Exploring the Third Voice in Storytelling
Trivia question: What do Mercutio (Romeo and Juliet), Calpurnia (To Kill a Mockingbird), and Bob Cratchit (A Christmas Carol) all have in common? They are the pivotal tertiary characters in these works of literature, also known as the tritagonist.
Originating from the Ancient Greeks meaning 'third actor'—the tritagonist holds a uniquely compelling role in storytelling. As the third most important character, the tritagonist is crucial to the plot’s unfolding drama. Often, the tritagonist introduces alternative perspectives, supports or challenges the main characters, and helps to advance the plot through their interactions and decisions.
Famous Tritagonists in Literature
• Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
• Piggy in Lord of the Flies by William Golding
• Beth March in Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
• Tiresias in Oedipus Rex by Sophocles:
• Charlotte Lucas in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen:
• Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Calpurnia in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Types of Tritagonists
1) The Instigator Tritagonist
As described, this type often acts as a catalyst for the protagonist’s troubles. By instigating key events or conflicts, this character type helps to move the plot forward and deepen the protagonist's challenges. For example, in Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, Desi Collings serves as an instigator tritagonist by providing Amy a means to manipulate the narrative she crafts for the media and her husband, propelling the story towards its climax.
2) The Mentor Tritagonist
This type provides guidance and wisdom to the protagonist, aiding in their development and often in their quest. The mentor tritagonist is crucial in stories where the protagonist undergoes significant personal growth or faces challenges that require sage advice. In The Hunger Games series, Haymitch Abernathy fulfills this role for Katniss and Peeta, guiding them through the complexities of the Games.
3) The Foil Tritagonist
A foil tritagonist contrasts sharply with the protagonist or the deuteragonist, highlighting certain traits or decisions that define the main characters. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Calpurnia serves as a foil, her perspectives and experiences contrasting with those of the Finch family and thereby enriching the narrative’s exploration of racial and moral issues.
4) The Bridge Tritagonist
This character type connects different narrative elements or character groups, helping to weave subplots and main plots together. They often embody or bridge thematic elements across different sections of the story. Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby connects the narrator to Gatsby’s past and the Buchanan’s current social circle, serving as a bridge within the narrative structure.
5) The Antagonistic Tritagonist
While not the primary antagonist, this tritagonist opposes the protagonist or complicates their journey in significant ways, often adding tension and conflict to the narrative. Their actions, though not always malicious, challenge the protagonist and influence their path. In Jane Eyre, St. John Rivers acts as an antagonistic tritagonist by proposing a life path that conflicts with Jane’s desires, pushing her towards a critical self-realization.
In crafting a compelling narrative, the role of a well-written tritagonist is invaluable. These tertiary characters, often just outside the main spotlight, enrich the story with deep layers of conflict, motivation, and emotion. Tritagonists not only challenge and provoke growth in protagonists but also introduce complex themes that enhance the narrative’s depth and engagement. As a seasoned writer knows, investing in your tritagonist ultimately provides a richer, more engaging experience for the reader – proving once again that three’s a charm!