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[deannaslamans]

#nanowrimotips #novelwriting #goodstuff #sidecharacters

Creating Memorable Side Characters

                Not everyone gets to be the star of the show. Side characters fill out your world and add context to your main character’s journey. Often they are the parents, friends, or coworkers of your main character and as important of a role they play in the MCs life, it’s easy to forget they exist until we need them next.

                While they shouldn’t take the main stage, creating memorable side characters gives them a sense of realism and importance. They can provide motivation, inspiration, or a little bit of support when the MC needs it next, which will all land harder if we care about them as people. So here’s a few ways to do it:

Give them a little arc.

While the journey of the main character is why we’re reading your story, they aren’t the only people who can change. Allowing your side characters some development across the story, even in small ways, can add a layer of depth and intrigue to them. This can look like going from “dad hates all of MC’s friends” to “dad houses and feeds all the friends when they need it most”.

2. Give them a space

Unmemorable characters are treated more like tools to the narrative than people. If your side character shows up wherever they are needed at any given time, they’ve become a plot convenience rather than a person. Give them a place to exist—they hang out in the library, they can be found at the café down the street, they’re three phone calls and a flare in the sky away. Give them a reliable place that’s just theirs.

3. Give them a point of interest

While your side characters aren’t going to be as fully developed as your MCs, you can pretty easily give them some intrigue and the hint of a broader life by giving them a specific point of interest. Maybe the friend is in the photography club, the parents go out to drag shows on the weekend, the coworker always has a new crochet scarf to bring to work, etc. Just make sure it doesn't stand in alone for further character development.

                What are some examples of memorable side characters you can think of?

[deannaslamans]

Definitely will hang this on my office wall!

anything but writing (break tips)

change the sheets on your bed

draw (badly, if you're me)

put on a playlist that's too distracting to write to

go get a nice snack

drink water (hydration is key)

water the dying plants in That One Green Corner

make a timeline of story events (technically writing but I find timelines fun)

scroll through Pinterest and Tumblr

text someone who definitely won't text you back (so you don't feel tempted to check off break)

clean up your workspace

go for a walk. (ew. it's supposed to be productive)

or a swim (>>)

watch a movie (to laugh or cry to. not something you watch in sullen silence)

indulge in a guilty pleasure

get that work done

go buy a single item from the grocery store in pyjamas

essentially get out of bed

reread what you wrote already

do a deep dive into Canada's Rhinoceros Party

make a to-do list

reread a book

make a to-do list of things you've already done so you can check them all off and feel productive

[deannaslamans]

Honored to have @businessinsider showcase our family’s @amazon journey!

[deannaslamans]

Tonight I am eating a plant-based meal in honor of having a hysterectomy 1 year ago (August 1). Today I’m honoring me and women like me who suffer from reproductive disorders. The 9-months leading up to the surgery were dark days full of pain and depression. As a result, I chose to adopt a vegan lifestyle to help minimize the pain from the numerous uterine fibroids I was carrying (the surgeon couldn’t count them all). They had grown over the years unbeknownst to me. But that last year prior to the surgery they had tripled in size due to stress and worry. As a vegan, I learned to listen to my body and I scrutinized every thing I put inside of it. I grew so desperate to be well again. And it worked. The pain and inflammation subsided a great deal. I also went to an acupuncturist to help my body heal itself so that I could sleep at night and have a more positive outlook. I felt better than I had in years. I chose vegan-ism because of a medical diagnosis. But now, I might just remain a vegan forever! #wellmaybeavegetarian • • • • • • #herestome #thestrugglinvegan #alwaystheconqueror #alwayshis @merlines.co Merline Engle’s hotsauce!! https://www.instagram.com/p/B0hNfDRDXBh/?igshid=1lnpz9snsc6hq

[deannaslamans]

The wise man built his house upon the rock. #spiritualgrowth #discipline #freedom #joy #homeschoolersofinstagram #curriculum https://www.instagram.com/p/BsYuN9dD6PF/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1dqd028sxt1dn

[deannaslamans]

Battle Ready!

[deannaslamans]

Is that the beginning of a mustache?! My baby boy AJ (Andrew Jeremiah) is wearing a suit and tie on his way to a basketball 🏀 game. His 8th grade coach requires this attire for away games. I love the character building it brings. AJ is serious about this. He learns to keep his clothes nice between games and lays them out ahead of time. Like his momma, he loves to look good for special occasions but dresses down in sweats whenever he can. In a few short years he will be a man and he’s turning out to be a man I’m proud of calling my son. The name “Andrew”, means “strong, manly” and I have two in my house. Sometimes it means I misunderstand my Andy’s and their distance emotionally, but their strength physically. They are the strongest men I know. But I also know it really means I will always be taken care of. #momma #andrew #aj #basketball #8thgrade #ballershotcaller #handsome #puberty #mustache https://www.instagram.com/p/BsMCWRYjrfU/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=3ueuejm32s6b

[deannaslamans]

One only has to experience about a decade or so of life to come to the realization that it can be a battle.  My 2018 was full of battles.  I fought battles all year long, and what's amazing about all of them, is that there wasn't one battle I lost! None.  And if you're still reading this, you can say the same thing. 

[deannaslamans]

He’s not ready for the Christmas trees 🎄 to come down. #christmaskitty #trees #christmas #christ #love #pets #lights #catsofinstagram #f3savannah #welov3christmas #slamanschristmas https://www.instagram.com/p/Br30FRTDwY5/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=gm7vcm1xdtiv

[deannaslamans]

Memory of my kids during a science fair. #homeschool #science #fair #discipline #legos #engineering #biology #preteens #fieldtrip #philly #exhibition @lego #conference #middleschool #elementary #teacher #teachersofinstagram #homeschoolersofinstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/Br3vCneDLJ_/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=2av94rvr2fri

[deannaslamans]

From @diners_driveins_and_dives #funny #newjersey #dinersdriveinsanddives #johnny #prince (at Johnny Prince's Famous Bayway Diner) https://www.instagram.com/p/BrqQukUDEuX/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=zpu08zy5bvq

[deannaslamans]

My favorite little fourth-grader. Darrien Gibson has been through more than most at her age. A true orphan at age 7 but she never lets life get her down for too long. She is teaching me a lot about life, love and joy. Merry Christmas, 🎁 Babygirl! Keep shining! #miltonhersheyschool @miltonhersheyschool #darriengibson #babycousin #amazing #love #orphans #milts #deanna #darrien #afaiththatmovesmountains #thehousethatchocolatebuilt #christmasofinstagram #holidayfun #fireside #mentor #snuggles #family #photography #smiles #facebook @hersheys #chocolate #pointsetta #fireplace #fireplacedecor #christmastree (at Harrisburg Christian Performing Arts Center/HCPAC) https://www.instagram.com/p/BreUmnaDqp1/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1kh0ss175524r

[deannaslamans]

Don’t miss this powerful event by women for women! ISI Women in the Word conference on one week!

[deannaslamans]

Which cover grabs your attention the most? #thehousethatchocolatebuilt

[deannaslamans]

NOLA bound with my kiddos! #homeschool #newcity @amazonsellerlife #travel #nola #summer2018 @slamgirl820

[deannaslamans]

Grilling a 1-pound burger 🍔. He named it “Goliath!” #hamburger #keto #aj #ilove13yearolds

[deannaslamans]

Black bean street tacos. #vegan4life #avocado #health #blackbeans #tacos #trivianight (at Hershey Biergarten)