One Secondary Character in PATRIOT'S COURAGE

This is Miss Barbara Chance. Her father had hoped for a boy, but since Barbara came along instead he taught her the skills a boy needed to know back in the late 1700s. When it comes to hitting a target dead center, she's always the winner. She's a big woman, so men who long for dainty, small women are not attracted to her. She signed up to be a laundress at the fort thinking that some homesick young man would fall in love with her, but that didn't happen. Instead, she is assigned to teach Nellie Red Bird how to be a lady--a tall order for someone who isn't much of a lady herself. 

I have a great time writing about my secondary characters! Heroes and heroines need friends. Don't we all?

You can buy PATRIOT'S COURAGE just about everywhere. Check out the links below.

Amazon: 

https://www.amazon.com/Patriots-Courage-Patriot-Historical-Romance-ebook/dp/B08FBH9BKN

 

Pelican Book Group:

https://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1502

 

Barnes & Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/patriots-courage-penelope-marzec/1137443133?ean=9781522398820

 

Kobo:

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/patriot-s-courage

 

Google Play Books:

https://play.google.com/store/books/details?pcampaignid=books_read_action&id=9Jv1DwAAQBAJ

 

Apple Books:

https://books.apple.com/us/book/patriots-courage/id1526512077

 

 

 

Creating Secondary Characters

Secondary characters are useful. Your heroine doesn't need to look into a mirror to describe her features. She's got a sidekick more than willing to point out her foibles. As Pinocchio relied upon Jiminy Cricket to become real, most heroines and/or heroes could use a confidante to guide them along on their journey--or sometimes point out the obvious when their rose-colored glasses obstruct the view.

Secondary characters are also great fun to bring to life. For instance, in my historical, PATRIOT'S PRIDE, Mrs. Ulery is the heroine's companion and chaperone on a long journey to England. The heroine barely knows the older woman, but it soon becomes obvious that Mrs. Ulery has an inordinate fondness for whiskey. While the heroine is horrified at this discovery, the heroine finds Mrs. Ulery's other hidden talents more than helpful.

Readers have enjoyed Mrs. Ulery. In addition to being a foil for the very proper heroine, she provides humor and a slight touch of wisdom, despite her love of liquor. In fact, it is that failing of hers which rounds out the older woman and makes her seem genuine.

Here's a great post about supporting characters and how to create them: http://io9.gizmodo.com/5896488/10-secrets-to-creating-unforgettable-supporting-characters

So have some fun with your secondary characters. Your heroes and heroines need some support!




Photo Credit: "A Woman Reading, The Chamber-Maid Brings Tea" via photopin (license)