Every series needs a great protagonist. They are the central characters who drive the plot and often stand as a point of focus for the audience to experience the story. Side characters are as important to the story's development as the main character. They serve as plot devices to move the protagonist's story forward or as a form of comic relief to make the show more exciting.
However, there are instances where side characters take the spotlight away from the main character and stand out to the audience. Regardless of screen time, these supporting characters make the series worth watching with their lovable personalities, making fans love and root for them.
Eric Was The Protagonist We Didn't Know We Needed
Starting off as a supporting character to Otis (Asa Butterfield) on Sex Education, Eric (Ncuti Gatwa) eventually outshines Otis with his flair, style, and charisma. He compliments Otis’ introverted nature by being the outspoken one of the duo. The complicated nature of his love life is also more interesting as he struggles to pick between his two potential love interests, Rahim (Sami Outalbali) and Adam (Connor Swindells).
Stiles Is The Reason We All Watched Teenwolf
On a show where every character has a supernatural ability of some kind, it is incredible that Stiles manages to stand out. When Stiles makes his first appearance on the show, his only goal is to get Lydia's attention. His antics make him a great addition, which leads to him becoming a crucial part of the team as the series progresses. His arc in the third season takes a shocking turn when he gets possessed by the Nogitsune, a dark Japanese spirit, and goes on a crime spree because of it. This development left fans conflicted but eventually made for an exciting season.
Elektra Outshines Every Character In Pose
Pose’s impact on pop culture is important as it shines a light on the ballroom culture of the 1980s and 1990s. It also explores the ways the AIDS epidemic, homophobia, and racial issues affected the LGBT community.
While schooling the children, Pose introduced one of the most interesting characters in television history, in the form of Elektra Evangelista. Her quick wit and sharp tongue quickly made her a fan favorite. Though she rarely reveals her vulnerability, she has a soft spot for her children and will protect them at any cost.
Santana Lopez, You Would Always Be Famous
Rachel (Lea Michele) might have had the most solos and storylines on Glee, but we all know that the real star was Santana Lopez (Naya Rivera). Santana is unapologetically herself and unafraid to speak her mind, regardless of person or status. While this sometimes puts her at odds with the other characters, she lives her truth and stands firm. Underneath it all, she has a sensitive side for the people she cares about and will show it from time to time. Her strong personality is why she went from being a side character in the early seasons to an integral part of the main cast later on.
Blair Gave Serena A Run For Her Money
Serena's bad girl attitude and personality make her an easy target for Gossip Girl, which leads to some of the most exciting plotlines on the show, but her spot as fan favorite is easily threatened by the outspoken personality of Blair Waldorf. Despite her privileged lifestyle, Blair initially comes off as insecure, often struggling to escape Serena's shadow. As the show progresses and her character develops, she manages to stand out, making fans take a special interest in her romantic relationships and exotic lifestyle.
Justin Foley's Growth Instantly Makes Him A Fan Favorite
Justin starts off as one of the secondary antagonists in the first season of 13 Reasons Why. He is complacent in Bryce Walker's numerous atrocities, earning him two spots on Hannah Baker's tape. This leads to a strain in his relationship with his then-girlfriend, Jessica Davis. Eventually, Justin tries to right his many wrongs by cutting ties with Bryce and testifying against him. As he tries to turn his life around, his character’s development in-between seasons is applauded by fans. And though his story ends on a sad note, his impact is felt.
Vivek Is The True Star Of Grownish
Zoey is an unlikeable character, so it is no surprise when other main characters take the spotlight away from her in Grownish. A first-generation Gujarati Indian American, Vivek is all about living the flashy life. Like other characters, Vivek has his flaws, but he is never afraid to take the high road and do better. In season 4, Vivek goes on a trip to Mexico and gets expelled from school after being caught with drugs. This puts him in a fix with his parents, eventually getting him disowned by his father after coming clean. Vivek eventually reunites with his father, who falls ill and passes away.
Erica Sinclair Shine Is Undeniable
Erica Sinclair's entrance into Stranger Things is nothing less than iconic. Introduced in the second season as the younger sister to Lucas Sinclair, Erica finds delight in teasing her brother and extends it to his friends by association due to their nerd-like personalities. While she comes off as self-centered, Erica understands her worth and would use it in her favor, often exchanging treats for her help. However, she has often proven herself instrumental to the team as her bravery and wit often come in handy at crucial moments.
Lexie Grey Is The Only Grey We Recognize
Meredith Grey has quite a number of siblings for someone who grew up as an only child, but in typical Grey's Anatomy fashion, it is really no shocker when they find themselves in the hospital. Lexie's entrance into Seattle Grace hospital meets pushback from her older sister, who doesn't want to establish a relationship with her. Lexie's major storyline in her first season centered around her desire to be a part of Meredith's life. However, unlike Meredith's pushback, she is received with love from fans as her stay in the hospital is both interesting and exciting to watch. It is no shocker how badly fans reacted to her unfortunate demise in a plane crash, with many still yet to get over it even after ten years.
Willow Makes Fans Fall For Her
In a world full of vampires, it is only natural that there would be a powerful witch to put things in check. A founding member of the Scooby Gang, Willow starts off as a sidekick to her vampire slayer friend Buffy Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. A self-taught witch, Willow officially dabbles in magic after Buffy's boyfriend Angel murders Jenny Calendar. She progresses to become the greatest in the show's universe and becomes very instrumental in major storylines. Her character's growth from sidekick to earth's greatest witch makes her one of the most lovable characters in television history.