What term best describes characters who fill an empty spot and provide someone to bounce information off of?

• A. Major Characters
• B. Minor Characters
• C. Static Characters
• D. Round Characters

Answer: (B)

Characters who exist mainly to support the main character by providing someone to bounce information off of are best described as minor characters. They aren’t the focus of the story, but they show up in scenes to listen, ask questions, and react to what the protagonist says, which helps readers hear the main character’s thoughts and learn more about the situation. The other terms describe different aspects: major characters are central to the plot; static characters refer to whether they change little over the story; round characters are fully developed and often undergo change. The function of serving as a sounding board is a common purpose of minor characters, making this term the best fit.