Damyanti Biswas is the author of You Beneath Your Skin and numerous short stories that have been published in magazines and anthologies in the US, the UK, and Asia. She has been shortlisted for Best Small Fictions and Bath Novel Awards and is co-editor of the Forge Literary Magazine. Her next literary crime thriller, The Blue Bar, is represented by Lucienne Diver from The Knight Agency, and was published by Thomas & Mercer on January 1, 2023.
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Small characters are like catalysts, they might not be that important, but they certainly can make a lasting impact. I know that since I am a literature student. 🙂
So true what you've said here. Even if you were paying to have them there as would have to be done in a movie, they are necessary to make the story more real, more interesting.
I love classic old movies. While there were many evils in the old studio system, it created a cadre of supporting character actors who often stole the show.
Interesting topic. Minor characters can be key sometimes. Manthara and Surpanakha have very tiny appearances in the Ramayana. But the whole epic hinges on those two minor characters
One writer during her workshop said to read though a manuscript for each minor character, looking at each scene involving or mentioning that character, to make sure it makes sense from that character's perspective. Then go back and do it for the major characters.
The main characters wouldn't be so three-dimensional if not for the supporting characters. (Which makes stories and movies with only main characters really difficult to do.) They can often take over, either in the first story or later ones.
Nicely shared and very well weaved in.
Small characters are like catalysts, they might not be that important, but they certainly can make a lasting impact. I know that since I am a literature student. 🙂
Well said, the supporting characters in a story often don't get the recognition for all that they add to the story.
It's a thankless task!
Characters often make all the difference but main characters wouldn't be so three-dimensional if not for the supporting characters,,,,,,,,,
They are important to the extent of creating a well stocked build up. And sometimes yes planning red herrings too 😀
Richa
Minor characters in a novel are like the salt in a dish….You can't eat it by itself….But without it, the book will be Tasteless!
So true what you've said here. Even if you were paying to have them there as would have to be done in a movie, they are necessary to make the story more real, more interesting.
Lee
An A to Z Co-Host
Tossing It Out
Informative post. We are all the major characters in our lives. Where would we be without the minor ones?
Supporting actors and characters often make all the difference.
I love classic old movies. While there were many evils in the old studio system, it created a cadre of supporting character actors who often stole the show.
Interesting topic. Minor characters can be key sometimes. Manthara and Surpanakha have very tiny appearances in the Ramayana. But the whole epic hinges on those two minor characters
A bit like Njal's wife in the Saga of Burnt Njal.
One writer during her workshop said to read though a manuscript for each minor character, looking at each scene involving or mentioning that character, to make sure it makes sense from that character's perspective. Then go back and do it for the major characters.
That's a good idea. Minor characters all have their own feelings and motivations.
Thinking of the characters as a community is a great way to put it. Cheers for a very interesting post.
mood
Moody Writing
Thanks for having me, Damyanti!
The main characters wouldn't be so three-dimensional if not for the supporting characters. (Which makes stories and movies with only main characters really difficult to do.) They can often take over, either in the first story or later ones.
Love your thoughts on world building for your characters. The minor ones are the glue that hold the others in place.