Most stories focus on a central character. They are our eyes and perspective into the world of the story. What we may not notice, however, is the impact that other characters have on us as readers or audience members. While not at the forefront of the story, secondary characters strengthen the central characters, contribute to the main narrative, and build out the narrative world.
What is a Secondary Character in Story?
First, let’s define a secondary character
A secondary character provides many benefits to a story. Before diving into each, it's important to understand what defines a secondary character from other types of characters.
SECONDARY CHARACTER DEFINITION
What is a secondary character?
A secondary character, also known as a supporting character, is any character in a story who is not the main protagonist or antagonist. Secondary characters serve to support the main storyline and the development of the primary characters. Unlike the lead characters who drive the plot forward, secondary characters exist to complement the narrative and add layers to the story.
Examples of well-known secondary characters include Dr. John Watson from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series and Samwise Gamgee from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings."
Examples of Secondary Characters
- Hermione Granger & Ron Weasley in Harry Potter
- Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings
- Ron Swanson from Parks and Recreation
- Sonny from The Godfather
What is a Secondary Character Used For?
Importance in Storytelling
Secondary characters can make a good story great. They can also be the most memorable characters in a film or book. There are a few reasons why secondary characters are important for writers to consider when telling a story.
Supporting the Main Plot
Secondary characters are essential for advancing the plot. They assist or create obstacles for the protagonist, helping to move the story forward. We can learn a lot about the main character through their interactions and dialogue with secondary characters. Secondary characters can also directly challenge a main character, changing the course of the overall narrative.
For example, in the film Good Will Hunting, the climactic change in Will only occurs because he is challenged by his best friend Chuckie who is a secondary character.
Good Will Hunting • ‘The Best Part of My Day’
Developing Themes
Secondary characters are great tools to further explore and examine themes. They often embody specific traits or values that contrast with or complement the protagonist's journey.
For example, in the film Shaun of the Dead the secondary character, Shaun's best friend Ed represents laziness and complacency while Shaun strives for growth and survival. This contrast highlights the theme of personal growth and overcoming obstacles in the face of a zombie apocalypse.
Shaun Of The Dead • Opening scene
Adding Depth and Complexity
These characters contribute significantly to world-building and enrich the story's universe. They offer different perspectives and subplots that make the narrative multifaceted. A narrative world with more complexity and dimension also makes it more immersive and believable. It gives the audience or reader the idea that a whole world exists outside of our main character.
In the book, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, the secondary character Mr. Tumnus offers a unique perspective on the world of Narnia as he is a character who has existed in this world long before our main characters enter it. It creates a sense of continuity in this world — that has existed long before we are introduced to it.
Writing Secondary Characters
How to Create a Secondary Character
With a clear understanding of the value of a secondary character, you may be wondering how to craft a great one. How do you write a secondary character that makes your main character even better? One that strengthens your narrative instead of distracting from it?
Establish a Clear Role
When creating secondary characters, it's crucial to define their purpose within the story. Ask yourself questions such as: What is their relationship to the main characters? How do they influence the plot? A clear role helps to ensure that the character is essential and not just an extraneous addition.
Develop Unique Traits
To make secondary characters memorable, give them distinct personality traits, backgrounds, and motivations. Use physical descriptions, dialogue, and actions to craft a compelling character. These can make your secondary characters memorable, but also functional in how they contrast with the main characters or the world around them.
In the film The Big Lebowski, the secondary character Walter's military background and love for firearms are in direct contrast to the main character, The Dude's laid-back attitude. This contrast adds depth to both characters and creates interesting dynamics between them.
The Big Lebowski (1998) • You're Entering a World of Pain Scene
Keep Them Relevant
It can be tempting to create side characters that have no real impact on the story. However, each character should serve a purpose and contribute to the narrative in some way.
Keep your secondary characters relevant by constantly asking yourself how they move the plot forward or add depth to the world-building. Develop arcs for your secondary characters and weave them into your main narrative in a way that contributes and does not distract.
Interrelationship with Main Characters
Build strong relationships and interactions between secondary and primary characters. These interactions do not always have to be supportive. Explore dynamics and conflicts that can arise to add depth to the narrative.
Secondary characters are pivotal in storytelling, providing support, and adding complexity, and depth. They can be a missing piece to an otherwise great story. Look back on some of your favorite novels and movies. How have secondary characters been important to them? What can you learn from how they are used?
Up Next
What is a Protagonist?
Let’s shift our analysis from secondary to primary characters and look at the role of the protagonist. As the main character of a story, the protagonist is the most important character. In our next article, we look at different types of protagonists as well as what makes a great one.
