Writing Tip of the Day-Secondary Characters

When working with a series, secondary characters are often introduced who will be featured in future books. The author must walk a fine line between making them compelling enough to attract readers to the remainder of the series and making them so attractive that they draw attention away from the current hero or heroine.

Writing Tip of the Day-Secondary Characters

Secondary characters should be fully developed in their physical descriptions, motivations and attitudes. Yet they should never overshadow the heroine or hero in attraction or personality, never divert attention from these main characters.

Writing Tip of the Day-Secondary Characters

Your story plot should not turn on the direct actions or decisions of secondary characters. Their purpose is to encourage the actions or decisions of the protagonist.

Writing Tip of the Day-Secondary Characters

Secondary characters should not be introduced into a story to serve a single purpose. Once included, they should be given a continuing, if minor, role.

Writing Tip of the Day-Secondary Characters

A very young child or baby as a character in a romance novel, particularly the ever popular "secret baby", can be used to create vital conflict between the hero and heroine or, by contrast, bind them together until they are able to overcome other obstacles to their HEA.

Writing Tip of the Day-Secondary Characters

The most common purpose of a child as a secondary character in a romance novel is to illustrate an important aspect of the character of either hero or heroine. The essential point is not the "cute factor" of the child but the actions and reactions of the main character.

Writing Tip of the Day-Secondary Characters

A mentor-type secondary character is one who provides needed knowledge and understanding for the main character while simultaneously encouraging independent action.

Writing Tip of the Day-Secondary Characters

A "mirror" secondary character in a romance novel is one who reflects some past problem or character trait of the hero or heroine. Exploration of this point can lead to illumination for both the main character and the reader.

Writing Tip of the Day-Secondary Characters

A friend or relative is often useful as a support character or sounding board for the hero or heroine. Dialogue between them can highlight character traits and habits, establish back story, allow examination of the present, foreshadow coming events, and many other uses.

Writing Tip of the Day-Secondary Characters

The Other Man or Other Woman, particularly in the romance novel, is always a secondary character. His/her purpose is to create conflict between hero and heroine or to become the catalyst for some dramatic event or revelation.

Writing Tip of the Day-Secondary Characters

Contemporary category romance novels of 50-65,000 words allow for only minor secondary characters. Space limitations prohibit the development of complete secondary plots involving these characters.

Writing Tip of the Day-Secondary Characters

Secondary characters should remain just that: secondary. They must not become so colorful or intriguing that they compete with the main characters for reader attention.

Writing Tip of the Day-Secondary Characters

Secondary characters should only be included if they serve a specific story purpose. This may be, but is not limited to, mentor, comic relief, sounding board, safety net, support person, mirror character or as an aid in illustrating the story setting or theme.