Dear Background Character,
I see the way you always walk behind the protagonist, all-knowing but ever silent. You go about your day-to-day life as though there weren't witches and trolls and natural disasters all around you.
To every background character I've ever written, I just want to say thank you.
Whether you've been killed in a mysterious accident or said one line to a radical villain, I appreciate your simple ways. Your life may not be perfect, but at least no one will ever hear about it.
Thank you for giving a life to my story, and reminding everyone that other people live in this "small" town other than just the quirky heroine and her quest for greatness. Thank you for never having any major emotions or conflicting issues that I have to resolve. I appreciate your emotionless take on the world, and I almost wish every other character was as easy to write as you.
Oh background character, I almost wish I was you. From the teacher dismissing a class no one paid attention to, to the old man grocery shopping on isle seven, your ordinary lives without strife are almost something to envy.
Despite this seemingly great simplicity, I also want to express my apologies.
I'm sorry for never giving you much thought, too focused on the plot line to ever give you any distinct characterizations. In spite of your faceless body, you are still near to my heart.
You look upon the select group of main characters, while having only a selection of basic emotions. I'm sorry for never letting you reach your full potential, and for capping your dialogue at about two sentences.
I wish I could say I hope you feel no jealousy towards the main characters, but I know you won't since I never wrote you to have any feelings.
Some people are just meant for the spotlight, unfortunately you're not one of them.
To every couple arguing in the background, every family having dinner in a crowded restaurant, every pair of friends exercising at the park, you are what makes the story real.
I could write about the hero's journey for years, but without background characters, the protagonist is living in an empty world. Without everyday civilians to protect, who are lead characters fighting to protect? You are the basis of every story.
You are what makes my story breathe.
Thank you for being you.
Love,
A Writer
