Final answer:
The character who typically observes the action in a play without being central to the plot is known as a minor character. They support the story and main characters in various ways.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character who observes the action in a play and is not one of the main characters is usually referred to as a minor character. Minor characters may support the protagonist or antagonist or may not even come into direct contact with the main characters. Their role is often to fill out the world of the play, provide supporting storylines, or highlight the developments of the major characters.
Major characters, on the other hand, include protagonists and antagonists, who are central to the plot. Static characters are those who do not undergo significant change throughout the story, serving as reference points for other characters' growth. The answer to the student's question is that a minor character often observes the action without being at the center of it.