Secondary Characters

🧠 Warm-Up: Side Character Snapshot

Pick a side character (or two!) and answer the following without referencing their role in the protagonist’s life:

• What do they want most?

• What are they afraid of?

• What is their biggest secret?

• What’s one habit or quirk that makes them unique?

• How would they describe your protagonist?

🧩 Character Function Map

For each of your major side characters, jot down:

Character Name:

Role in Story:

Pushes Protagonist How?

Could They Be Cut or Combined?

🎬 Scene Scan

Flip through a few key scenes. Ask:

• Do your side characters make choices in these scenes?
  (Or are they just standing around reacting?)

• Do they influence the plot or theme in a unique way?

• Could a different character swap into this moment without any changes?
  (If yes, consider how to make their presence more intentional.)

📝 Writing Prompt

Write a monologue or journal entry from the POV of a side character.
Have them reflect on the protagonist — what they admire, what annoys them, and what they secretly hope happens next.

This helps you explore:

• Their independent voice

• Their perspective on the story’s events

• How they see themselves in relation to your plot

🔍 Final Questions to Reflect

• If this character disappeared from the book, what would change?

• What do they represent in your story?

• How does their arc (even a small one!) echo or contrast the protagonist’s?

• What kind of story would they tell if they were the main character?