as a secondary character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a secondary character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the role or importance of a character in a story, film, or play, indicating that the character is not the main focus. Example: "In the novel, the protagonist's best friend serves as a secondary character, providing support and comic relief throughout the story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Albert Pierrepoint, the UK's most famous executioner, will feature as a secondary character in the play directed by Matthew Dunster.

The Guardian

What made you want to keep writing about April P? When I wrote "Another Life," it's true that April P began as a secondary character.

The New Yorker

As in his previous books, Sacco depicts himself as a secondary character and details his reporting methods.

Los Angeles Times

Taking place ten years after the events of the game, the anime features Akihiko as a secondary character.

Wikipedia

He originally appeared (then under the name of "Reinardus") as a secondary character in the 1150 poem Ysengrimus.

Wikipedia

Much like Justin Timberlake found his greatest success acting in The Social Network as a secondary character, maybe Drake should just attach himself to the best director possible and take a smaller role to bury himself into.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Baker's last published work, Right Wing, as well as his posthumous novels Testosterone and Anarchy, represent a stylistic departure in that he inserts himself into the plot as either a secondary character or the protagonist.

Wikipedia

Therefore, Tidus was not an undead person during the game, and such role was given to Auron, as he was a secondary character.

Wikipedia

DVD Movie Guide's Colin Jacobson wrote: "The episode took an unusual approach for an early show, as it focused largely on a secondary character.

Wikipedia

Maybe you need a secondary character such as a henchman, a best friend, a romantic interest, a sidekick, or a significant other.

WikiHow

David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter Much has been written in theater gossip columns about Pacino having trouble with his lines in a play that's essentially a series of monologues, with interruptions from a secondary character that serve as prompts.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a secondary character", ensure the context clearly establishes the primary character or focus to provide a point of reference for the secondary role.

Common error

Avoid using "as a secondary character" when the character in question significantly influences the plot or has a well-developed backstory. Reserve the phrase for truly supporting roles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a secondary character" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, specifying the role or status of a character within a narrative. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing characters in various media, from plays to video games.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a secondary character" serves as a prepositional phrase that defines a supporting role within a narrative or context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various sources. While the phrase appears more frequently in News & Media and Wiki contexts, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. To enhance clarity, ensure the primary character or focus is well-established. It's crucial to avoid using this phrase when the character significantly influences the plot or exhibits a well-developed backstory. Related phrases such as "in a supporting role" or "as a minor character" can also be used depending on what aspect you want to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a supporting role

Focuses on the function of the character rather than their level of importance.

as a minor character

Emphasizes the limited presence or significance of the character.

as a side character

Highlights the character's position alongside the main protagonist.

in a subordinate role

Indicates a hierarchical relationship where the character is less influential.

as a peripheral character

Suggests the character is on the outskirts of the main action.

as an auxiliary character

Implies the character provides assistance or support but is not central.

in a supplementary capacity

Highlights the character's role in adding to or completing the main narrative.

in a non-essential role

Directly states the character is not crucial to the plot.

as a bit player

Downplays the character's significance, suggesting a very small role.

as a walk-on character

Indicates the character has a minimal or non-speaking part.

FAQs

How to use "as a secondary character" in a sentence?

You can use "as a secondary character" to describe a role that supports the main narrative, such as, "The protagonist's best friend functions "in a supporting role", serving as a secondary character who provides comic relief.".

What can I say instead of "as a secondary character"?

Alternatives include "in a supporting role", "as a minor character", or "as a side character", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What distinguishes a secondary character from a main character?

A main character typically drives the plot and undergoes significant development, while a secondary character supports the main character's journey and has less screen time or influence on the central conflict. The phrase "as a secondary character" is thus reserved for less significant roles.

Is "as a secondary character" interchangeable with "minor character"?

While similar, "minor character" emphasizes the character's limited presence, while "as a secondary character" highlights their supporting function relative to the protagonist. The choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize.