dependent character
[/dɪˈpɛndənt ˈkærəktər/]
nounpl: dependent characters
personagem dependente
1. A character in a narrative, film, or game whose actions, motivations, or existence are heavily influenced or determined by another character
The protagonist's sister is a dependent character who only appears when the main character needs her help.
A irmã da protagonista é uma personagem dependente que só aparece quando a personagem principal precisa de sua ajuda.
2. In narratology and storytelling, a secondary character whose development relies on the primary character's arc
Many critics argue that love interests are often dependent characters with little agency of their own.
Muitos críticos argumentam que interesses amorosos são frequentemente personagens dependentes com pouca agência própria.
3. In computing and programming, a character or element whose functionality depends on another element
The dependent character in the code cannot execute without the parent function being called first.
O personagem dependente no código não pode ser executado sem a função pai ser chamada primeiro.
This term is primarily used in literary criticism, film studies, and narrative analysis in both English-speaking and Portuguese-speaking countries. In Brazil, discussions about dependent characters have become more prominent in media criticism and screenwriting courses, reflecting broader conversations about character representation and narrative diversity. The concept challenges writers to develop more autonomous supporting characters.
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