In literature, characters play crucial roles in storytelling, and they can be categorized into major and minor characters based on their significance to the plot.
A major character is one who has a substantial role in the narrative. This character often drives the plot forward and undergoes significant development throughout the story. Readers typically get deep insights into their thoughts, feelings, and motivations, allowing them to connect with these characters on a personal level. Examples of major characters include the protagonist and sometimes the antagonist.
In contrast, a minor character supports the story but does not have as much depth or involvement in the main plot. These characters often serve to enhance the development of major characters or to provide background context. While they may have their moments in the spotlight, their roles are usually more limited, and they do not experience significant change.
To summarize, the key difference lies in the level of emphasis and development: major characters are pivotal and complex, while minor characters support the story without being central to its development.