I love my main characters. Most of the heroines and heroes I’ve written feel like dear friends. I’ve cheered them on, celebrated their happily ever afters, and even prayed for them (yes, really!). But something dawned on me recently. While I love my leading men and women, it’s some of the supporting characters I’ve penned who are my MBCs: Most Beloved Characters.
What’s even more fun, my readers agree! With each book I’ve released, readers profess their own adoration for these secondary stars in their reviews. It got me wondering what it is about these folks that works so well and resonates with readers.
Let’s meet a few of my favorite supporting characters, and ways they exemplify what makes supporting characters memorable.
Ina in Suddenly Forever
Ina McLean might be my favorite character I’ve ever written—including main characters. Really. In her 90s, Ina is spunky, no-nonsense, and downright hysterical. She serves as the “wise old sage” archetype, offering advice and wisdom to Cora and Luke, the main characters. She has a strong point of view (understatement of the century, ha!) and cements herself throughout the story as just as integral to the plot as Cora and Luke. But what makes her a beloved and memorable character is that she has her own story arc throughout the book, while still “supporting” the main characters’ arcs as well. Ina became, in a sense, the third leg of a character tripod. The story wouldn’t have been the same without her, making her irreplaceable and priceless.
Smitty in Gwen and the Three Dates (Once Upon a Summer Collection)
I think a good supporting character ultimately has one purpose: to literally support the protagonist(s). That’s exactly what Smitty does. He only makes an appearance a few times in this novella, as the old man always rocking on the porch of the local restaurant our main characters frequent. But, every time readers see him, he’s got a zinger of encouragement or truth. In a story that has to move fast, like a novella, characters like Smitty help cover a lot of emotional ground quickly. You’ll have to read for yourself, but I think you’ll agree Gwen and Ben both benefit greatly from Smitty’s own experience with finding love.
Otis in Someone Found
One of the supporting characters in my upcoming novel (available June 8!), Otis, has already received lots of love from early readers. The misunderstood old town grump, Otis, a Laurel Cove native, serves as an unexpected mentor to new-to-town heroine, Quinn, who feels like she can’t relate to her new surroundings. He puts things into perspective and gives her things to think about. Like Ina and Smitty, Otis has his own distinct personality and backstory. Plus, what’s not to love about a grumpy Gus who ends up being tender around the edges?
It’s not lost on me that all of the supporting characters I mention above are older folks. I think I gravitate toward writing strong older characters because I had awesome examples in my own life. My grandparents and great-grandmother were loving, present, and supportive while I had them. Generally, I just adore cute old people, so they’re easier for me to write.
What do you like most about your most beloved supporting characters? Who are some of you favorite in contemporary Christian romance books?
Get to know (and love) Ina in Suddenly Forever. You can meet Smitty in the Once Upon a Summer collection, which just released this week along with novellas from Inspy Romance authors Andrea Boyd, Toni Shiloh, and Jaycee Weaver! Get to know Otis in Someone Found, the third stand-alone novel in my Laurel Cove Romance series, releasing June 8. Pre-order it today here.
Teresa Tysinger is an author of Southern contemporary romance inspired by grace. She writes on the fringes of being a wife, mom, and full-time communications professional. Teresa is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, the Association for Women in Communications, and the Religion Communicators Council. She’s an introverted Enneagram 4 (if you know, you know) and loves coffee, traveling, and almost every genre of music. Born in Hawaii, raised in Florida, and educated in North Carolina, she now resides in Texas with her husband, daughter, and dog.
It’s hard to pick supporting characters, at least specific ones. I especially like ones that bring some genuine comic relief, not just hokey jokes, along with their wisdom. Unfortunately, the ones that tend to stick with me are those that you want to smack for being mean, selfish or overbearing. Probably not what you had in mind.
I think maybe the fact that I can’t pull up specific characters is that they are doing their job, supporting and not stealing their scenes. :-)
Hi Teresa! Not sure I can say I have favorite secondary characters. Congrats on your new release Once Upon a Summer. Just finished the first two stories. Will be reading Gwen and the three Dates this weekend. Busy weekend with family. Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend.
You make a very good point! Supporting characters who do their job then get out of the way are the kind you want, I suppose! Thanks, Lincoln.
Oh, enjoy! Hope you have a great long weekend.
Oh, one of my favorite supporting characters is Charley in Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor series. I’d love to meet him! He knows things about people that they haven’t told anyone, has a great relationship with Casper, Gladys and Floyd, along with all of the people that live in Hope Harbor and visit his taco stand. He has a direct link to God, too!!
Charley sounds like the perfect supporting character! Sounds like a little like Clarence in It’s a Wonderful Life….minus the tacos. HA!
Charlie a character in Irene Hannon’s Hope Harbor series
Supporting characters can be so fun, I especially enjoy it when they are so loved that they get their own books! Everyone needs a sounding board and I think supporting characters can really help propel the main characters on their journey, and point out things that the main characters can’t see for themselves.
That’s the second vote for this character! How fun!
You’re so right, on all counts! Thanks, Megan.
I really can’t name any, I have read so many good books with very good supporting characters, I just love them all. Have a Great long weekend and stay safe.
I like supporting characters that are like a mentor to the main characters. Who also help them on their faith walk when they struggle or remind them of God’s promises, love, and care for them. Those are true friends in my book!
I’ve “met” a lot of supporting secondary characters in books and I’m always happy to see them get their own stories :-)
I love Sissy from A Thousand Words by Mandi Blake :)
She finds the silver lining in everything, such an optimist – pure sunshine!
I know what you mean! Same to you. :)
Those type DO make the best friend and great supporting roles! Thanks, Trixi!
Optimism can be a great quality in a supporting character when the main character is need of encouragement or positivity during a crisis or challenge! Thanks!
I like supporting characters that add to the story, not just be there to beef up numbers.
In Sincerely, Mayla by Virginia Smith I fell in love with Aunt Louisa who looked after Mayla’s mother. Being a carer at the time like Aunt Louisa was I could see how the grandmother manipulated her but love how with Mayla’s help she was able to stand up to her mother but also was as an older character (40’s) able to fall in love and she gave me hope.
In Janet Tronstad’s Dry Creek books Mrs Hargraves is a wonderful grandmotherly character who has good advice and is a good listener.
In a historical I really identified with a secondary male character and it was partly where I fell in love with the name Gilbert.
I completely agree!
These are great examples of wonderful, memorable supporting characters. Thanks so much for joining the conversation!
I have found that the supporting characters have a story to tell also. It is great when an author comes back to write a book about their story. Supporting characters add depth to a story. God bless you.
That’s a great point, Debra. Sometimes (like me with Ina), us authors fall in love with supporting characters as much as main characters because of those stories they have of their own!
they can help change the mood in the story.
You’re so right!