Hi Everybody,

This is my final installment from the OctoPrep calendar. It is for October 28… can you believe we can start writing in a few days! I’ve already signed up for "The Write-A-Thon" . I love that forum as well because it keeps me accountable and I can see my word count growing on my main page when I get on Writing.com. You can sign on as a writer or a sponsor or both.

But today, or whenever you’re ready for October 28, we are focusing on those minor characters. The allies, the mentors, the love interest, the buddies…. Whatever their part is to play, they are important. The calendar states:

Oct. 28: - Character: Minor Character Profiles ▼
(1) Expand or add profiles for one or more minor characters.
(2) Spend some time updating your character list with new information, images, etc.

I have a separate notebook in my Portfolio that keeps track of all my characters for all my novels in progress - both main and minor. It’s good to know the details. I don’t want my eye colour changing from chapter to chapter… unless that is supposed to happen. Sometimes I forget the name of a character. I have one that is referred to as Grandfather, but when other people refer to him that aren’t related to him I need to remember his actual name. It’s a great place to go to add more detail and bring them into ‘life’.

Google AI had this to say:
Minor character development involves giving them specific traits, quirks, or goals that serve the plot and support the main story without overshadowing the protagonist's arc. Focus on key aspects like a unique voice, distinct mannerisms, and a clear role—whether to advance the plot, help develop the main character, or provide context and conflict. Over-developing minor characters can confuse the reader, but focusing on these specific areas makes them feel more real and impactful.

I remember reading a book - Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin - when the book was made into a movie one of the minor characters was combined into one character because both had similar roles for the main character, but I still enjoyed the two as separate in the book.

You may want to check these out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvOR-8m_oeU&t=91s

K.M. Weiland:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YZnACXGTHE&t=43s

Overall, have fun giving your story that well needed depth it will need to come to life.

Any questions, don’t be afraid to ask. Happy creating.

Carly