“That there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo… and it’s worth fighting for.”
Every story needs an interesting lead; however, sometimes it’s the side characters in the piece that truly capture our hearts. These supporting characters in literature bring depth, humour, and perspective to the world around our protagonist. They could be the moral compass, the loyal companion, or the chaos agent who upends everything – but they’re never just figures in the background.
Side characters in books often point to hidden truths about the main characters, drive the plot in unexpected directions, or offer emotional grounding when the situation appears grim. From witty best friends to quiet mentors, these secondary characters in fiction remind us that every great narrative is moulded around connection – and that even those on the fringes of the spotlight can leave an impression.
Here are ten unforgettable side characters who demonstrate that, sometimes, it isn’t the hero who leaves the biggest imprint.
What Makes A Great Side Character?
Before we get stuck into our favourite side characters in books, let’s spare a few lines running through our criteria. What makes a great side character in a story? For us, the best ones are more than just filler in the story – they feel authentic, layered, and essential to the world the author has conjured up. A truly great supporting character has depth, relatability, and a clear purpose within the plot.
Sometimes, their role is to challenge the hero’s perspective; other times, it is to provide balance or a moral grounding. Take Dr Watson, whose unflinching loyalty and calm logic counter Sherlock Holmes’ eccentric brilliance. Samwise Gamgee’s quiet courage is a firm reminder to audiences that heroism isn’t always found in the sword. These are supporting characters that outshine the main character – not by stealing the show, but by strengthening it.
Great side characters also serve as mirrors. They reflect parts of the protagonist’s journey – their fears, flaws, and growth – helping readers view the story from a different angle. When written well, they’re the ones audiences can’t stop thinking about long after the final page is turned.
10 Of The Best Side Characters In Literature
1. Samwise Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings series – J.R.R. Tolkien)
Loyal, humble, and endlessly brave, Samwise Gamgee is the beating heart of Tolkien’s epic fantasy series. Whilst it is Frodo who bears the Ring, it’s Sam who constantly keeps him moving – a potent reminder of how quiet strength can save the world. As one of the most beloved side characters in literature, Sam’s unshakeable devotion shows that heroism often stems from persistence and kindness, rather than glory.
2. Dr John Watson (Sherlock Holmes series – Arthur Conan Doyle)
Name a more iconic detective duo than Holmes and Watson. As the calm observer stood behind the eccentric genius, Dr Watson grounds the Sherlock Holmes stories with his warmth and compassion. He’s a model supporting character in literature – intelligent, compassionate, and indispensable. Without Watson’s POV, the brilliance of Holmes may have never reached readers.
3. Hermione Grange (Harry Potter series – J.K. Rowling)
So many side characters steal the show at times during J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. However, if intelligence were magic, Hermione would outshine every wizard. She’s logical, fiercely loyal, and so often shown to be the voice of reason. A secondary character who often outshines the protagonist, Hermione embodies courage and curiosity, reminding us all that true strength comes from knowledge and heart.
4. Mercutio (Romeo and Juliet – William Shakespeare)
Like plenty of other Shakespeare side characters, Mercutio steals every scene he’s in with his unflappable wit, charm, and unfiltered honesty. Yet, beneath the humour, lies a tragic awareness of the futility of violence. As one of the most important voices in the tale, Mercutio represents the fiery brilliance of youth – a light that is extinguished too soon.
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5. Jane Benentt (Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen)
Jane Bennett might not have Elizabeth’s sharp tongue, but her quiet grace and enduring optimism provide Pride and Prejudice with emotional balance. She represents kindness without naivety, the core of a story often defined by wit and irony. Jane’s gentle nature showcases how strength is able to come from compassion, not confrontation.
6. Rue (The Hunger Games series – Suzanne Collins)
Rue is sweet, clever, and full of life, and her brief presence in Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games leaves a deep mark on both our protagonist Katniss, as well as us, the audience. Her innocence emphasises the cruelty of the world around her, making her one of the most emotionally powerful side characters in fiction. Rue is the spark that humanises rebellion, reminding us all what is truly at stake.
7. Nick Carraway (The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald)
Nick Carraway might be on the sidelines looking in on Gatsby’s glitzy, glittering world, yet it is through his lens that we readers see the illusion unravelling. As both the narrator and a participant, Nick is a side character who defines the story, capturing the beauty and rot of the Jazz Age. His quiet observations provide Gatsby’s tragedy with its lasting potency.
8. Boo Radley (To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee)
Mysterious and misunderstood, Boo Radley hovers on the fringes of Maycomb’s world – a figure of rumour and fear. When he finally steps out into the light, he becomes a symbol of empathy and innocence. Boo is a supporting character in literature who reminds us that compassion can come from the most unexpected places.
9. Iago (Othello – William Shakespeare)
Not every supporting character lifts the story – some destroy it. Iago is one of the most chilling examples of manipulation and jealousy in literature. A supporting character who drives the tragedy in Othello, his cunning nature makes him unforgettable, demonstrating how even side characters can command the whole stage.
10. Miss Honey (Matilda – Roald Dahl)
Gentle, wise, and endlessly patient, Miss Honey represents everything that Matilda needs in a world full of cruelty. Her quiet strength and kindness stand out as a beacon of hope. Another one of the most memorable side characters in books, she shows how sometimes love and encouragement are the greatest forms of rebellion.
Honourable Mentions: More Unforgettable Side Characters
Of course, the world of fiction is full of memorable side characters in literature who also deserve some recognition.
Luna Lovegood (Harry Potter series) – Eccentric, dreamy, and far wiser than she appears, Luna proves that being different can be a quiet sort of strength.
Rubeus Hagrid (Harry Potter series) – The gentle half-giant with a huge heart, Hagrid’s unwavering loyalty and warmth make him one of the most beloved characters in modern fantasy.
Sancho Panza (Don Quixote – Miguel de Cervantes) – Ever the realist beside his delusional master, Sancho’s humour and practicality offer timeless insights into both friendship and faith.
Each of these characters reminds us readers why these supporting roles matter. They inject life into their stories, bring balance to the heroes, and often linger in our memories years on from reading them.
Why We Love Supporting Characters So Much
What exactly is it about supporting characters in literature that makes them so unforgettable? Maybe it’s because they often feel a little bit more like us – imperfect, observant, and often caught in the pages of someone else’s story. While the protagonists hold the spotlight, side characters in books often hold the emotional weight of the story.
They’re the friends, mentors, and misfits who help the hero grow – or, in some instances, challenge them to change. They make fictional worlds richer, funnier, and more human. Whether it’s the steadfast loyalty of Samwise or the quiet compassion of Miss Honey, secondary characters in fiction remind us that even the smallest voices can hold the biggest impact.
In the end, we love them because they reflect real life: no story, fictional or otherwise, is ever lived alone.
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Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
