Writing On The Fine Line

In real life and in books, buddies, support characters, and move-the-plot-alongers are essential. Where would our main characters be without them?

What would Frodo achieve without Sam, Merry, and Pippin?

In Beyond December, I created six main characters: Zak Cooper, Kay Cooper, Jenny Miller, Jonas Miller, Sloan White, and Maydene Gunderson. (Meet them here). And they do a great job of moving the story along, most of the time.

But they do need assistance from others occasionally. These others are more than walk-ons, but not quite main people. Often those who support the main characters hold key information the main character doesn’t know. They can also be friends who are willing to take a bullet for their pal, if necessary.

In my novel there are six of these essential characters:

Mick Sharp: Mick is Zak’s best friend and Kay’s brother. He is a happy-go-lucky guy, loyal to a fault, overly fond of donuts and pie, and the book’s comic relief. He is Zak’s Samwise Gamgee. He is married to Dreama and they have two children, Satchel and Jazz.

Aunt Sarah: Jenny’s beloved never-married aunt is where she runs when she leaves her life and philandering husband in Chicago. Sarah is a contemporary of Maydene’s and helps Jenny get a job at Maydene’s café. But, like all of us, she has secrets.

Abe Gunderson: Maydene’s husband and partner in the café. He and Maydene have never had kids of their own. They helped raise Zak since his preteens and also take Jenny under their wings, like a daughter. Abe’s humor and compassion move many scenes forward.

Pete “Bud” Cooper: Zak’s father who abandoned him early on. He returns at just the wrong time. Or is it the right time? Where did he go? Why is he back? What does he want?

Pastor Dave Greene: Pastor at Zak’s church and an easy-going, laugh-motivated man. He’s not afraid to speak the truths that need speaking with wisdom and compassion. Also, with his wife Yolanda, is Jenny’s landlord.

Steve Tuck: Proprietor, with his wife, of the Tuck Inn Bed and Breakfast. To keep his mind occupied and his life focused, he also is a master gardener. Why he needs to stay focused provides key information for one of the main characters.

Engage

What are some of your favorite supporting characters from any existing novel? What makes them your favorite? Why do you think you remember them so well?

Michael Ehret loves to play with words. He is the author of the novella “Big Love” and the new novel, “Beyond December.” He is enjoying his current playground. Previous playgrounds include being the Managing Editor of the magazine ACFW Journal and the ezine Afictionado for seven years. He also plays with words as a freelance editor and has edited several nonfiction books, proofedited for Abingdon Press, worked in corporate communications, and reported for The Indianapolis Star.