supporting character

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "supporting character" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a character in a play, film, or other work of literature who is important to the plot, but not as important as the main character(s). For example, you might say, "In the novel, the protagonist's close friend was a supporting character who provided much needed advice and encouragement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take this musical number by Maxie, a zaftig supporting character.

The New Yorker

Dramatically Mr. Sagi is intrigued by the supporting character of a playwright, Plagio — as in plagiarism?

The New York Times - Arts

The same fate befalls Eduard, a supporting character in the Brazilian's latest spiritual muesli.

The Guardian - Books

Rose dominates the movie's final act, a supporting character no longer.

The New Yorker

Dimond was like a supporting character in a military drama starring Kenneth More.

The Guardian - Opinion

Recurring supporting character Globox then repeats it.

Vice

Not simply those in "supporting character" roles.

Huffington Post

We get all manner of supporting character bits.

Vice

is a supporting character from Final Fantasy XIII.

Wikipedia

Now, I've purposefully put supporting character in quotation marks.

Huffington Post

Plus Jeremy Renner's arrow-slinger is a supporting character at best.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "supporting character" when the character's role is substantial but not central. If their presence is fleeting or minor, consider alternatives like "minor character" or "bit player".

Common error

Refrain from attributing primary plot advancements or thematic depth solely to a "supporting character" unless explicitly supported by textual evidence. Accurately represent their role in relation to the protagonist's arc.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "supporting character" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a character whose role is secondary to the main character but still contributes to the narrative. Ludwig confirms the use of this phrase in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "supporting character" is a very common and grammatically correct way to describe a character in a story who is not the main focus but still plays an important role. Ludwig AI affirms its valid usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki. The phrase is used to categorize and describe the importance of a character within a narrative, helping to understand their function and impact on the storyline. Related phrases include "minor character" and "secondary character", each with slight differences in emphasis. When writing about characters, be precise about their contributions and avoid overstating the influence of a "supporting character". According to Ludwig, the phrase's versatility and frequency make it a valuable tool for describing characters in literature, film, and other narrative forms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minor character

Focuses on the level of importance in the narrative.

secondary character

Emphasizes the character's position in relation to the protagonist.

side character

Highlights the character's role as an adjunct to the main plot.

incidental character

Suggests the character's limited impact on the overall story.

auxiliary character

Indicates that the character provides assistance or support.

character actor

Refers to an actor who typically plays supporting roles.

bit player

Implies a very small or insignificant role.

walk-on character

Indicates a fleeting appearance with minimal dialogue or action.

cameo role

Specifically denotes a brief appearance by a well-known person.

featured extra

Describes an extra who is given some individual focus but remains in the background.

FAQs

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

You can use "supporting character" to describe a character who helps drive the story forward but is not the main focus. For example, "The detective relied heavily on his loyal /s/sidekick, a classic supporting character in the crime drama."

What is the role of a "supporting character" in a story?

A "supporting character" can fulfill various roles, such as providing comic relief, offering guidance to the protagonist, or creating obstacles for the main character to overcome. They enrich the narrative without being the central focus.

What are some alternatives to "supporting character"?

Alternatives to "supporting character" include "minor character", "secondary character", or "side character", depending on the character's level of importance and involvement in the story.

What's the difference between a "supporting character" and a protagonist?

The protagonist is the central character of the story, around whom the main plot revolves. A "supporting character", on the other hand, plays a role that complements the protagonist's journey, often assisting or hindering them along the way, but is not the primary focus of the narrative.