Many writers find themselves overwhelmed when it comes to crafting a diverse cast of characters, often neglecting the importance of side characters. In this video, author Jenna Moreci provides tips on what side characters are, how many you should have, and how to make them unforgettable!
Do you have any tips or tricks for writing side characters in your stories?
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Great share, Ashley Renee Smith! I make profiles for my characters like Jenna mentioned. I even make profiles for minor characters, but they're not as detailed as the profiles for the major characters. Jenna talked about how to make sure side characters don't overshadow the main character. I like to take a step back and see if the side characters are overshadowing the main character. If they are, I rework the scene to make sure the main character overshadows the side characters. But sometimes it's great for the story when side characters overshadow the main characters. They shouldn't overshadow the main character a lot though.
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Side characters definitely need to feel like their "own" person separate from the MCs. Part of what makes a world feel "lived in." If they only exist to be there for an interaction with the MC, it feels forced.
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I like creating side characters inspired by friends or family but most importantly.... strangers. Eaves dropping on conversations at bars, airports, public spaces can provide a lot of "archetypes" and dialog for that side character as well as ideas for them. I always like creating unique side characters as they play an important role in making your world feel lived in.
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Ashley Renee Smith a cool trick is to think about what they want out of life beyond just supporting the main plot. Give them their own goals and desires, something that gets them up in the morning.
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I have seen movies where I was interested in the side character more than the protagonist to be honest!
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I also like to make profiles/ character breakdowns for side characters, Maurice Vaughan. I find that it helps me discover and distinguish their voices from the main characters. I’ve also discovered elements of my story and world-building through getting to know my side characters better.
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I completely agree, Jonathan Jordan! Side characters can often change my perspective on main characters. They make me like or even dislike characters based on their reactions and experiences with them. So if they feel like plot devices or NPCs, it’s really annoying to me.
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I do the same, Bobby G! I love to people watch in public places and when I pick up on a conversation or interaction, it can spark something for me. I carry a small notebook with me, it’s almost always in my bag or back pocket and I’ll write down notes to remember while I’m out and observing things. It helps me with certain characteristics that I wouldn’t naturally think of or consider myself.
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Motivations are absolutely the key, Giovanna Silvestre!