Top Ten Supporting Characters

Top Ten Tuesday is an original weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Combining both a passion for all things bookish with an obsessive love of list-making, this rad meme was born. This week's post is Top Ten Most Memorable Secondary Characters.

I realize I'm a little late on the uptake here, but this happens to be one of those topics that's really close to my heart, so I'm going to post it today instead. More often than not, I've discovered that supporting characters are the real scene stealers for me. They are the ones who motivate our hero/heroine into action, they are martyrs, plucky comic reliefs and confidants. Secondary characters tend to represent the truest forms of an idea or a feeling and they are the ones who, often, carry the story from beginning to end.

Today I'd like to pay homage to some of my favourite supporting characters:

Everyone from the Harry Potter Series & Everyone from the Hunger Games Series - Seriously, how can you choose just one person here?! It can't be done. I think what makes these series so successful is how vibrant and rich every single character is. And what I love most is that each of them is incredibly complex and beautiful in their own tragic way.

Tiny Cooper (Will Grayson, Will Grayson) - Really, the book should've just been named Tiny Cooper because it's ALL about him. He's big, gay, beautiful and oh-so-FABULOUS and probably the best character ever created.

Sturmhond (Siege and Storm) - I didn't think it was possible to love anyone more than The Darkling, but I do. Sturmhond is an enigma --- he's colourful, witty, attractive and strategically minded. I can't wait to peel back the layers and discover what lies beneath that charismatic surface (both literally and figuratively speaking).

M (Warm Bodies) - I'm specifically referring to the movie-version here (although the bookish character is still great). What I love about M is that he's one of those completely trusting and faithful friends. He'll stand behind you no matter how crazy your plans might be and he'll make you laugh too!

Tik Tok (Tiger Lily) - Tik Tok is such a free-spirit. And despite his tragic ending, he's lovable and wise and is the epitome of staying true to oneself.

Dogberry (Much Ado About Nothing) - How do I describe Dogberry? Parodoxical? The incompetent comic? All of the above? He's one of those great characters that reveals a story's bigger truths without ever meaning to. Plus, Michael Keaton's portrayal of this self-proclaimed "ass" was sheer perfection!

Roar (Under The Never Sky & Through The Ever Night) - Oh, Roar. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways! Strong, loyal, sexy, funny and a wonderful confidant. He has all the qualities I want in a partner and a friend. 

Inigo Montoya (The Princess Bride) - I've made no secret of my love for this man on this blog on numerous occasions and with good reason. Sure, Wesley is the obvious choice, but I personally prefer someone with a little more subtlety. Oooooh, say, someone who's out for revenge. Someone who is good with a sword. Yep. The man's gonna need someone, er, something to do once his vengence quest is completed and why not let that person be me!?

Minho (The Maze Runner , The Scorch Trials & The Death Cure) - I wasn't a huge fan of this particular series, however, Minho was the one person who kept me going. He's that sarcastic friend who isn't afraid to challenge you when he truly believes that you're wrong. He'll keep you focused and moving, even when you think you can't and no matter what, he'll have your back.



So tell me, who are your runners-up? Are there any books where you thought the secondary characters outshined the main character(s)? What are your favourite traits in a secondary character? Sound off in the comments and let's show these guys some long overdue love!