How many characters are there in your novel?

by Adrian Sroka
31st July 2014

Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech has ten characters, but four of them hold centre stage throughout. An orphan brother and sister and their foster parents.

Similarly in Little Woman, the four girls: Amy, Beth, Meg and Jo dominate. Jo is the protagonist.

Replies

One main character. All the rest are supporting his story.

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Barbara
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Barbara Thompson
03/08/2014

I think four is fair number for main characters. The reader can relate to at least one of them. We dont need to know the indepth detail of the other bystanders as they should only hold a short role. Too much detail makes the novel complicated and the reader confused as they would not know whom to follow. I hope it makes sense that's how I see it.

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Carmelita Dentlinger
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