By Susan G. Haws
When I read and just love a book I try to think why
I get sucked into those characters and worlds. I am discovering several things
that help me accept the characters and their situation. One of these is
distinctive secondary and antagonistic characters.
As a reader not only do I identify with the main
character I appreciate the individuality of the other characters that populate
the novel. Just as in real life, some side characters are more important, such
as: family, friends and enemies so the reader knows them well and other
characters are more of acquaintances and others only cross paths with the main
character.
The Harry Potter novels exemplify distinctive
secondary characters. The reader gets to
know core people surrounding Harry such as Ron, Hermione, Draco, and Snape in
depth. But a reader of the series could easily discuss the character growth of
Percy Weasley, the fears and strengths of Remus Lupin, the change in behavior
of Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy over the series, or Neville Longbottom as a hero. Even Mundungus Fletcher can be picked out of a line
up.
How do you develop your secondary and smaller
characters into individuals?
Excellent post. We do "fall" in love with the extras don't we? Where would Luke or Anakin Skywalker be without R2D2 or C3PO?
ReplyDeleteI so love R2D2. Hans Solo and Chewy also add so much more interest to the story.
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