I write series books that follow the adventures of a main character or characters, along with the secondary characters who are a part of the main characters' lives. Though the main character is always the chief focus of the story, the ensemble of secondary characters are important -- not only to the writer, but to the reader. The same thing goes with television shows. Many television shows have a central star but the ensemble cast is often greater than the one "big name" at the center.
A prime example is one of the greatest TV comedy shows of all time, I Love Lucy. Lucille Ball was one of the great comic actors of all time, and the show was obviously built around her. I Love Ethel or I Love Ricky wouldn't have worked nearly as well, because Ball had the presence and the ability to pull it all together. But she couldn't have done it by herself. She had one of the best ensembles in TV history working with her. Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley all brought their considerable talents to the mix, and what they created as a quartet was wonderful. Lucy mugging on screen with actors of lesser caliber wouldn't have made this show one of the most beloved comedies of all time.
Other memorable TV shows have benefitted -- and have longevity -- because of the same thing, a terrific ensemble. I'm sure we can all think of many examples. Ensembles are also important in mystery series, because one readers find a main character they like, they become interested in the character's life, and that means the people around him or her. People want to catch up with their "friends" -- the same principle works in TV soap operas. This is why it's important, particularly in the type of cozy mystery I write, that the main character has relatable, likeable supporting characters. The way the supporting characters relate to the main character will tell the reader much that is important about the series sleuth -- and about themselves. The ensemble cast is a staple feature of series, and rightly so, I think. What do you think?
I think ensembles keep viewer interest because there is almost always someone the viewer or reader can identify with. We may not all be Sherlock Holmes, but there's a bit of Dr. Watson in all of us, or Mycroft, or even Professor Moriarty.
Posted by: Charlaine Harris | August 02, 2017 at 06:34 AM
Sure! Mary Tyler Moore... and Friends. And Game of Thrones! It's about what decisions they make--and I agree, readers love to be part of their world!
Posted by: Hank Phillippi Ryan | August 02, 2017 at 07:19 AM
Seinfeld -- although it was "about nothing." LOL. And there are any number of series, particularly emanating from the UK, that hooked me over the years. "Danger, UXB," "All Creatures Great and Small," and the absolutely perfect "Foyles War."
Posted by: Marcia Talley | August 02, 2017 at 07:34 AM
Excellent points all. The Mary Tyler Moore Show is another example of a wonderful ensemble. So is my current favorite, The Big Bang Theory.
Posted by: Dean James | August 02, 2017 at 10:05 AM
Count me as another fan of "Foyles War," where the ensemble are equally as good as Michael Kitchen. And let's not forget the amazing ensemble cast of the show inspired by Femmes Emeritus Charlaine Harris, "True Blood."
Posted by: Elaine Viets | August 02, 2017 at 11:37 AM
I think most of the shows I watch, in all genres, are ensemble shows. And many of the books I love as well. Thrillers by Cussler, Rollins, Preston & Child. Romance series, like Patricia Veryan's series that ended with the villian being redeemed in the last book, and many others. In series books a solid ensemble that is each unique, with their own voice, is necessary to carry the interest through.
P.S. And I think it should say the women and men in the blog's header.
Posted by: Kristin Lundgren | August 02, 2017 at 08:55 PM
The first show that popped into my mind when talking about ensemble was Newhart - the 80's show. While Bob Newhart may be the name, the rest of the cast got a lot more laughs most weeks.
My favorite TV show of all time is Babylon 5, and it is definitely an ensemble sci fi drama. I don't know that I can name a favorite character because I love them all so much. Yes, even Londo, who really, really messes everything up.
And you are 100% correct about the importance of ensemble in cozy mysteries. I often feel disappointed if we don't get enough time with the supporting players, which I'm sure it tough for the author coming up with sub-plots for all of them that don't slow down the mystery.
Posted by: Mark | August 02, 2017 at 09:48 PM