peripheral character

USAGE SUMMARY

"peripheral character" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It typically refers to a character in a story or narrative who is not a major character but who influences the action or development of the plot in some way. For example, "The novelist introduced a few peripheral characters to help move the story along."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

An incredibly peripheral character, Mr Molina is Bella's biology teacher.

The Guardian - Film

Even a peripheral character has retained a spokeswoman.

The New York Times

He's a wonderfully menacing peripheral character here, especially with Rachel deep in the sexual fray.

The New York Times - Arts

Actually, Biggs is only a peripheral character in Chris "Broadchurch" Chibnall's two-part drama The Great Train Robbery (BBC1).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Of course, for Lanzmann, the accused collaborator is the center of the film; for McQueen, she's a peripheral character.

The New Yorker

Where do you think these rumors get started?" He was a peripheral character on your previous show.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Clerics are seldom featured, except as peripheral characters.

The New York Times

The movie abounds with sharply drawn peripheral characters.

The New York Times

The story is repeated three times, each variation leaping ahead to imagine the peripheral characters' fates.

The New York Times

"In some games, they will be peripheral characters with ridiculous breast physics.

The Guardian - Tech

"Young audiences, I think, are often treated as peripheral characters in the 'main play'.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing literature or film, use the term "peripheral character" to specifically denote characters who influence the main plot without being central to it. This helps to differentiate them from main characters or extras with no impact.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "peripheral character" is unimportant. They may not be the main focus, but their actions or presence can significantly affect the central narrative or character arcs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "peripheral character" functions as a noun phrase where "peripheral" modifies the noun "character". It serves to categorize and describe a character in a narrative based on their level of importance and involvement in the main storyline. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "peripheral character" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a non-central character who still has an impact on the narrative. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used in a wide range of contexts, most frequently in News & Media. While not the main focus of the story, "peripheral characters" contribute to the plot and can significantly influence the central narrative or character arcs. Synonyms include "minor character" and "secondary character". When employing this phrase, it is crucial to differentiate "peripheral characters" from those who have no relevance to the plot.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor character

Replaces "peripheral" with "minor", emphasizing reduced importance.

secondary character

Uses "secondary" to indicate a supporting role rather than a central one.

supporting character

Highlights the role of providing support to the main narrative.

incidental character

Focuses on the character's lack of essential involvement.

background character

Emphasizes the character's presence in the setting rather than the plot.

side character

A more colloquial term for a non-central character.

extra character

Highlights a character with little to no significant role.

non-essential character

Directly states the character's lack of necessity to the core story.

auxiliary character

Emphasizes the supporting and supplementary nature of the character's role.

tangential character

Indicates the character's connection to the main story is slight or indirect.

FAQs

How can I use "peripheral character" in a sentence?

You can use "peripheral character" to describe a character who isn't central to the story but still influences it, such as, "Even though the librarian was a "peripheral character", she provided crucial information to the detective".

What are some synonyms for "peripheral character"?

Alternatives to "peripheral character" include "minor character", "secondary character", or "supporting character", each emphasizing a different aspect of the character's role.

Is it correct to say "marginal character" instead of "peripheral character"?

While "marginal character" is similar to "peripheral character", "peripheral" often implies a more active, though indirect, influence on the plot, whereas "marginal" suggests even less involvement.

What differentiates a "peripheral character" from a main character?

A "peripheral character" is not the primary focus of the narrative, unlike a main character. "Peripheral characters" support the story, affect the main character, or contribute to the plot in some way, but the story doesn't revolve around them.