Saturday, April 21, 2007

The Pit Crew

In racing, the pit crew is the group of people that makes sure that the racer can continue racing: They make sure that the car is maintained, that the racer is fed, and that the racer never gives up. Without the pit crew, the racer might do well for a good part of the race, but can't possibly last the entire length of the race. They may never be recognized by the fans but without them the driver would never be able to really race.



The pit crew are a step up from your flavor characters. These are characters that do important things, and not just help define your setting. These characters are the ones that not only provide a service for the main character(s), but also act as occasional confidante, friend, and even lover. They not only make sure that the little details are taken care of, such as meals fixed, armored suits cleaned, and secret lairs maintained, but also that the wounds are properly cleaned and that there is always a shoulder to cry on. In short, they allow the main character to keep going and not just invent a new form of building diving.



Consider Alfred Pennyworth. Alfred not only helps define Batman's world (Bruce Wayne is rich, so of course he has a butler), he also makes sure that equipment works, deflects the occasional busybody, and even helps Batman do research. He has also acted as Batman's conscience, and has been one of the few people that has stood up to Batman and told him off. Alfred is probably as close to an uncle as Batman has ever had. Without Alfred not only does Batman's world fall apart but it would become a much more dreary existence.



Commissioner Gordon is another interesting supporting character. Besides giving Batman a somewhat legitimate official backing (Batman has been deputized more than a few times), as well as access to some information that even the Batman has no access to, Commissioner Gordon has also stood up to Batman (yes, it can be done!), as well as provided some plot hooks. It helps that they have an established friendship, and have even shared important events in each others' lives.



How about Mary Jane Watson? Peter Parker needs someone to keep him grounded; you can't go up against one of the nastiest rogue galleries in all of comicdom without having someone ground you. Mary Jane may not have many contacts, may not have any powers, and may be one of the weakest wives ever, but she does something that no other wife in the comics can do: She keeps one of the most above-average heroes average. And that's no small accomplishment when you realize that Spider-Man has arguably one of the most eclectic rogues gallery of any established hero (it includes psycopaths, heroes, shape-changers, magical beings, and true multiple personalities).



May as well through Lex Luthor into the mix (ever notice how many double-L's there are in Superman's life [Lana Lang, Lois Lane, Lex Luther, Lara-El]?). An unlikely supporting character if there was one, Lex has shown not only the weaknesses of the Man of Steel, as well as his strengths. By taking one of the most mercenary personalities ever and adding in ambition and a megalomania that knows no bounds, Lex acts as Supes' best foil; because he adds so much to Superman, it's hard to imagine Superman without his dark shadow. It's because of how tied the two of them are, as well as how much The Businessman defines the Boy Scout, that it can be argued that Lex is more of a supporting character than arch-villain.



In short, a supporting character can add another dimension to your character by allowing him to be human. They allow him to mess up, and be called on it. They become just as vital to our perception to the character as what they wear, do, or say, and even become our friends and examples of what we can do (I wonder how many police chiefs have modeled themselves on Jim Gordon or businessman wish they could be Lex?). They show that the hero has someone to hang with, and just be human (or as human as some of these people get). Ultimately, they represent aspects of the character that they support, and in such a way that they help to ensure the longevity of the comic, possibly for the long haul.