incidental characters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incidental characters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to characters in a story or narrative that are not central to the main plot but still play a role in the overall context. Example: "In the novel, the incidental characters add depth to the story, providing background and context to the protagonist's journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Film

Television

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 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

As for what ripens: one of the incidental characters here happens to be "a bit of a legend in the midwifery circle".

The New York Times - Books

And as for incidental characters, the mysterious groundskeeper who breeds pigs and is sleeping with his half-sister is probably not outside the realm of possibility.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 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

Gardley's strengths are also his weaknesses: his youthful exuberance — his need to fit everything into a line, even when it's spoken by an incidental character — can be wearying; and his baroque language sometimes feels like a boulder plunked down in the middle of the stage, as his characters make their way through the dense thicket of their creator's theatrical consciousness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "incidental characters" to add depth and realism to your story by giving them distinct personalities and motivations, even if they only appear briefly.

Common error

Don't dismiss "incidental characters" as unimportant. Even minor roles can significantly enhance the narrative by providing contrast, revealing hidden aspects of the main characters, or foreshadowing future events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incidental characters" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is grammatically correct and widely used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Academic

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "incidental characters" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term to describe non-central characters in narratives. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this term is correct and usable in written English. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, media, film, and literature, with a neutral tone. When writing, remember that even though these characters are not the focus, their presence can significantly enrich a story by providing depth and context. Alternatives like "minor characters" or "supporting characters" can be used to convey similar meanings. However, take care not to undervalue their potential contribution to the narrative's overall impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor characters

Replaces "incidental" with "minor", emphasizing their lesser importance.

supporting characters

Focuses on the role they play in supporting the main narrative.

background characters

Highlights their presence in the background of the story.

peripheral characters

Emphasizes their location on the edge or periphery of the main action.

secondary characters

Indicates a level of importance below the main characters.

extra characters

Suggests they are additional and not essential to the core plot.

non-essential characters

Directly states they are not crucial to the story.

bit players

Refers to actors with small, often insignificant roles.

walk-on parts

Describes characters with very brief appearances.

tertiary characters

Indicates a third level of importance below main and secondary characters.

FAQs

How to use "incidental characters" in a sentence?

You can use "incidental characters" to describe the supporting roles in a story, such as: "The novel's richness comes from its detailed portrayal of both main and "incidental characters"."

What's the difference between "incidental characters" and main characters?

"Incidental characters" are not central to the plot, while main characters drive the story forward. "Incidental characters" often provide background, context, or minor subplots.

What are some synonyms for "incidental characters"?

Alternatives include "minor characters", "supporting characters", or "peripheral characters", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Can "incidental characters" impact the main plot?

Yes, even though they aren't central, "incidental characters" can influence the main plot through their actions, interactions, or the information they provide. Their presence can create opportunities, obstacles, or turning points for the main characters.