- Provide exposition: Minor characters can provide information about the setting, characters, and plot of the play.
- Create conflict: Minor characters can create conflict between the main characters or between the main characters and themselves.
- Provide comic relief: Minor characters can provide comic relief by providing humor or entertainment.
- Build atmosphere: Minor characters can help to build the atmosphere of the play by creating a sense of time and place.
- Foreshadow events: Minor characters can foreshadow events that will happen later in the play.
- Provide symbolism: Minor characters can represent symbols or ideas that are important to the play.