A couple of years ago, I submitted part of my first romance manuscript to a well-known publishing company. A few months later, the editor replied with her comments and suggestions. Despite my manuscript being rejected, I was thankful she took the time to offer feedback. She advised not to make side characters more interesting than the main characters.
That’s when I asked myself these questions: Why can’t side characters be more compelling? Why can’t they shine brighter than the main characters in a story? Think of it like food. Yes, the main dish is the central focus, but sometimes the side dish can end up being the highlight of the feast.
Main Characters vs Side Character
The main, side, or minor characters are the “who” of the story. In romance, they all have important roles to play. The main characters are the leading stars or actors. They are the heroes and heroines. The story centers on them.
Side characters are the supporting actors or individuals. They are not the focus, but they also matter. Side characters influence the protagonist positively or negatively. For example, side characters can be rivals causing conflict or close friends cheering on the main character. Side characters can be anyone, such as family, friends, mentors, or coworkers; this list isn’t exhaustive.
Why The Side Characters Matter?
Fictional romances center on their main characters. It’s their journeys the audience should follow. But fulfilling those journeys requires the help, motivation, or unique perspectives of a side character.
This doesn’t imply that writers should purposely create side characters that overshadow the main character. Yet, depending on the story and plot, the personality of the characters, and other elements, some side characters are especially intriguing and necessary.
When two close family members read my romance novella, Colliding with Love, they both found Mr. Warren, a ruthless tycoon developer and side character, to be just as entertaining as the main characters. Did Mr. Warren steal the spotlight? I suppose it depends on who you ask. Yet, I designed this character with unique behavior and dialogue to align with his personality. This character also supported the plot and motivated the main character while present in only two or three chapters.
Side characters also add extra flavor or an unusual narrative. Remember when I mentioned food earlier? Well, I created the Combo Analogy to use as an example. Let’s say the hero and heroine in a romance story are burgers, aka the main meal. But they are missing something. Of course, they are. They are missing the side orders to go with the burger. We typically order sides, e.g., fries, onion rings, and baked beans. Don’t forget about the potato chips, coleslaw, or potato salad.
Just like the side dishes, our side characters can be fun, spicy, dry, hard, sweet, cold, etc. It’s about enhancing the enjoyment of the burgers. In other words, it’s about enriching the story and the main characters’ journeys. But be mindful of the portion sizes. The idea is to not have side characters appear in too many scenes or have too much dialogue. It’s about the flavor, texture, and temperature, not the size or amount.
Sometimes, secondary characters are compelling enough to warrant individual stories. Yes—they are that fascinating and powerful enough to stand on their own. Here’s one example. I’m a huge rom-com movie lover. I adored the romantic comedy film Crazy Rich Asians, but I found the cousin who played Astrid to be just as captivating as the hero and heroine. I wanted to know more about her background. This is no criticism of the main characters as they performed well and the movie was a big hit. But something about Astrid’s presence brought the right amount of balance without appearing in many scenes.
What Really Matters
Romance fans want great stories. Storytellers and writers are eager to pen them. They shouldn’t have to worry if they create attention-grabbing side characters. Now and then, witty, strange, or charismatic side characters will pop up in a story. I don’t think writers would complain one bit knowing that their audience loves these side characters. It’s better than having the audience not finish a book or movie because of the unlikable or uninviting main characters.
I’ll admit something. I’m a side girl and adore those supportive, witty, strange, or nurturing side characters. Think of some of your favorite romance books or movies with memorable side characters. Now, try to imagine those stories without them. Do you think you would have enjoyed them more or less? Who are some side characters you love? Which side characters would you like to see have their own stories? Share your comments.