Unforgettable Supporting Characters discussion

There are so many! Among my favorites, Sam Gangee--who saves the world just as much as Frodo. Ron and Hermione, who would be main characters if the series wasn't called "Harry Potter". In my own books, Rhistiart was the character who was supposed to have a walk-on role and stayed for four books. How about you?

I just reviewed a novel on Amazon Vine about Katherine Parr, the sixth wife of Henry VIII, and one of the supporting characters was one Dot Frownton, Katherine's serving maid, who later became one of her trusted gentlewomen. Dot was earthy, observant, and totally loyal to her. In the end, Dot had the things that Katherine most wanted - a loving husband, children, and modest country home. It was kind of a sweet counterpoint to what really happened to Katherine Parr. (Book is Queen's Gambit, by Elizabeth Fremantle and it's pretty good.)

... like trying to decide which sunset is better.

In the Wheel of Time series,.. Mat for his humor and boyish attitude, but I liked Min, because she was delightful, always looking to the good, but a innocent tall beauty who could be tricked. Or beautiful Nynaeve, so short- with a long braid, who was thrown into adulthood so quick at 14 when her parents died,... that she has a bad temper and moody, at having to make the adults behave like they should. She was a 'wilder' who learned to channel saidar (magic) on her own, without formal education. All when she was so young, couldn't cook or sew very well and was made into the 'village Wisdom' because her knowledge with herbs and weather. She would say, "Men always seemed to think violence could solve anything. If she had had a stout stick, she would have thumped all three of them about the shoulders until they saw reason." Her sudden temper and anger was funny and was meant to look that way. Yet she learned to control it thus becoming the strongest of Aes Sedai (women who used magic). She saw the right of things, when allowed the time, and was brave to a fault, although she saw herself as fearful. Even though she was so short, other women friends deferred to her lead.

Tasslehoff Burrfoot of the Dragonlance saga is by far one if the best supporting characters ever created. Also, I would name Reg from the Rouge Agent series by K. E. Mills to be a wonderful distraction yet key element to the adventures. There are so many others to mention!!!

Who are your favorite supporting characters and why?

My favorite supporting characters within literature that stand-out include Ron and Hermione from JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series. It is their characteristics and temperament that aids Harry in fulfilling his role as a hero figure, as well as being both brilliant and memorable in their own way. The series would not be as successful nor as readable without both these two individuals. Secondly I would also have to mention Sam Wise Gamgee from JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, as he is such a strong personality and a truly wonderful character who again (similarly to HP) aids Frodo in fulfilling his duty as the hero. As Frodo comments in the Return of the King, he would not have got very far on his great quest without having Sam by his side.

As to other ‘lesser’ characters who are equally as important as the main ones, others such as Nighteyes (a Wolf) in Robin Hobb’s Farseer trilogy spring to mind for even animals/ companions are just as important. Lyra would not have got very far without her Daemon Pan by her side, as she left the security of Jordan College and made for the harshness of the North. Similarly Merlin is a true hero in his own right when he aids the great King Arthur in fulfilling his destiny as a truly magnificent leader – for all great leaders have their advisors (look at Henry VIII for example).

What one looks for in a great supporting character within a really good book, is someone who is humble but also loyal to the hero. (I.e the Fool who is by Fitz Chivalry’s side or Gandalf the Grey versus Gandalf the White; two very different characters and yet are also the same). They are always memorable due to not hiding too much within the shadows and yet do not detract from the main character’s story/ journey. If within a novel you can’t remember any other character than that of the main protagonist, then it is something not worth remembering, for all stories are filled with people and happenings – not just one man.

Hagrid. He's so much fun to read aloud. And he's really such a sweet character.

I can't respond without mentioning the usual suspects from LOTR and HP. On a more original note, there's Haymitch from the Hunger Games trilogy.

I could mention some of the supporting characters in my fiction if it's appropriate.

Other faves: from Lois McMaster Bujold's Vorkosigan series, comic sidekick Ivan ("What did I say?") Vorpatril; Bel Thorne, a mercenary with a surprisng chivalrous streak; Sgt. Taura, an 8-foot-tall fanged genetically engineered supersoldier who really enjoys being a girl.

I really love Soulcatcher from Glen Cook's "The Black Company." She is one of many lieutenants that slowly over time becomes a main character, but her voice is so strong throughout the entire series.

I really love Jarlaxle from RA Salvatore's books. That drow is truly too cool for school.

Betty wrote: "I can't respond without mentioning the usual suspects from LOTR and HP. On a more original note, there's Haymitch from the Hunger Games trilogy."

Yes - Haymitch from the Hunger Games trilogy.
But in the movie they show him as a drunk in the beginning and after a while he finally comes to do his part when confronted. I was like going "Whew! Finally you actually do some good. What a relief." Then as it played out you see he was a very big help, and she would not have made it with out him.