secondary character
a minor character used to interact in the story in ways that will affect and help the viewer better understand the protagonist (i.e. the main character), (Griffiths, 2015) help raise the stakes for the protagonist, or reflect the same problems or issues of the protagonist, while providing texture or dimensionality to the setting (Austin Community College, 2014). Some supporting characters serve the protagonist directly, by giving assistance, encouragement, and knowledge. Others hinder the protagonist (serve the plot antagonistically) by creating the obstacles the protagonist must overcome in order to achieve the external and internal goals of the story. (Marks, 2009)