Also Starring…

This week we’re discussing secondary characters in the stories we create. According to a few sources I checked, secondary characters are more important to the plot than minor characters, but not as important as the major characters. Actually, I find them as important as the hero and heroine of my romances, because my characters don’t work alone. They might be lonely, and they might try to solve their problems by themselves, but eventually they need someone’s help. Someone besides the love interest, anyway. Since the given topic specifically asks about my secondary characters, I guess I’ll start examining them. I’ve got too many stories to analyze the supporting characters in each one, so I’ll categorize them.

Image source: Wikimedia

Many of my secondary characters are what I’ll call helpers. Most of the time the hero and heroine can’t accomplish his or her goal by themselves. So there are assistants, or perhaps someone whose expertise is needed. In The Samurai’s Garden, the main character (Hiro) has a friend and former comrade-in-arms (Ginjiro) who assists in fighting the rogue ronin and training the townspeople to fight. In the process, Ginjiro experiences his own character growth. He was a lower ranking samurai, so he looks up to Hiro. I enjoyed writing about Ginjiro. He’s a loyal and dependable friend, and I found myself wanting him to have a happily-ever-after of his own.

Image source: Wikimedia

Another important supporting character is the mentor. This is someone who’s perhaps older and wiser and provides advice, as well as the voice of reason. In The Samurai’s Garden, Hanako’s neighbor Reiko is an example. Often, the main character knows what needs to be done, but needs someone to voice it and confirm it. Or he/she is there to help bring the main character to that conclusion. Reiko provides a sympathetic ear, physical help when it is needed, and encouragement. Later on, when Reiko experiences a painful loss, Hanako is the first one to arrive and provide emotional support.

Image source: Wikimedia

Sometimes, the supporting character is a devil’s advocate. Not really a villain, but simply an annoyance. In this case, as the protagonists deal with this character we learn a bit about that person’s strengths. In Love’s Refrain, the dowager countess (the hero’s mother)  plays this part because she has selected a wife for her son, the earl, but he’s not convinced she’s made the best choice for him. Still, because of his respect for his mother, he makes the effort to court the woman his mother chose. As all women know, the way a man treats his mother is a strong indicator of how he will treat his wife!

Image source: Flicker

My main characters often have children, and sometimes they play an important part in the stories. Certainly the way a person takes care of his or her children sheds light on that person’s inner character or goodness. For a male, seeing him as a loving father amps up the hero factor. But a child can also provide the voice that clarifies a person’s purpose or define what he or she needs to do. In Christmas Wishes, Mitch is distraught at the the idea of Sophie moving across the country when he has just settled into what he feels is the perfect home for him and his daughter. But that daughter assures him, “If she goes away, we need to go with her.” And that’s when he realizes that he needs to do what it takes to keep Sophie in his life.

Depending on the length of the story, the secondary characters will be involved in a subplot. When that happens, they’ll have scenes in their points of view. I think this gives the reader another view of the main characters and what they are doing. It also provides a little break from the main action. Sometimes they have their own romances and/or conflicts. After all, these characters have lives of their own!

Can you think of other roles secondary characters play?