How to Write Side Characters

1. Unique POV! A side character should provide a unique point-of-view (POV) and perspective to the story.

2. Purpose! As a result of your side character's unique perspective, what will they teach the main character? What will come of their unique qualities and POV?

3. Growth/Arc! Side characters shouldn't be as well-rounded as your main character, but they should have a small arc or reflect some type of growth throughout the story.

4. Backstory! When it comes to side characters, you should be asking yourself why they are with the main character and how they got there. Putting this on the page will help give them backstory.

5. Subplots! Just like the main character, a side character should have subplots. Subplots can overlap with the main plot if they are still with the main character. Take a look at The Lord of the Rings, for example.

6. Impact! Side characters should have an impact on both the plot and the main character. The side character has to mean something to the main character. Without these elements on the page, why include the side character in the first place?

7. Unique Quality! What is unique about your side character? Why did you include them? What do they bring to the story, plot, main character, and overall events? Have them bring something unique to the story, even if it's just a specific element of their personality.

8. Not all side characters should be memorable! Have some fade in and out.

Hope this is helpful to those writers struggling with bringing side characters to life on the page! 🤎