π What are Supporting Characters?
Supporting characters are like the best friends of the main character in a story. They're not the stars of the show, but they help the main character on their journey. They might give advice, offer help, or even create a little bit of trouble!
π History of Supporting Characters in Storytelling
Stories have always had more than one character! Even in old tales, there were helpers, sidekicks, and even villains who interacted with the main hero. These supporting characters add depth and make the story more interesting.
π Key Principles for Identifying Supporting Characters
- πββοΈ Their role is to assist the main character: They're there to help, guide, or challenge the protagonist.
- π€ They often have a relationship with the main character: This could be a friend, family member, teacher, or even a rival.
- π They can have their own mini-stories: Sometimes, we learn a little bit about their lives too, which makes them feel more real.
- π£οΈ Pay attention to dialogue: What they say and how they say it can tell you a lot about their role.
- ποΈβπ¨οΈ Observe their interactions: How they interact with the main character and others reveals their significance to the plot.
π Real-World Examples: Spotting Supporting Characters
Let's look at some examples you might already know!
Example 1: In "Cinderella," the Fairy Godmother is a supporting character. She helps Cinderella get to the ball.
Example 2: In "The Tortoise and the Hare," the other animals who watch the race are supporting characters. They witness the race and react to it.
π Practice: Identify the Supporting Character
Read the passage and answer the question.
Lily loved to paint. One day, she wanted to paint a picture of a cat. Her friend, Tom, brought his cat, Whiskers, over to Lily's house. Tom held Whiskers still so Lily could paint a perfect picture.
Question: Who is the supporting character in this passage?
Answer: Tom is the supporting character because he helps Lily (the main character) with her painting.
π Conclusion
Identifying supporting characters helps us understand the story better. Keep practicing, and you'll become an expert at finding them! π