I'm currently working on character development and an outline and have begun considering the character's relationship when a fascinating thing happened:
The relationships began suggesting other relationships and characters.
All of a sudden I have a proliferation of characters: Secondary and tertiary characters popping up and saying "I exist, have a purpose and a function!".
It's inspiring but almost unnerving. Fortunately, I've just answered my own question about how to deal with this:
The premise.
Arrrr (piraty sound)
If they don't serve the premise then they can wait in the wings. (pun intended)
Thus any number of the characters will never be anything more than an influence felt through the way the visible characters act and interact.
Thanks for the help. : )
Posted by Tricia V (Member # 6324) on :
You're welcome... I think.
Posted by Tricia V (Member # 6324) on :
I think I'll start writing a collection of short stories about my supporting characters. Some of them will make their way into the book, others probably not. But it will give me something to submit to Frag & Feedback.
Posted by lehollis (Member # 2883) on :
Supporting characters are good. They can do all kinds of useful things, especially if you need a different PoV for a particular scene. Just remember that you can always remove them if they end up being baggage in the end.
I like supporting characters because they can ask questions, giving someone a chance to fill in gaps; they can give information; they can highlight character traits; and they can help reveal background or setting information. Among other things, I'm sure
