Secondary Characters Who Sizzle: Georgia McBride

This may seem like a cop-out, but when I think of great secondary characters, I think of Harry Potter and Twilight. These authors knew what they were doing when they expertly chose certain secondary characters as plot catalysts, plot resolution agents, and characterization reinforcement. However, you aren't JK Rowling or Stephenie Meyer, so I have some advice for writing secondary characters who sizzle. When writing a novel, why should the main character have all the fun? It is impossible (and frankly lazy) for your main characters to drive the plot alone, develop character in a bubble and offer authentic and believable resolution to the story all on their own. And, even if (s)he does, the only way to make it interesting and richly layered is to have amazing (think scene-stealers and best supporting award roles) secondary characters to break up the obvious awesomeness of the main character. Why? Because all awesome all the time is BORING. Below is a list of some of my favorite secondary characters from the aforementioned series and why I like them.

  

The Dursleys by Harry Potter Wikia

Harry Potter 

The Dursleys – hardly major characters, their decisions and actions played a major role in driving the story forward, and sending Harry on his quest in book one. Without the Dursleys, Harry likely would have been resolved to staying under the stairs until it was time to move away. Preventing him from using magic made his interest in his ability and heritage even greater. I dare say their distaste for all things magic was instrumental in driving Harry to want to learn the truth. Through the introduction of these secondary characters the author was able to offer solid character motivation (what drove Harry to want to leave initially), characterization (via Harry’s reactions to the Dursleys and their treatment of him), story set up (this story is about x), the Muggle world (subtle worldbuilding), and also give us a hint of the young man Harry would become.

Twilight by Twilght Saga Wikia

Twilight Saga 

One of my favorite secondary characters in the series is Renesmee Cullen. So it’s the worst name in history, but Renesmee influences the plot and characters like no other. Just by existing, she cements the bond between the vampires and werewolves, reduces the Volturi to nothing more than mall cops and helps Team Jacob members feel better about their loss. No other minor character in recent YA history has had such an influence on the outcome of a novel, the main character’s ultimate development, or the resolution of conflict that had been building through four novels in a series.

Cinna by hungergamesmovie.com

So, when writing sizzling secondary characters, remember those who have gone before you. You have wonderful examples here and in many other popular titles (Think Cinna and Effie Trinket from The Hunger Games). What it is it about these characters that makes them memorable even after you finish reading the book? What makes them secondary characters who sizzle?

 If you have other examples, please comment below. Write well!

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Georgia loves a good story. Whether it’s writing her own, or publishing someone else’s, story is at the heart of everything Georgia does. Founder of Month9Books, YALITCHAT.ORG and the weekly #yalitchat on Twitter, Georgia spends most of her days writing, editing, or talking about books. That is, of course, when she is not blasting really loud music or reading. She is represented by Tamar Rydzinski of The Laura Dail Literary Agency. Her debut YA novel, PRAEFATIO releases May 2013 from Month 9 Books

Visit Georgia online at: www.georgiamcbride.com or www.month9books.com

Facebook: facebook.com/georgiamcbride

Twitter: @georgia_mcbride

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Cover Reveal: Praefatio

Today is the cover reveal for Georgia McBride's debut novel, Praefatio, coming next year to Month 9 Books. Run over to Mundie Mom's where you can hear more about the book and also see the awesome trailer. Also, visit Goodreads and add Praefatio to your "to read" list as well!

WHEN ALL YOU HAVE IS YOUR WORD, HOW DO YOU PROVE WHO YOU ARE?

Seventeen-year-old Grace Ann Miller is no ordinary runaway. After having been missing for weeks, Grace is found on the estate of international rock star Gavin Vault, half-dressed and yelling for help. Over the course of twenty-four hours Grace holds an entire police force captive with incredulous tales of angels, demons, and war; intent on saving Gavin from lockup, and her family from worry over her safety. But instead, authorities believe that Grace is ill, and suffering from Stockholm Syndrome, the victim of assault and a severely fractured mind. Undeterred, Grace reveals the secret existence of dark angels on earth, an ancient prophecy and a wretched curse steeped in Biblical myth. Grace’s claims set into motion an ages-old war, resulting in blood, death and the loss of everything that matters. But are these the delusions of an immensely sick girl, or could Grace’s story actually be true? Praefatio is Grace’s account of weeks on the run, falling in love and losing everything but her faith. When it’s sister against brother, light versus darkness, corrupt police officers, eager doctors and accusing journalists, against one girl with nothing but her word as proof: who do you believe?