Supporting Character Template 1
Supporting-character brief: [Name] wants [goal]. Relationship to protagonist: [relationship]. Story functions: [function 1], [function 2]. Boundary: [what they will not do].
4 Supporting Character Templates
Start with structure, then replace every placeholder with information that is true, relevant, and natural for your context. These templates are intentionally skeletal so your final writing does not sound mass-produced.
Use the framework
How to personalize a template
A useful supporting character has a distinct desire and point of view, changes what the protagonist can know or do, and performs more than one narrative function without existing only to explain backstory or praise the lead.
- 1Choose the template closest to your actual purpose.
- 2Replace every bracketed field with specific information.
- 3Delete any sentence that does not belong in your situation.
- 4Read the result aloud for unnatural transitions or repeated phrasing.
- 5Verify names, dates, links, facts, and promises before sending or publishing.
Supporting Character Template 2
Scene contribution: This character changes the scene by [information/action/refusal], causing [consequence].
Supporting Character Template 3
Foil frame: Both characters share [trait/goal], but differ in [value/method], revealing [theme/choice].
Supporting Character Template 4
Combination test: Character A provides [function]; Character B provides [function]. Could one character plausibly perform both without flattening the story?