Narratives have at least one clear protagonist whose point of view informs our experience of the story, carrying our thoughts, emotions, and hopes or expectations for the conclusion. While these characters may receive the bulk of the focus, secondary characters can make or break the story as much as the protagonist(s).
DEFINING SECONDARY CHARACTERS
Secondary characters may not carry the plot or drive the action in the way a main character does, but they still play a key part in a satisfying story. It’s important to think of them not as mere placeholders or vehicles to progress the plot, but in terms of their relationship with the main character. They may take on a range of roles, such as:
• Antagonist or someone who presents an obstacle or challenge• Sidekick/squad/crew, i.e., the main source of direct and ongoing support for the protagonist• Love interest or romantic partner• Family, whether by birth or found• Friends or acquaintances• Teachers, mentors, and guides• Bosses or• Holders of resources or information that don’t fit into the above categories, but which the protagonist needs to engage to advance in the story• Bystanders, i.e., people or entities who are simply present in the environment, like the nonplayer/nonstory characters in a video game
