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.
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January release for 'Red Cliff 2'
Film News: Second installment gets release date -- The second installment of John Woo’s $80 million period epic “Red Cliff” will premiere Jan. 15 in China, the first step in a tightly coordinated Asian release campaign.
Sony premieres Blu-ray in China
Film News: Studio first to distribute format in country -- Sony Pictures is poised to become the first Hollywood studio to distribute Blu-ray DVDs in China. Move comes as pirates in China are beginning to trade in new forms of fake discs.
Warner Bros. gets 'Lucky'
Film News: Studio obtains rights to Sparks bestseller -- Warner Bros. has cut a seven-figure deal for the movie rights to "The Lucky One," the latest bestseller by Nicholas Sparks.
MGM picks up 'Vibes'
Film News: Studio aquires rights to Ryan novel -- MGM has acquired Amy Kathleen Ryan's young adult novel "Vibes" and tapped "Nancy Drew" screenwriter Tiffany Paulsen to adapt.
'Soloist' to be released April 24
Film News: Date change for DreamWorks, Paramount film -- DreamWorks and Paramount have agreed to release fact-based Jamie Foxx-Robert Downey Jr. drama "The Soloist" on April 24 instead of March 13.
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