The VERB - April '08

ARE YOUR MINOR CHARACTERS
MAJOR PLAYERS?

Minor characters are not the top hog at the trough, but they're certainly in the pen. Aside from giving major characters someone to talk to, they add depth, variety and history. Matter of fact, some have been known to steal the scene.

What makes a minor character stand out? Unpredictability.

Take the quiz below to see if you spot the memorable minor characters.

1. A detective interviews an old lady who witnessed a hideous crime. Which minor character stands out?

     a) The old lady welcomes him into her home and answers all his questions.
     b) The old lady can't remember anything and sends him away with cookies.
     c) The old lady answers his questions while she shingles the roof.

2. A store cashier asks her boss for a raise. Which minor character stands out?

     a) The boss smiles and agrees.
     b) The boss shakes his head and says no.
     c) The boss refuses to discuss it without his hamster present.

3. A teenager must ride the school bus when his car breaks down. Which minor character stands out?

     a) The bus driver welcomes him aboard.
     b) The bus driver glares at him for making him stop.
     c) The bus driver, suffering from an ingrown toenail, tells him to drive.

4. A couple splurges on a meal at a five star restaurant. Which minor character stands out?

     a) The maitre d' checks their reservation, then happily leads them to their table.
     b) The maitre d' looks them up and down, then insists they wait in the corner.
     c) The maitre d', openly crying, sits them at the wrong table ... twice.

5. A famous singer must visit the dentist. Which minor character stands out?

     a) The dental receptionist rushes her to the chair.
     b) The dental receptionist asks for her autograph.
     c) The dental receptionist breaks out in song.

The A and B characters react in predictable ways. Yawn. Readers will barely notice these people.

The C characters break the mold by doing something unexpected. The surprise will make readers eager to meet the next minor character in your story.