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An orchestra is a beautiful sight to experience as least once in a lifetime.
The woodwinds, brass, percussion, and string sections blend together to
create a harmonious piece that digs deep into the soul.
However, there are several seats comprised in a certain section of an
orchestra. There must be a second violinist in order for there to be a
third, fourth, or even fifth violinist.
The secondary person is the most important person of any RPG. Without them,
the main hero is a solitary entity who has a bunch of followers walking
behind him everywhere he travels.
Case in point, take Breath of Fire II as an example. Bow is the most
important character in the game and also classifies as the secondary
charcter of the game. He befriends the hero at a young age and serves as a
model for Ryu to grow into a maturing teen. He is also responsible for a
good portion of the game. If he wasn't around, then there would have to be
someway to start the story where it picks up at after clearing Bow's name.
The role of a secondary entity isn't always as cracked up as it could be.
This person has to be an inspiration for the main protagonist in at least
one way. They also have to know what's going on around pertaining to the
hero. They have an inkling of what is happening and offer assistance in
some form.
Some noticeable characteristics of a supporting character are pretty obvious
to the naked eye. They are usually related to the main character in some
way. Be it family, friends, or a common goal, they are bound for the rest
of the life of the game. Another thing that usually occurs is an event
happens to either person that the other must take up the mantle and help set
things right. They support not only their own weight but that of the other.
Also, if these two people have been known to be together for a period of
time, the removal of the supporting friend makes the main hero just seem
rather bland. It takes two to tango so keep the couple together.
Another game that offers an important person who plays second fiddle is
Xenogears. Citan Uzuki is definitely an important character. Background
primarily unknown, he definitely knows who Fei is and what he stands for in
the way of his role. He offers insight, advice, and even physical
assistance in the heat of battle. Leave it to old Doc when he has to take
the reigns when Fei isn't around or is not even capable of making the
correct decision given the situation.
Finally, in order to keep an image, you must have both people present.
Perfect example for this is Mario and Luigi. Luigi is most assuredly very
imporant to make Mario look good. Without Luigi, it would be hard for Mario
to be the Super Mario Bros. It would even be hard to be named Super Mario
Bro because there must be two siblings for one to be a brother. Mario and
Luigi: Superstar Saga is a very good title that shows the bond between the
two brothers. Mario definitely does rely on Luigi's assistance and Luigi
ends up paying for it. If it weren't for the abuse that Luigi has to go
through with having a stocky plumber jump on his head, getting hit in the
head with a hammer, and having his pants lit on fire, Mario would definitely
not get very far. It just goes to show that brotherly love can come in all
shapes and sizes.
So, when someone gives you a hard time about playing second fiddle to
another person, just grin wide and walk away. A second fiddle is a very
important title to be proud of. With the job comes responsibilities, most
light and some very demanding, but it has its merits as well. You are the
very foundation of the group and without you, the whole establishment would
crumble. Or find another person to sit in the second seat.
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