The importance of the supporting cast in fiction

Primary characters need little outside advice-writers have their own standards and standards, as the primary character(s) are their primary interface with the plot and often are a reflection of aspects of their own personality. Key villains and antagonists are likewise built around the plot.

But the secondary characters are important, too; they are crucial to the depth of the story and the strength of the plot. Often they only get a brief introduction and small opportunities to be revealed as people, but they are important all the same. Depth and color make the novel, and the best writers are those who can convey a strong impression of a person in a single paragraph.

A weakness many writers have is the development of patterns in setting-as we crunch out our books we find ourselves grabbing the same stereotypes as we create the bit players in our books. This can discourage our fans, and should be avoided.

When you’re tossing in a short interaction between a primary character and a bit player, have something ready. Use a friend, family member, co-worker, acquaintance, your insurance agent, elementary school teacher, or a customer from your last job. If nothing else, the next time you’re in Target or Wal Mart or wandering through a mall, study the passers-by and jot a few notes. There’s a million stories in every city, so why strain your creative powers and risk a pattern showing up when there is a world full of free random examples?

Writers invent/develop plots and arcs, but real life provides you with limitless support material. Exploit that resource, and your books will benefit.