The Role of Supporting Characters
By Angela Marsons
I am often asked how I form and create the supporting characters for the Kim Stone series of crime novels which has caused me to give it some serious thought. I tend to divide supporting characters into two categories – recurring or plot only.
Plot Only
Most characters only appear in one book and are central to the plot and what they offer or bring to the movement of the the story. For these characters I concentrate primarily on their motivations in connection with pushing the plot forward. There is always a little colour added to help the reader visualise the person that exists in my mind although I do like there to be a bit of ‘reader licence’ with these characters as we all imagine things just a little differently.
Recurring
With the recurring characters I think more about what they can bring to the main character of Kim Stone – what aspect of her personality do they touch or allow me to explore in her interactions with them.
Bryant is the long suffering working partner of Kim and is the closest thing to a friend that she has. Bryant can push Kim further than anyone else and is the only one with enough courage to tell her the truth. One of Bryant’s roles is to bring out the humour in Kim. Their banter is often a light relief to the darkness of the subject matter for both the reader and for me while I’m writing it.
Dawson is the young, cocky detective who knows it all and constantly pushes the boundaries. He questions Kim’s decisions constantly but is very loyal and hard-working and although he makes mistakes his motivation and passion is evident.
Stacey is the studious member of the team. Her skills lie in data mining. As the youngest member of the team she brings out the nurturing element of Kim’s personality and in some ways her protective instinct. There are times when Kim holds Stacey back from doing her job as she is fearful for her safety.
Woody is Kim’s boss and unusually a great deal of respect exists between them. They don’t always agree and Kim often challenges his decisions and instructions. He allows Kim to explore the rebellious side of her personality. Despite her difficult manner he appreciates her passion and energy and ability to do the job.
Keats is the Pathologist who baits Kim at every opportunity. His role is to demonstrate Kim’s patience and tolerance. There are times when she bites back but for the most part she allows him to have some fun at her expense. She respects his manner, attitude and ethics when dealing with the dead.
Daniel Bate is a scientist for whom Kim feels a physical attraction. Their paths cross now and again but both know that Kim is not ready or able to enter into any kind of relationship. His purpose is to show that Kim is capable of feeling attraction but not yet capable of acting upon it.
About Angela Marsons
Angela lives in the Black Country with her partner, their bouncy Labrador and potty-mouthed parrot. Visit Angela's website to learn more or follow her on Twitter.
About Evil Games
Evil Games
By Angela Marsons
Published by Zaffre in paperback on 26 January 2017
ISBN: 978-1785762147
Publisher's description
The greater the evil, the more deadly the game…
When a rapist is found mutilated in a brutal attack, Detective Kim Stone and her team are called in to bring a swift resolution. But, as more vengeful killings come to light, it soon becomes clear that there is someone far more sinister at work.
With the investigation quickly gathering momentum, Kim soon finds herself exposed to great danger and in the sights of a lethal individual undertaking their own twisted experiment.
Up against a sociopath who seems to know her every weakness, for Detective Stone, each move she makes could be deadly. As the body count starts to mount, Kim will have to dig deeper than ever before to stop the killing. And this time - it's personal.
By Angela Marsons
Published by Zaffre in paperback on 26 January 2017
ISBN: 978-1785762147
Publisher's description
The greater the evil, the more deadly the game…
When a rapist is found mutilated in a brutal attack, Detective Kim Stone and her team are called in to bring a swift resolution. But, as more vengeful killings come to light, it soon becomes clear that there is someone far more sinister at work.
With the investigation quickly gathering momentum, Kim soon finds herself exposed to great danger and in the sights of a lethal individual undertaking their own twisted experiment.
Up against a sociopath who seems to know her every weakness, for Detective Stone, each move she makes could be deadly. As the body count starts to mount, Kim will have to dig deeper than ever before to stop the killing. And this time - it's personal.
Read my review on 26th January 2017!
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