1. Importance to the Plot:
- Major Characters: Major characters are central to the plot and directly drive the main storyline. Their actions, decisions, and motivations significantly impact the direction and outcome of the story.
- Supporting Characters: Supporting characters play secondary roles and often complement the main characters. Their presence enhances the major characters' journeys, provides additional perspectives, and adds depth to the narrative.
2. Characterization:
- Major Characters: Major characters receive significant development and exploration. Their personalities, backgrounds, desires, and conflicts are extensively portrayed, making them complex and relatable.
- Supporting Characters: Supporting characters may have less developed backstories and motivations compared to major characters. They primarily exist to support the major characters' arcs and provide additional context.
3. Screen Time or Page Count:
- Major Characters: Major characters usually have more screen time in movies or more page time in books. Their involvement in various scenes advances the plot and keeps the audience engaged.
- Supporting Characters: Supporting characters have varying degrees of screen time or page time, depending on their significance to the story.
4. Impact on the Story:
- Major Characters: Major characters' decisions and actions have significant consequences for the story's outcome. Their choices can alter the course of events, influence other characters, and drive the narrative forward.
- Supporting Characters: Supporting characters' contributions may not directly shape the main storyline, but they often provide crucial assistance, information, or emotional support to the major characters.
5. Character Relationships:
- Major Characters: Major characters often have complex and dynamic relationships with each other, forming alliances, conflicts, and love interests that propel the plot.
- Supporting Characters: Supporting characters may have limited interactions with other characters and serve to highlight specific traits or attributes of the major characters.
6. Memorability:
- Major Characters: Major characters are often the most memorable due to their central roles, emotional resonance, and development throughout the story.
- Supporting Characters: While some supporting characters may become fan favorites, they generally leave less of an impression compared to major characters.
In summary, major characters and supporting characters serve different functions within a narrative. Major characters drive the plot, experience significant character development, and shape the story's trajectory, while supporting characters enrich the narrative by adding depth, context, and interactions to the main characters' journeys.