knowledge from her past life to get revenge on Duke Agnus and his family. After being reborn, she is no longer interested in winning their affection and instead plots to expose their corruption and escape their grasp, a theme central to her redemption arc.
Who is the male lead in ‘Can We Become a Family?’?
The primary male lead is widely considered to be Creed. He is another character with a traumatic past who develops a protective and close bond with Naviah. Their relationship is a slow-burn romance that develops as they help each other heal from their respective pasts.
Is ‘Can We Become a Family?’ a dark story?
Yes, the story deals with very dark and mature themes, including child abuse, neglect, psychological trauma, and murder. While there are moments of hope and wholesome “found family” dynamics, the premise is rooted in the severe suffering of its protagonist. It is not a lighthearted read.
What does the regression mean in the story?
Regression is the plot device where the main character, after dying, travels back in time to their younger body with their memories intact. In this story, Naviah’s regression allows her to change her miserable fate. It’s a common trope in the Otome Isekai genre that empowers the protagonist with knowledge of the future.
How many times has Naviah regressed?
The story implies Naviah has lived through multiple lives and regressions before the current one. Some fan analysis suggests her third life was lost at age 8 when the Duke discovered she was a regressor. The number on her wrist changing from ‘1’ to ‘0’ symbolizes the start of what she intends to be her final, successful life.
What manga or manhwa are similar to ‘Can We Become a Family?’?
Similar manhwa often feature themes of reincarnation, abusive families, and strong female leads. Popular recommendations that share these elements include “Who Made Me a Princess,” “The Remarried Empress,” “I Shall Master this Family,” and “The Villainess Reverses the Hourglass.”
Key Takeaways: Can We Become a Family? Summary
- A Story of Trauma and Revenge: At its core, “Can We Become a Family?” is a manhwa about Naviah Agnus, a girl who, after being abused and discarded by her adoptive family, gets a second chance at life through regression and sets out to get revenge.
- It is a Korean Manhwa, Not a Manga: The series is a full-color, vertically-scrolling webtoon from Korea, making “manhwa” the correct term, though many fans use “manga” colloquially.
- Complex Themes of “Found Family”: The narrative deeply explores psychological drama, contrasting the cruelty of a biological/adoptive family with the healing power of a “found family” chosen through trust and kindness.
- Read Officially on Tapas: The official, legal English translation that supports the creators is published on the Tapas platform. Unofficial fan translations exist on other sites but vary in quality and legality.
- Currently on Hiatus: The manhwa has finished its third season and is on a break as of 2026 before the planned fourth season begins. The original novel it is based on is complete.
- Strong “Otome Isekai” Tropes: Fans of the genre will recognize key elements like a strong female lead, regression, a historical fantasy setting, and a slow-burn romance with a complex male lead.
Final Thoughts
“Can We Become a Family?” is far more than a typical fantasy romance. It is a powerful and often heartbreaking exploration of trauma, survival, and the true definition of family. Its narrative provides a compelling character study of a young woman who refuses to remain a victim, instead using her pain to forge a new destiny. While its dark themes make it an intense read, the story’s emotional depth and the protagonist’s journey toward healing offer a rich and ultimately rewarding experience for readers who appreciate deep psychological dramas. If you are prepared for an emotional story of revenge and redemption, this manhwa is a standout in its genre.
