Middlemen

Can you think of a supporting character from a novel, TV, or film who really resonated with you--perhaps even more than the main character did? It's a weird phenomenon. The protagonist should be our main point of contact with the story. Secondary characters are there to get the far less glamorous jobs done. They're mediators who advance the plot and act as foils for the main character. That's why writers can get away with making second and third tier characters less well-rounded.

Sometimes supporting characters are strong enough to break out of the background and take center stage. I'm not talking about the Kramers and Boba Fetts of the fiction world, though. Today I'll shine a light on two fictitious second-stringers whose quiet excellence in support of mighty deeds goes largely unsung.

Jor-El
Not even being portrayed by the great Marlon Brando in Richard Donner's landmark 1978 Superman has gained the father of Kal-El the public esteem he deserves. I mentioned that supporting characters are mediators. This is the guy who mediated Superman to us. You're welcome.

Lest you accuse Jor-El of being one-note, he has much more to recommend him than being Superman's dad. Possessing a rare combination of intellectual brilliance and humble wisdom, this accomplished scientist eschewed his people's cold, decadent lifestyle for love of family. Failing to convince Krypton's people of their imminent doom despite his best efforts, Jor-El acted on his countercultural paternal love to give his son and a race of aliens he'd never met a chance at survival.

Remember: Jor-El's vision for Kal-El wasn't limited to flying around in a cape rescuing cats from trees. He knew what a potent symbol Superman could become and hoped that humanity would learn from his son's example.

Finrod Felagund
Chances are this name evokes only dim recognition, if any at all. That's a shame because Finrod is one of the greatest characters in Tolkien's legendarium. The Noldorin prince gets comparatively little page time and always serves a supporting role when he does show up, but his heroic pedigree is impossible to deny.

Finrod is Galadriel's brother. Though she gets far more attention in the Tolkien canon, he is far cooler. While the Lady of Lorien stands around giving wise if cryptic counsel, the Lord of Nargothrond goes out and gets things done. Finrod founded his own kingdom after the family tradition, but he didn't rest on his laurels. He went to battle against Morgoth, gave Barahir his ring to seal a life-debt (the one that Aragorn inherits as a major token of his kingship). Finrod makes good on the debt by joining Beren's quest to steal a Silmaril from Morgoth, during which he goes toe-to-toe with Sauron in a wizard's duel and dies killing a werewolf bare-handed.

Like Jor-El, Finrod's true greatness lies in his strong moral center. He's the only Noldor exile who didn't swear Feanor's oath but left Valinor out of loyalty to his friends. Also unlike the others he didn't stain his hands by slaying his own kin. His compassion and diplomacy paved the way for men's acceptance by and eventual alliance with elves. Loyalty defines Finrod, and Middle-Earth is a poorer place without him.

These are just two secondary characters that don't get nearly enough credit. Can you think of any more?