You’ve got your story idea and identified your protagonist. Maybe you even have a villain. But what about your supporting cast? Even in stories told from a single point of view, it’s often necessary to employ other characters to show your protagonist’s growth or to portray their inner thoughts.
Think about Tom Hanks’ character, Chuck, in the film Castaway. Because he befriends his volleyball “Wilson,” the audience hears what’s on Chuck’s mind as he navigates life on a deserted island—his fears, his triumphs, his musings about what might be going on back home in Memphis. He may be only a non-verbal, inanimate object, but Wilson serves an important role in Chuck’s story of survival.
Wilson probably isn’t the best example of a secondary character. He has no lines, no personality, no character arc, etc., because he isn’t a fully fleshed-out, breathing, acting, speaking entity. He serves his purpose as a means of allowing Chuck to voice his thoughts, but nothing more.
What is a Secondary Character?
A secondary character is someone who plays a supporting role to the main characters—the protagonist and/or antagonist—by enriching the plot, deepening the development of the main characters, contributing to the story’s theme, providing more insight into the story’s setting, and serving as the focal point for a subplot that enhances the overall story narrative.
Definition of a Secondary Character
Someone who plays a subordinate role in the narrative but is crucial in advancing the plot and adding depth to the world and the main characters.
Secondary characters can fill many roles, including confidantes, sidekicks, mentors, love interests, rivals, or even minor antagonists, interacting with the main characters in meaningful ways to move the story forward and enrich the development of the protagonist and/or antagonist.
Consider the roles your secondary character can take in your story:
- Sidekick/Best Friend: This character offers support or a sympathetic ear. They are a comrade who will urge them on in their quest to slay the dragon or conquer true love. They allow your reader to find out more about your main characters through their interactions with and revelations from their best friend.
- Mentor/Advisor: When your protagonist faces a major challenge, whether it’s saving the world or deciding whether to kiss the love interest, this character gives them encouragement, guidance, or advice on how to proceed.
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- Protector/Benefactor: Sometimes, your protagonist has a physical disadvantage of some kind. This can be something that pertains to their bodies, a cultural issue, or their financial standing. This character may offer assistance like physical protection or monetary support.
- Antagonistic/Obstacle: Without being the primary antagonist, a secondary character can serve as a thorn in the protagonist’s side, creating interference and complications in their path.
- Comic Relief: Depending on the story you’re writing, having a character like the class clown or the court jester could provide a diversion or lightening of the mood during or after tense moments in your story.
Secondary Character Examples
As you develop your secondary characters, consider the following examples for inspiration:
Dr. John Watson, the Sherlock Holmes series, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
As the primary narrator of the Sherlock Holmes stories, Dr. Watson provides a bird’s-eye view of the action, demonstrating an unabashed admiration for Holmes’ genius and his own observational skills.
Despite their contrasting personalities, their deep and enduring friendship reflects a bond built on mutual respect and trust. Watson’s compassion, empathy, and firm sense of justice provide a moral compass, and his social and emotional skills balance out the aloof and moody traits portrayed by Holmes, humanizing the brilliant detective and giving readers insight into his more personal and vulnerable sides.
Watson is not only Holmes’ trusted friend, he often takes an active role in cases, using his medical knowledge to assist during investigations. He provides physical help and moral support, serving as a sounding board for Holmes’ deductions and theories. He may be a secondary character, but Dr. Watson’s presence is critical to Sherlock Holmes’ success.
Samwise Gamgee, Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien
Sam starts in a humble role, working as a gardener for Frodo. When he is called to assist Frodo on their quest, he remains down-to-earth and practical, yet displays remarkable courage and resourcefulness. His unwavering loyalty to Frodo and the cause, no matter the danger, guides his actions and plays a key role in the mission’s success.
Sam’s most important role is that of emotional support to Frodo. He offers crucial words of comfort and motivation when hope seems lost, helping Frodo remain strong in the face of danger and the corrupting influence of the Ring. But he also provides physical help, carrying Frodo up the mountain when he’s too weak to continue.
Samwise Gamgee is considered to be one of the most inspiring secondary characters in fiction. His steadfast loyalty and courage exemplify the importance of friendship, perseverance, and strength found in ordinary people.
Hagrid, the Harry Potter series, by J.K. Rowling
Rubeus Hagrid is a half-giant who, despite his size, is a gentle, kind-hearted character who serves as the Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts, later becoming a professor of Care of Magical Creatures.
He is warm and nurturing, with a love for magical creatures. Hagrid rescues Harry from the Dursleys and assists him in transitioning to the wizarding world, forming a deep bond with the youngster as he serves as a father figure to him.
Hagrid is a constant source of support and guidance for Harry, providing knowledge and advice in addition to physical safety at his hut.
By introducing Harry and his friends to creatures, including Buckbeak and Aragog, Hagrid provides vital insights, proving his value and commitment. He often shows bravery and loyalty, such as when he takes part in the Battle of Hogwarts, helping Harry navigate many challenges.
Hagrid embodies loyalty, kindness, and acceptance through steadfast devotion to Harry and his love for creatures that others might fear. His warmth and humor add a layer of heart to the series, making him an essential part of the story.
Charlotte Lucas, Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen
In contrast to the romantic and idealistic protagonist Elizabeth Bennet, Charlotte is pragmatic, sensible, and somewhat reserved.
Though their views on life and marriage differ, Charlotte and Elizabeth have a close friendship that endures even after Charlotte makes the shocking decision to marry Mr. Collins, whose proposal Elizabeth rejects.
While Elizabeth resolves to marry for love, Charlotte, understanding the limited prospects for a woman of her age and social standing in early 19th-century England, marries to gain financial security and social status rather than love or mutual respect.
Elizabeth learns to understand and respect Charlotte’s decision, strengthening their friendship and helping Elizabeth gain empathy for those whose values and beliefs differ from hers. Charlotte serves as a sounding board and a counterpoint to Elizabeth’s romantic and rebellious attitude and as a result, plays an important role in the protagonist’s character growth.
Miss Havisham, Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens
Miss Havisham is a wealthy, eccentric spinster who lives in the once-grand Satis House. Jilted at the altar by her fiancé, she is emotionally scarred and bitter, a recluse fueled by pain and disappointment. She is determined to exact revenge on the male gender, using her adopted daughter Estella as a tool for her vengeance.
Miss Havisham first encounters Pip when she invites him to play with Estella, which leads Pip to fall in love with Estella and aspire to become a gentleman. Motivated by obsessive hatred and a desire for revenge, Miss Havisham raises Estella to be cold-hearted and teaches her to break the hearts of men, profoundly impacting Estella’s ability to form genuine emotional connections and deeply affecting Pip, the protagonist.
Pip learns valuable lessons about the nature of love, ambition, and self-worth from his interactions with Miss Havisham, experiencing his share of heartbreak and disappointment but remaining kind and thankful.
When she finally realizes the pain she has caused through her vengeful actions, she asks for Pip’s forgiveness, reflecting her emotional journey.
How to Write a Secondary Protagonist
Sometimes your story will call for a compelling secondary character to add depth and richness to the plot. Here are some tips for crafting a well-rounded secondary protagonist:
- Complement the Main Protagonist: Though they might have different strengths, weaknesses, or perspectives, your secondary protagonist should complement and contrast with the main protagonist, highlighting the main character’s traits.
- Advance the Plot: Ensure that the secondary protagonist has a clear role in moving the plot forward by having them contribute to key events, decisions, and conflicts in meaningful ways.
- Identify Their Goals and Motivations: Give your character a role more than just as a sounding board to your main protagonist. Give them their own goals and motivations, whether they align or conflict with the main character’s objectives. These goals should be significant enough to influence the storyline.
- Give Them a Backstory: Know your secondary characters. Give them a detailed backstory to explain their motivations, behaviors, and relationships. Even if you don’t include all the details in the story, knowing their background will help you make them more authentic.
- Create Distinct Traits and a Unique Voice: Make your secondary protagonist stand out by giving them a distinctive voice and manner of speaking. Develop unique personality traits that distinguish them from other characters. Consider their strengths, flaws, and quirks.
- Give Them Their Own Character Arc: Just like the main character, your secondary protagonist should undergo growth and development. Throw challenges at them to test their temperament and moral fiber. Reveal facets of their personality as they deal with obstacles and dilemmas.
- Avoid Stereotypes: Try not to make your secondary protagonist a one-dimensional cliché. Give them a role that impacts your story and makes them relatable and realistic.
Why You Need Secondary Characters in a Story
Compelling secondary characters in your story support your main protagonists through their interactions. Their dialogue, actions, advice, antagonism, and/or support bring life to other characters in your story.
They enrich the plot and provide additional perspectives that make the story more engaging and multi-dimensional. Writing vivid characters will cause your readers to be invested in the outcome of your book and more likely to read your subsequent works.
In short, secondary characters make your main characters and your plot more interesting and relatable, keeping your readers riveted!