When building a cast of characters for your story, it’s tempting to pour creativity into every single one. Sometimes, though, a side character becomes so interesting that they start overshadowing the main character.
While side characters are essential for adding depth and flavor to your story, they should never steal the spotlight. So, how do you keep this from happening?
What Are Side Characters?
Side characters are the supporting players in your story. They could be friends, family, mentors, or even the villain’s loyal henchman. Their job is to help the main character shine.
A well-written side character:
- Advances the plot.
- Supports or challenges the protagonist.
- Adds layers to the world without taking it over.
Think of Dr. Watson in Sherlock Holmes. He’s intelligent, loyal, and often narrates the stories. However, his role is to showcase Holmes’s brilliance and help unravel the mysteries. He is essential to the story but doesn’t outshine Holmes.
Why Do Side Characters Sometimes Steal the Show?
Side characters can steal the show for a few reasons. One is their unique traits, like humor or charm, which can make them more memorable than the protagonist.
Another reason is when the protagonist lacks depth, causing readers to focus on the more interesting side characters.
Lastly, side characters may take over if they get too much attention or have story arcs that seem as important as the main plot.
All three create an imbalance in the story. When readers are more invested in the side character, it’s hard to stay connected to the main character’s journey.
Don’t get me wrong. There are times when side characters can take the spotlight. It’s only a problem if it keeps happening in the story.
Tips to Keep Side Characters From Stealing the Show
Here are a few ways you can keep side characters from stealing the spotlight of your stories.
1. Develop a strong protagonist.
Your protagonist should be the star of the story. They need compelling goals, relatable struggles, and a satisfying character arc. Ask yourself: Does my main character have enough depth?
Show their internal growth alongside external actions. For example, Harry Potter may have plenty of memorable side characters, but his personal journey remains the core of the story.
2. Balance screen time.
If a side character is taking up too much space, it might be time to pull back. Keep their appearances meaningful but brief.
Develop them enough to feel realistic, but their presence should be proportional to their role. For example, use them in scenes where they move the character’s journey forward. Or consider cutting or combining scenes to refocus on the protagonist.
3. Keep their goals secondary.
Side characters need their own goals to feel believable, but these goals should complement the protagonist’s journey. A side character whose story competes with the protagonist’s can confuse readers about who they should be rooting for.
Again, in Sherlock Holmes, Watson has his own life as a doctor and writer. But this never overshadows Sherlock and the mysteries he solves.
4. Tone them down.
Quirky side characters can add charm and humor to a story, but too much quirkiness can make them distracting. A little goes a long way. Make sure they don’t dominate key scenes. Better yet, balance them out with quieter moments.
They’ll still make an impact but in a grounded sort of way. Let your main characters be the ones who shine larger than life.
5. Focus on the main plot.
If a subplot involving a side character becomes too elaborate or disconnected from the protagonist’s story, it can pull readers out of the main narrative. Always ask: Does this scene serve the main storyline? If not, consider cutting or revising it.
In The Lord of the Rings, Merry and Pippin have their own subplot with Treebeard, but it ultimately ties back to the larger goal of defeating Sauron. This ensures the main story stays cohesive.
6. Have them enhance the main character.
A side character should reflect, challenge, or support the main character. They can highlight strengths, expose weaknesses, or push for growth.
It’s important to avoid making side characters into doormats who exist only to prop up the protagonist. Doing so makes them flat and unconvincing. Again, give them their own opinions, beliefs, and agency.
In Star Wars, Han Solo’s skepticism clashes with Luke Skywalker’s idealism. In the end, both benefit from each other’s differences. Han finds a reason to fight for something greater than himself. Luke matures into a confident, reliable leader.
7. Give your main characters the best moments.
While side characters can have standout moments, give your main characters the most powerful lines and actions. They’re the center of the story and must remain the driving force behind the plot.
Take The Incredibles as an example. Edna Mode is a scene-stealer with her bold eccentricity and quotable lines (No capes!). Her dramatic flair makes her unforgettable, but she never overshadows Mr. Incredible’s struggles. Bob’s journey of reconciling his superhero past with his current family life remains the heart of the story.
Conclusion
Side characters add depth, humor, and intrigue to a story, but they should support, not overshadow, the main character. Let your main characters take the lead, shine in key moments, and own the emotional heart of the story. When each character has a clear role, your story will stay focused and keep readers hooked.
How do you keep your side characters from stealing the show? Share your thoughts below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- 3 Types of Supporting Characters and How to Write Them Better
- 11 of the Best Comic Relief Characters in Fiction
- 45 Types of Stock Characters to Help Build Your Story
- Flat vs. Round Characters: Examples and Tips for Writing Them
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
