Final answer:
A secondary or minor character typically plays a non-central role in a story, and may act as a foil to highlight traits of a main character.
Step-by-step explanation:
A secondary or minor character does not have a pivotal role in most stories. They are often not as fleshed out as the main characters like the protagonist and antagonist, and they may not always come into direct conflict or support with the main characters. These minor characters can serve various purposes, such as supporting the main narrative, providing contrast to emphasize traits of the main characters, and adding depth to the story.
One important type of minor character is the foil. A foil is designed to highlight certain traits of another character, typically the protagonist, by providing a contrast. This is achieved by the foil possessing opposing characteristics to those of the main character they are designed to accentuate. This can often make the main character's traits more prominent and offer a deeper understanding of their persona. An example of this would be a confident and decisive foil character spotlighting the protagonist's indecision and passivity.
In plays, character development often differs from narratives such as novels, as the list of characters typically appears at the beginning, given the focus on action over narration. Nevertheless, the process of character development and the roles characters play, such as protagonist, antagonist, or foil, remain crucial to the unfolding of the story.