Editing Supporting character

{{short description|Character in a narrative that is not focused on by the primary storyline}}
{{redirect|Supporting role|the 1989 Cuban film|Supporting Roles{{!}}''Supporting Roles''}}
{{About||the 2012 American film|Supporting Characters{{!}}''Supporting Characters''}}
{{Distinguish|Supporting actor}}

A '''supporting character''' is a [[Character (arts)|character]] in a [[narrative]] that is not the focus of the primary [[Plot (narrative)|storyline]], but is important to the plot/protagonist,<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is a Supporting Character and why are they Important |date=15 May 2022 |url=https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-a-supporting-character-definition/}}</ref> and appears or is mentioned in the story enough to be more than just a minor character or a [[cameo appearance]]. Supporting characters differ from minor characters because they have complex [[backstory]] of their own,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.writingmastery.com/blog/how-to-write-stellar-supporting-characters|title=How to Write Stellar Supporting Characters}}</ref> desires, and emotions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is a Supporting Character — And Why They Matter – StudioBinder |url=https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-a-supporting-character-definition/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=www.studiobinder.com}}</ref> While this is usually in relation to the [[Protagonist|main character]], rather than entirely independently, developed supporting characters add layers and dimension to the story and the protagonist. These back stories can increase the plot or further develop the main character. Different supporting characters have different roles. Some common types of supporting characters include: love interest, antagonist, best friend, mentor, [[sidekick]], comic relief, and caregiver. Each supporting character has their own role that advances the plot and brings about conflict.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Team |first=DIY MFA |date=2024-07-02 |title=Supporting Characters - The Unsung Heroes of Storytelling - Pereira |url=https://diymfa.com/writing/supporting-characters-the-unsung-heroes/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=DIY MFA |language=en-US}}</ref> Often, supporting characters can cross over into different tropes. Some examples of well-known supporting characters include [[Dr. Watson|Watson]] in the [[Sherlock Holmes]] stories, [[Donkey (Shrek)|Donkey]] in the ''[[Shrek (franchise)|Shrek]]'' films, and [[Ron Weasley]] in the ''[[Harry Potter]]'' franchise. No matter what type of supporting character, they all help the protagonist achieve their purpose, advance the story, or have personal growth. Supporting characters fit into three broad categories: supporters, [[antagonist]]s, and informants.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Intelliminds |date=2024-08-29 |title=13 Types of Supporting Characters in Movies You Need to Know |url=https://glcoverage.com/2024/08/29/types-of-supporting-characters-in-movies/ |access-date=2025-02-19 |website=Greenlight Coverage |language=en-US}}</ref> 

Supporters include caregivers, love interests, comedic relief, and close friends. They are generally important to the protagonist, so they often become the target or victim to the antagonist. They also characterize the protagonist through dialogue and their relationship. They offer the protagonist aid, companionship, and physical or emotional help. [[Ron Weasley]] and [[Hermione Granger]] in the ''[[Harry Potter]]'' series are examples of supporters. 

Antagonists are the opposite of the protagonists and act as the conflict of the story. They challenge the protagonist and aid in teaching them a lesson. The [[Joker (character)|Joker]] is a popular antagonist in the ''[[Batman]]'' series.

Informants are characters that help the protagonist on a journey of personal growth or information. They can be mentors, guides, or messengers. They provide wisdom and direction for the protagonist, often at a crossroads in their journey. [[Yoda]] in the ''[[Star Wars]]'' franchise is an example of an informant. 

In television, supporting characters may appear in more than half of [[episode]]s per season. In some cases, especially in ongoing material such as [[comic book]]s and [[Television show|television series]], supporting characters themselves may become main characters in a [[Spinoff (media)|spin-off]] if they gain sufficient approval from their audience.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/minions-5-character-spinoff-films-808201|title=6 Characters Who Became the Stars of Their Own Spinoff Films|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=December 7, 2015|access-date=June 10, 2016|archive-date=September 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921192110/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/minions-5-character-spinoff-films-808201|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Bit part]]
* [[Henchman]]
* [[Subplot]]

==References==
<references />

{{narrative}}

[[Category:Fictional characters by role in the narrative structure]]
[[Category:Theatre]]