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In what way do some of the minor characters play an important role in the plot of the play?
Each role is useful and necessary in the play because they provide some comic relief, but also because their personalities help to define the protagonists and their actions enhance the way that the story turns out. Both of these minor characters act as foils to the protagonists.
How do minor characters relate to major ones?
Remember, major characters are those who are central to the main plot and story conflicts. Most of the dialogue and inner thinking happens with the main character. Minor characters are there to support the major characters but have less influence on the story.
What does minor character mean in a story?
Minor characters. These are the other characters in a story. They are not as important as the major characters, but still play a large part in the story. Their actions help drive the story forward. They may impact the decisions the protagonist or antagonist make, either helping or interfering with the conflict.
If they are well placed, a minor character adds information that helps the reader understand other characters better. Minor characters in your story must serve a purpose – primarily serving character, tone, or plot. Without purpose, they only bog you down.
What are the types of minor characters?
There are not one but two types of major character, and three types of minor character.
- PROTAGONIST(S) – The Quester.
- MAJOR CHARACTERS – The Interested Party.
- MINOR CHARACTERS – Useful Acquaintances.
- SUPPORTING CHARACTERS – The Peer Group.
- BIT-PART PLAYERS – The set dressers.
How do minor characters impact a story?
What are the three major functions of character in drama?
Every character in a story is important, even minor ones. Actually, especially minor ones….What they should do, however, can be summed up with three major points:
- Propel the plot forward.
- Reveal information or give additional insight about major characters.
- Set the tone of a scene.
How do you make a fictional character?
8 Tips for Character Development
- Establish a character’s motivations and goals.
- Choose a voice.
- Do a slow reveal.
- Create conflict.
- Give important characters a backstory.
- Describe a character’s personality in familiar terms.
- Paint a physical picture of your characters.
- Develop secondary characters.
Do minor characters make or break a story?
Minor characters should add spice to your novel, not dull it down. Well-conceived minor characters add an extra spark that distinguishes the best fiction from everything else. It’s true. Minor characters can make or break a story. Add minor characters with a purpose, and you can establish a protagonist or polish a memorable scene.
What is the role of a minor character in a novel?
As mentioned previously, there are three major roles of minor characters that add great value to a novel, through plot, character, and tone. For example, let’s jump back to Tiny Tim who nails all three roles (hence, one reason why this story is a classic!). Tiny Tim acts as a trigger for Scrooge’s sympathy.
What happens if you have too many minor characters?
Minor characters can make or break a story. Add minor characters with a purpose, and you can establish a protagonist or polish a memorable scene. Add too much detail about a minor character or drown your story with too many of them, and your novel might self-implode.
What is a flat character in fiction?
Ginny Wiehardt wrote about fiction for The Balance Careers. She is an editor, instructor, and award-winning writer with over 15 years of experience. Flat characters—minor figures that play a supporting role in the story—are used to move the plot along, providing subtle exposition.