How do you develop your minor characters to fit the plot?
I have trouble making the minor characters in my story fit the role I need them for. I tend to add too much or too little for them.
Any tips on how to get it right?
How do you develop your minor characters to fit the plot?
I have trouble making the minor characters in my story fit the role I need them for. I tend to add too much or too little for them.
Any tips on how to get it right?
You're right - it can be awkward. Minor characters must have to be believable in their roles but not always 'well-rounded' as they say. But don't sell yourself short. When you originally wrote these characters their traits, or lack of them, must have suggested themselves as you invented them, which is not necessarily a bad thing.
When looking back at them later I tend to be guided by 'is (this trait, or action, or whatever) essential for the reader to understand in terms of the story as a whole?'. If it's not then I think you can usually cut it. But in first draft always leave the character as written because the story will change in your mind as you write it, and something you cut early may be regretted later.
That's just my view. I know a writer who polishes each chapter individually before she moves on, but working that way would drive me nuts :)