Some writers are so busy concentrating on the main characters that they forget to populate the story with a strong supporting cast. First person is the most common POV where secondary characters are minimized. If not handled aptly, 1st Person can become vary narrow in scope, almost narcissistic. The writer is focused on dealing with the protagonist’s motivation, thoughts and action that secondary characters almost vanish off the page.

Secondary characters are a writer’s most useful tool in portraying major plot points, or highlighting the protagonist’s faults or strengths. Whether the characters are for or against the protagonists, they can become a tremendous sounding board or voice for the writer to speak in ways not available with the established arch of the protagonist.  In real life, people don't operate in a vacuum, so neither should the main characters of a story. Even a hero needs help now and again.

Supporting characters can also bring to life the richness of the world being portrayed, and provide authenticity to the story. Multi-faceted dimension can be created by way of these characters. For example, in the classic Les Miserables, Victor Hugo created memorable secondary characters. Fantine became the catalyst for Jean Valjean and a symbol of society’s injustice.  Eponine, who for a secret love, willingly sacrifices everything, including her life, to protect her love. Through these two women, (and, yes, others) Hugo shows different sides of the French Revolution that swirls around the primary characters Valjean and Javert. Hugo creates a complex story of multiple layers displayed through the various lives of the supporting cast.

Just like Les Miserables, the supporting cast of one's story must always touch the main characters in some way, whether by direct interaction or indirect impact of their actions upon the situation. In other words, secondary characters shouldn't be just window dressing, but a part of the set purpose of the storyline.

A writer should never under estimate the power of good, strong secondary characters.

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