There are a number of secondary characters in my WIP that I’ve come to adore.  It’s lucky for me as I’m going to hopefully write two more stories using this same cast.  If I didn’t like them, two more stories would be drudgery.  But, as it is, I’m pretty excited about seeing them all again.

In my story, some of my favorites are my heroine’s quiet sister who prefers solitude because she sees visions of people’s future all the time.   Add standard ton chitchat to visions and I’d imagine I’d avoid that mishmash of stimulus too.  Another is my hero’s meddling aunt.  She’s a doll, but in the way of using sweetly worded requests/demands to manipulate others (for their own good, of course).  And finally, my hero’s best friend, the earl who works with the Bow Street Runners.  Sexy and sarcastic.  My favorite kinda guy.

As a general, I don’t like stories that have too many secondary characters running around.  I don’t want to feel like I need air traffic control to direct everyone about.  I get distracted easily.  I feel like characters should be directly involved in the plot.  If the plot can’t move on without them, they can stay.  Otherwise, a quick mention in passing, ok, but leave their characterization to a real minimum.

Some secondary characters take on a life of their own.  Lady Danbury from Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series.  What a fun and well-rounded character. 

What other secondary characters do you think are particularly well done?  What do you think makes a good secondary character?  Are you cool with a huge cast?  What role should secondary characters play in a novel?  And finally, do you have any favorite secondary characters in your story?

Also:  A big thank you to Sabrina Jeffries for bringing Jane and Will and talking pirates with us yesterday!