Episode 16 – Secondary Characters

A secondary character should help reveal the details of the plot and progress the story in some way. They can either inspire the protagonist or oppose the protagonist.

Do:

• Attach them to a place so that the reader can remember who they are.
• Go shallow, go deep to make a rounded character. As an author know something superficial as well as a character’s greatest fear.
• Use a character to illustrate the world you’ve created.
• There ensure that there is a reason the character is in the scene.

Don’t

• Have too many characters
• Make them into caricatures or too black and white.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs:

All human beings have to have their lower levels needs, such as food and water met, before the character can pursue self-actualisation.

• Food, water and shelter are the most basic needs.
• Safety and security.
• Love and belonging, inner wellbeing.
• Accomplishments and self-esteem.
• Self-actualisation.