How Secondary Characters Strengthen Plot, Character, and Story Flow

From Edie: Learn how secondary characters strengthen plot, reveal character, and improve story flow—without info dumps—in fiction writing.

How Secondary Characters Strengthen Plot, Character, and Story Flow

by Sarah Sally Hamer @SarahSallyHamer

The Unsung Power of Secondary Characters in Storytelling

When we think about memorable stories, our minds usually concentrate on the protagonists—the heroes, heroines, or central figures who drive the narrative forward. Yet, behind every compelling main character stands an entire cast of secondary characters who enrich the world, deepen the plot, and often carry crucial information that shapes the story’s direction. Far from being background noise, these supporting figures can be the secret ingredient that transforms a good story into a great one.

Why Secondary Characters Matter

Where would Frodo be without Samwise Gangee? Or Dorothy without the Scarecrow? How would Jane Austen so deftly give us information about Darcy without the foil of Bingley and his sisters? How would we know of Sherlock Holmes’s logical and brilliant crime-solving outcomes without Dr. Watson to exclaim about it and write it all down? 

These secondary characters and many, many more, serve as mirrors or foils or bridges of information. They reflect aspects of the protagonist that we may not get to see otherwise and provide perspectives that the main character cannot. More importantly, they often deliver information that the protagonist—and the reader—needs to move forward. Without them, plots risk becoming flat and boring.

Think of the loyal sidekick who uncovers a hidden clue, the mentor who shares wisdom at just the right moment, or even the antagonist’s henchman who inadvertently reveals a weakness. These characters may not dominate the spotlight, but their presence ensures the story flows naturally and avoids the dreaded “info dump.”

Relaying Information Without Breaking Flow

One of the greatest challenges in writing is delivering necessary information without pulling readers out of the narrative. Secondary characters are invaluable here, giving the reader information that will feel authentic within the story’s world. Instead of the narrator stepping in with a block of explanation, a secondary character can weave that detail into dialogue, action, or even conflict. Austen is a master at this. Instead of TELLING us who Darcy is, Austen steps back and allows other characters to do so. Bingley, who considers Darcy his best friend, shows us how good a man he is. Wickham, on the other hand, gives us a completely different version. And Elizabeth makes up her mind, based on what she discovers to be true.

Tips for Using Secondary Characters Effectively

Here are some practical strategies to make your supporting cast shine:

• Give Them Purpose: Every secondary character should serve a role beyond filling space. Ask yourself: What do they add to the story? Do they provide knowledge, emotional support, tension, or comic relief? If they don’t serve a clear purpose, consider reshaping or removing them.

• Use Dialogue as a Vehicle: Dialogue is one of the most natural ways to deliver information. A secondary character can ask questions the reader is wondering, share expertise, or challenge the protagonist’s assumptions. This keeps exposition lively and interactive.

• Balance Subtlety and Clarity: Secondary characters shouldn’t feel like walking encyclopedias. Instead, let them reveal information in bits and pieces, often motivated by their own goals. A friend might gossip, a teacher might lecture, or a rival might boast. Each interaction should feel true to the character’s personality.

• Limit the number: Too many secondary characters can overwhelm readers and dilute their impact. Focus on a handful of well-developed figures who each serve distinct functions. Quality over quantity ensures that every supporting role resonates.

• Let Them Surprise You: Sometimes, secondary characters evolve in unexpected ways. A minor figure introduced to deliver a single piece of information might grow into a fan favorite or even a pivotal plot driver. They might even need a book on their own in the future. Stay open to these possibilities—they can add richness and unpredictability to your story.

Final Thoughts

Secondary characters are more than supporting actors—they are conduits of information, emotion, and meaning. Craft them with intention and purpose. That way, they can help protagonists with their arcs and, at the same time, they may just hold the key to unlocking your plot’s full potential.

How do you decide which secondary characters are essential to your story?

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How Secondary Characters Strengthen Plot, Character, and Story Flow from @SarahSallyHamer on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Sarah (Sally) Hamer, B.S., MLA, is a lover of books, a teacher of writers, and a believer in a good story. Most of all, she is eternally fascinated by people and how they 'tick'. She’s passionate about helping people tell their own stories, whether through fiction or through memoir. Writing in many genres—mystery, science fiction, fantasy, romance, medieval history, non-fiction—she has won awards at both local and national levels, including two Golden Heart finals.

A teacher of memoir, beginning and advanced creative fiction writing, and screenwriting at Louisiana State University in Shreveport for over twenty years, she also teaches online for Margie Lawson at WWW.MARGIELAWSON.COM and atHTTPS://NOSTRESSWRITING.COM/. Sally is a free-lance editor and book coach, with many of her students and clients becoming successful, award-winning authors. You can find her at SALLY@MINDPOTENTIAL.ORG