Incidental character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Incidental character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a character in a story or narrative that plays a minor or secondary role, often not central to the main plot. Example: "The incidental character of the shopkeeper added depth to the story, even though he only appeared in a few scenes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"It's so weird!" breathes an incidental character ecstatically, and he's not kidding.

The Guardian - Film

Despite the subtitle, A Tale of the Christ, Jesus of Nazareth is an incidental character.

The Guardian - Film

Emma turned out to be an incidental character: she died in 1993, in a traffic accident in Nairobi; the fighting continues.

The New Yorker

The dog that talked with a sassy attitude and a Mexican accent was introduced by TBWA/Chiat/Day in 1997 as an incidental character in a single commercial.

The New York Times

Such discontinuities appear on many scales; the sleeper bay is an example with a periodical character, whereas examples with an incidental character are level crossings, bridges, tunnels, abutments, culverts but also switch panels and ballast and foundation stiffness variations.

Computers & Structures

My solution, of course, was to make it as a documentary - to throw out the book itself and go back to Simpson and Yates (and the third incidental character, Hawking) and get them to tell the story afresh.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

(Even the incidental characters standing on the sidewalk are right).

The New York Times

Why clutter it with so much extraneous detail and so many incidental characters?

The Economist

The stories of these incidental characters are told in still photographs in fast flash-forwards.

The Guardian - Film

There have been dozens of other storylines and subplots along the way, and hundreds of incidental characters.

The Guardian - Sport

The final episode features the four friends facing trial and imprisonment for their "callous indifference" to other people with incidental characters from previous episodes called as character witnesses.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Incidental character" to denote a character whose role is not central to the plot but may add depth or context to the narrative. Consider if the character's impact warrants a stronger descriptor.

Common error

Avoid using "incidental character" when the character significantly influences the plot or main characters. A more descriptive term like "supporting character" may be more appropriate if the role is more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incidental character" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as a descriptor, identifying a type of character within a narrative. As Ludwig AI displays, it appears frequently in film and literary criticism.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incidental character" is a noun phrase used to describe a character whose role is minor and not central to the plot. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in English, typically appearing in neutral to formal contexts, such as news and media, and academic discussions of literature and film. While grammatically sound, alternative phrases like "minor character" or "supporting character" may be more suitable depending on the precise context. Remember to avoid using "incidental character" when the character has a significant impact on the story.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Minor character

Focuses on the character's reduced importance to the main narrative.

Secondary character

Highlights that the character supports the central narrative.

Peripheral character

Emphasizes the character's tangential involvement in the plot.

Tertiary character

Indicates a character of even less importance than a secondary character.

Supporting character

Describes a character that helps advance the protagonist’s story.

Background character

Character that provides depth to the scene but has little or no impact on the plot.

Extra character

Describes a character with minimal or no speaking lines in the background.

Guest character

Describes the temporary or limited nature of the character's appearance.

Bit player

Emphasizes the character's short appearance and limited role.

Walk-on character

Refers to a character with a very brief appearance and typically no lines.

FAQs

What does "Incidental character" mean in literature?

In literature, an "incidental character" is a minor figure whose presence serves to enrich the setting or provide context but isn't crucial to the main plot. They often appear briefly and don't undergo significant development.

What's the difference between an incidental and a secondary character?

While both are not main characters, a secondary character plays a more active role in the plot and interacts significantly with the protagonist. An "incidental character" has a much smaller role, often appearing in just a few scenes without much impact on the overall storyline.

What are some alternatives to "Incidental character"?

You can use alternatives like "minor character", "peripheral character", or "supporting character" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey about the character's role.

How does an incidental character contribute to a story?

An "incidental character" can enhance the story's realism, provide background information, or create a sense of a larger world beyond the main plot. They often add color and depth without directly affecting the central conflict.