Comments on: The Roles of Secondary Characters https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/04/the-roles-of-secondary-characters/ A Blog On Writing Sun, 22 Dec 2024 03:46:27 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 By: Ellen Buikema https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/04/the-roles-of-secondary-characters/#comment-148500 Sun, 11 Apr 2021 21:28:43 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=42217#comment-148500 In reply to Kathy Steinemann.

Kathy, I ran into a little difficulty with similar father and son name. John and Jack.

]]> By: Ellen Buikema https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/04/the-roles-of-secondary-characters/#comment-148499 Sun, 11 Apr 2021 21:27:16 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=42217#comment-148499 In reply to dholcomb1.

Thank you, Denise!

]]> By: Kathy Steinemann https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/04/the-roles-of-secondary-characters/#comment-148481 Thu, 08 Apr 2021 14:34:08 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=42217#comment-148481 Thanks, Ellen. I enjoyed reading your thoughts.

Regarding unique names, I'd add: Make them memorable, avoiding names that might be confused -- Andrew, Anton, Angelo, for example.

]]> By: dholcomb1 https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/04/the-roles-of-secondary-characters/#comment-148480 Thu, 08 Apr 2021 04:11:18 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=42217#comment-148480 Great examples of characters.

denise

]]> By: Ellen Buikema https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/04/the-roles-of-secondary-characters/#comment-148476 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 13:04:52 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=42217#comment-148476 In reply to barbaralinnprobst.

Foils and mirrors are great additions, Barbara! I enjoyed reading your examples.

]]> By: Ellen Buikema https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/04/the-roles-of-secondary-characters/#comment-148475 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 12:56:48 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=42217#comment-148475 In reply to barbaralinnprobst.

Thank you for passing along the link, Terry. I always appreciate more information.

I think our secondary characters do a lot of "heavy lifting" in our stories to help carry it along.

]]> By: Terry Odell https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/04/the-roles-of-secondary-characters/#comment-148474 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 12:38:14 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=42217#comment-148474 In reply to barbaralinnprobst.

There was an excellent post on foils the other day at The Kill Zone. https://killzoneblog.com/2021/04/when-opposites-attract.html

Right now, the book I'm writing has a secondary character from the previous book taking his turn to be front and center. It happens a lot. They show up, fulfill their supporting/secondary role and demand their shot at center stage.

]]> By: barbaralinnprobst https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/04/the-roles-of-secondary-characters/#comment-148473 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 10:49:41 +0000 https://writersinthestormblog.com/?p=42217#comment-148473 Such a clear overview, Ellen! I would add: foils and mirrors. People who have a similar trait or flaw or quest as the protagonist, but offer a contrast or variation, so things turn out differently, thus illuminating something or reflecting something back at the protagonist to further her understanding. "There but for the grace of God, go I." "Watch out or you'll end up like me!" Often, a sibling can play this role. And, of course, helpers. Think: The Wizard of Oz. The three companions aren't exactly Dorothy's best friends, but serve to embody different aspects of the quest. I'm sure there are other types too! I have a fondness for secondary characters who inadvertently create obstacles for the protagonist. They're not adversaries because it's neither purposeful nor malicious. But because of what they do, X plot twist happens ...

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