Mastering the Craft of Remarkable Supporting Characters: A Guide
Secondary Characters in Literature: Enhancing Narrative Depth and Conflict
Secondary characters, also known as supporting characters, play influential roles in stories, adding complexity, conflict, and depth to the journey of the protagonist. These characters, such as Han Solo in "Star Wars," Annabeth and Grover in Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson and the Olympians," and The Darkling in Leigh Bardugo's "Shadow and Bone," significantly impact the narrative without holding the spotlight.
A well-crafted secondary character is a testament of richness and complexity, complete with desires, fears, and personal backstories. However, it is essential to remember that they should exist solely in relation to the main character.
Secondary characters serve four primary purposes: to support, oppose, challenge, or highlight the main character.
- Supportive Secondary Characters
Every protagonist is driven by a motivating force that pushes the plot forward and aids in their character growth. A supportive secondary character can facilitate this journey by offering guidance and enabling the protagonist to proceed through their challenges. An example can be found in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," where Samwise Gamgee stands steadfast by Frodo Baggins, providing unwavering support despite the trials they face.
- Challenging Secondary Characters
Secondary characters can motivate the main character to grow and persevere through their journey by creating obstacles that prompt personal transformation. In "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins, Haymitch Abernathy initially appears as an antagonist, provoking Katniss Everdeen to prove herself against those who stand in her way. Through this challenge, Katniss transforms into the victor she was destined to be.
- Opposing Secondary Characters
Secondary characters that oppose the protagonist create tension, serving as antagonists that obstruct the protagonist’s goal. In "The Lord of the Rings," Sauron is the central antagonist, while smaller adversaries such as orcs and monsters pose challenges for the fellowship on their quest. Similarly, in "The Hunger Games," other tributes present a deadly challenge to Katniss' goal of winning the games.
- Highlighting Secondary Characters (Foil Characters)
Foil characters are secondary characters designed to emphasize certain features of the protagonist, often revealing strengths and weaknesses through contrast. In Abdi Nazemian's "Like a Love Story," Reza—an Iranian boy struggling with his sexuality—amilitates his insecurities by falling in love with Art, who proudly embraces his identity as a gay rights activist. This difference underscores Reza's fearfulness and his growth as he learns to accept himself.
Crafting captivating supporting characters can elevate the complexity and impact of a story. To create such characters, consider their role within the story and ensure they contribute to the character's development, advance the plot, reinforce themes, and evoke emotions.
Begin by identifying the roles each supporting character fills. If a secondary character does not support, oppose, challenge, or highlight the protagonist, they may be excess baggage that can be eliminated or combined with another character. To make the story more engaging, consider changing the roles of supporting characters throughout the narrative, allowing them to evolve and adapt as the protagonist grows.
- A well-developed secondary character, such as Han Solo in "Star Wars" or Annabeth and Grover in Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson and the Olympians," can enrich the narrative by showcasing their own desires, fears, and personal backstories, while remaining inherently connected to the main character's journey.
- Lifestyle choices can reflect a secondary character's personality and influence their relationship with the main character. For instance, the fashion-and-beauty-conscious Puck in Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" offers a stark contrast to the humble Titania, emphasizing their dynamic and the conflicts that arise between them.
- In the realm of education-and-self-development, a mentor like Mr. Miyagi in "The Karate Kid" can challenge the main character embracing new skills and attitudes, fostering personal growth. This supportive relationship often extends beyond the tutorial setting, impacting the main character's life-long learning and self-development.
- Sporting events can provide an arena for secondary characters to test their mettle, supporting, opposing, or challenging the main character. In John Updike's "Rabbit, Run," Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom's antagonistic relationship with his former high school track rival, Charles "Chick" Hennessey, resurfaces throughout the series, impacting Rabbit's relationships, lifestyle, and overall character development.
