Secondary Characters

I just read a really interesting article in this month’s Writer’s Digest about the importance of developing secondary characters. Was it anything new? Not really. Is it good to hear it and have some reinforcement of my writing and my own character development? You bet.

Who are the secondary characters in Sunset Perfect? I have several actually. (As an aside, all of these are subject to change). 

Larkin Reynolds - She may be among the most consequential in terms of how they interact with the main character, but as you’ll find out, she has the most impact BEFORE the story begins. In fact, the relationship between the main character and this one, although the most consequential, is also the most shrouded in mystery and confusion. She and the main character were in love before the book’s action starts. He still loves her, but realizes he can’t be a part of her life. Causes some issues. 

Jack Westermann -  This guy is based on Easterby of the Texans. He’s a holy roller, a proselytizer, an evangelical with his own agenda, both for the team and for the players. He get’s mixed up in the murder too, and becomes a prime suspect. 

Jackie DeLoach - Ah, the love interest. This character too plays a huge part not just in the main character’s life, but also in the movement of the story. She’s the side-kick, or actually she’s who the main character links up with and he becomes the side-kick to her. The of course start to care for one another. She’s more ambitious than the main character. She’s more driven for her work, while he’s motivated by his desire for closure. 

Monroe Alexander Carmichael - He of courses goes by MAC. He’s modeled after that type of crazy eccentric millionaire characters from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. A Texas originally, former Colonel in the Army, thus the connection with the main character. He’s the reason the main character is a part of the action. 

Sheriff Cathcartt - Also a reason the main character is involved, he realizes the murders are too much for him to contend with, and he also helps link up the main character and the love interest. Dry, older, he’s basically Sam Elliot of the novel. 

So, I’ve got a supporting cast growing. It’s not perfect yet, but it’s there and it’s moving in the right direction.