Recurring character

Recurring Character is a term used in various forms of media, including television, film, literature, and video games, to refer to a character that appears in more than one episode, installment, or work. These characters may not be the main protagonists or antagonists, but they play significant roles in the narrative and contribute to the development of the story and main characters.

Definition

A Recurring character is a character in a narrative who appears repeatedly, but not in every installment of the work. They are often used to provide depth to the story, add variety to the cast, or introduce subplots. Recurring characters can be found in various forms of media, including television, film, literature, and video games.

Role in Narrative

Recurring characters play a crucial role in the development of a narrative. They often serve as supporting characters to the main protagonist or antagonist, providing additional layers to the story. They may also introduce new storylines or subplots, contribute to the world-building, or provide comic relief. In some cases, recurring characters may evolve into main characters over time.

Examples

In television, recurring characters are often used in sitcoms and drama series. For example, in the popular sitcom Friends, Janice (played by Maggie Wheeler) is a recurring character who appears in all ten seasons of the show. In drama series like Game of Thrones, characters like Bronn (played by Jerome Flynn) recur throughout the series, playing significant roles in the narrative.

In literature, recurring characters can be found in series like Harry Potter, where characters such as Professor McGonagall and Draco Malfoy, while not the main focus of the story, appear in all seven books and contribute significantly to the plot.

See Also

• Main character
• Supporting character
• Guest character
• Character (arts)