Anakin would be less desperate. In the original, the fear of losing his mother and then his wife drove him towards the dark side. With Shmi alive, he would have a strong emotional anchor that could keep him more stable and less likely to be swayed by Palpatine's manipulations.
Another plotline might involve Shmi becoming a key figure in the Jedi Council's decisions. Since she has a unique connection to Anakin, she could offer insights that the Jedi had overlooked. This could lead to a whole new set of alliances and power dynamics within the Star Wars universe.
Well, in many of these fanfictions, Padme's survival acts as a catalyst for Anakin's redemption. Since she's alive, Anakin has a reason to break free from the chains of the Dark Side. He might see that there's still hope for a life with Padme and their family. Also, Padme could be the one to help him face his inner demons and come back to the Light Side. Their relationship becomes a central force in his journey back to the Jedi way, or at least a new path that is neither fully Jedi nor Sith. This completely alters the tragic fate he had in the original Star Wars storyline.
A fanfiction could center around Shmi's relationship with the other slaves on Tatooine. She could be shown as a source of hope and strength for them. She might be involved in some sort of slave - led resistance movement, using her wits and kindness to rally others. This would give a different perspective on the often - overlooked Tatooine slave community in the Star Wars universe.
In the fanfiction, Shmi could be the key to unlocking a hidden prophecy about Anakin. Maybe there were ancient texts on Tatooine that only she could understand, and these texts revealed the true nature of Anakin as the 'Son of Suns' and his role in the galaxy. She then has to find a way to pass this knowledge on to the right people before it's too late.
One common theme is her relationship with Anakin. Writers often explore how she raised him and the values she instilled in him. For example, stories might show how her love and selflessness influenced Anakin's early years.
A fanfiction could also be about Shmi's dreams and hopes for Anakin. It could show her thoughts as she watched him grow, knowing he was special. For example, she might have had visions of his future in the Jedi Order and the great things he could do, but also feared for him because of the dark side she sensed was a threat.
Explore her past in detail. Maybe she has a connection to an ancient Jedi or Sith that has been long forgotten. This could add depth to her character and make her more than just a side character in the Star Wars lore. For instance, she could have inherited an ancient artifact that holds great power, and she's been protecting it all her life.
Another theme is the struggle against the dark side. Anakin is often tempted by the dark side during his journey to save Shmi, as he has to use his powers in extreme ways. This struggle between good and evil within him adds depth to the story.
One common theme is love. Anakin's love for both Shmi and Padme is often explored. His love for Shmi as his mother and his deep, romantic love for Padme. Another theme is sacrifice. Shmi's sacrifice for Anakin in some fanfics is a powerful element, and Anakin's potential sacrifice for Padme is also a recurring idea.
Anakin's injury can make him more vulnerable. He might start to question his invincibility which he often felt as a powerful Jedi. This can lead to a change in his confidence level.