Final answer:
The English Literature, focusing on the role of secondary characters in historical fiction, where they may interact with real historical figures or be completely imagined, offering a blend of factual history and creative narrative.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concerns the character types that can appear in various narratives, specifically focusing on secondary characters that may be actual historical figures or imaginary creations situated within a historical context. The references to actual literary works like 'Les Miserables' by Victor Hugo and the discussions surrounding New Historicism suggest this question falls under the domain of English Literature, particularly concerning historical fiction.
This genre often merges fact with fiction, using real historical events or figures to frame the actions and motives of invented characters to create a believable narrative that remains true to historical authenticity while exploring creative narratives. Works of historical fiction are part of English and Literature studies because they are concerned with narratives, character development, and thematic discussions.
In educational settings, secondary characters in literature are often analyzed in terms of their contribution to the story's plot and the main characters' development. Authors use these secondary characters to support or challenge the protagonist and can even integrate them with real historical personalities to enhance the authenticity of the historical setting in which their stories unfold.