a subplot character or minor character who helps to raise the stakes for the main protagonist, or who reflects the same problems or issues of the protagonist, while providing texture or dimensionality to the setting.
A character of a book, play, movie, TV show or other form of storytelling usually used only to give dimension to a main character, by adding a relationship with this character, although sometimes supporting characters may develop a complexity of their own.
The supporting character "sells" the protagonist or the antagonist to the audience or helps validate their character. If anyone has watched professional wrestling before, there is always a prelimanary opponent the main opponent squashes before their big match with the Champion. Why? Because it sells the invincibility of the opponent and provides dramatic tension up to the eventual clash with the Champion. The supporting character can also represent a personality aspect of the main character. In other words, if the main character is an introvert the supporting character will be a complimentary opposite and be extroverted. But, the main function of these characters are to support the main character.
Return to Top
Warner hits the slopes
Film News: Studio buys rights to gold medalist ski racer's story -- Warner Bros. Pictures and scribe Jamie Linden have pacted to tell the saga of downhill ski racer Bill Johnson, the 1984 Olympic gold medalist who lost his memory in a devastating crash during a comeback bid.
Casting sleight of hand
Film News: Malkovich brings magic to 'Buck' -- In a casting sleight of hand, John Malkovich has materialized in the role of a magician in "The Great Buck Howard," the Sean McGinly-directed drama that co-stars Colin Hanks and Tom Hanks.
Legendary kicks in on 'Kung Fu'
Film News: '70s TV skein comes to the bigscreen -- Welcome back, grasshopper. Warners-based Legendary Pictures is bringing "Kung Fu" to the bigscreen after acquiring film rights to the 1970s TV skein from series creator Ed Spielman.
Spike's sold on Fox thriller
Film News: 'Man' helmer to do rewrite with an eye toward directing it -- Spike Lee has made a deal to rewrite "Selling Time," a supernatural thriller for 20th Century Fox. John Davis and Jennifer Klein will produce.
'Closing' in on pic
Film News: Mossad lends hand to Kaplan story -- Israeli secret service org Mossad is putting its muscle behind the Israeli film "Closing the Circle," inspired by the group's real-life rescue of kidnapped American U.N. volunteer David Kaplan in Iraq.
Return to Top
