Final answer:
Minor characters in literature do not significantly influence the story's outcome but serve to support, contrast, or highlight aspects of the main characters. These characters are less detailed and take up less narrative space, yet they add depth to the story's world.
Step-by-step explanation:
Minor Characters in Fictional Pieces
In literature, minor characters are those who appear in a story but do not have a major role in influencing its outcome. These characters might be briefly sketched or named and are less detailed compared to the main characters, such as the protagonist and antagonist. Secondary characters sometimes support the main characters or may not interact with them at all.
Authors use minor characters for various reasons. These characters can illustrate different aspects of the main conflict, draw attention to the traits of the main characters, or serve as a foil. A foil is a minor character designed to contrast with the protagonist, highlighting certain traits through this contrast. For example, an author might use a foil who is decisive to emphasize the protagonist's indecisiveness.
Less important characters, due to their minor roles, take up less space in the narrative and contribute to the development of the main characters or the plot in smaller ways. While they may not be crucial to the plot's progression, they are a vital part of a story's world and can enrich the narrative texture.