The Hero of Another Story: Why We Love This Trope

In many works of fiction, it often seems like the world revolves around the main characters, as if nothing important happens unless one of them is involved. Sometimes that’s true—the main cast may be so central that major events can’t occur without their presence. But other times, it’s not that they’re the only ones with stories worth telling—it’s just that we’re only seeing the stories that happen to them.

Enter the Hero of Another Story trope: the idea that supporting characters have their own adventures, just out of frame. We may not see much of these other stories, but their presence adds richness to the world. Whether it’s a side character’s off-screen journey, a spin-off focused on a fan-favorite, or a crossover where another protagonist makes a brief but powerful appearance, this trope has an undeniable appeal.

So why do writers use this trope, and why does it resonate so strongly with audiences? Let’s break it down.

Why Write This Trope?

1. It Deepens Worldbuilding

A world where only the protagonist’s actions matter can feel artificial. Introducing side characters with full-fledged stories makes the setting feel alive and interconnected. It suggests that the world continues beyond the protagonist’s perspective—a hallmark of immersive storytelling. Expansive universes like Star Wars, The Witcher, and Lord of the Rings thrive on this concept.

2. It Sparks Mystery and Implied Storytelling

Not everything needs to be explicitly told. Leaving gaps in the narrative—where supporting characters are hinted to have their own grand adventures—ignites curiosity. Fans start theorizing about what these characters were up to during major events. This method of storytelling allows for a sense of discovery when those stories are finally revealed.

3. It Opens the Door for Spin-Offs and Expansions

A well-written side character can often steal the spotlight, leading to demand for their own story. Using the “Hero of Another Story” trope ensures there’s room for expansion. Whether it’s Better Call Saul focusing on Saul Goodman’s rise before Breaking Bad or Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core showing Zack Fair’s journey before Cloud’s, these spin-offs often feel natural and rewarding.

4. It Reframes the Story’s Themes

Seeing events from another character’s perspective can challenge the audience’s understanding of the main plot. Perhaps the protagonist wasn’t the hero in everyone’s eyes. Perhaps the seemingly minor character was going through equally significant struggles, just not from the same angle.

5. It Provides a Fresh Narrative Perspective

In episodic storytelling, a Lower-Deck Episode (where side characters take center stage) can break narrative monotony. It allows the audience to see the world through a different lens and often reveals how the protagonist’s actions affect those around them.

Why Does This Trope Appeal to Audiences?

1. It Makes the World Feel Alive

A well-crafted world shouldn’t feel like a stage set up for the protagonist—it should feel like a place where countless stories are unfolding at once. When side characters have rich lives and ambitions, the world feels dynamic and believable.

2. It Gives Every Character a Sense of Importance

No one exists purely as a plot device. When a supporting character is revealed to have a full-fledged story of their own, it reinforces the idea that everyone is the hero of their own journey. This mirrors real life—where every person has a story that matters, even if we don’t always see it.

3. It Encourages Fan Engagement and Speculation

Fans love filling in the blanks. When a side character’s past, motivations, or unseen actions are hinted at but not fully explained, it fuels audience discussions, theories, and excitement for potential spin-offs or deeper explorations.

4. It Elevates Fan-Favorite Characters

Some supporting characters are so compelling that audiences naturally want more of them. Whether it’s Ahsoka Tano from Star Wars, Zack Fair from Final Fantasy VII, or Loki from the MCU, these characters often prove so popular that they become franchise cornerstones.

5. It Enhances Crossovers and Power Scaling

When two established characters cross paths, it heightens the sense that the universe is interconnected. Seeing how different skill levels, ideologies, and experiences compare can be deeply satisfying. This is why franchises like Marvel, One Piece, and The Mandalorian thrive on weaving multiple protagonists into one grand universe.

Notable Examples Across Mediums

• Anime & Manga:

  • Naruto: Kakashi Gaiden (exploring Kakashi’s past as a protagonist)

  • One Piece: Ace’s Adventures (showing Ace’s journey before meeting Luffy)

  • Fate/Zero (telling the Holy Grail War from a different perspective)

• Movies & TV Shows:

  • Breaking Bad → Better Call Saul (a prequel from Saul’s perspective)

  • The MCU (side characters like Wanda, Loki, and the Guardians getting their own narratives)

  • Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (the untold mission to steal the Death Star plans)

• Video Games:

  • Final Fantasy VII → Crisis Core (Zack’s story before Cloud’s)

  • Kingdom Hearts: Another Side, Another Story (unlocking hidden characters and perspectives)

  • The Last of Us: Left Behind (Ellie’s unseen backstory)

Final Thoughts

The Hero of Another Story trope thrives on the idea that every character has a story worth telling, even if we don’t always see it. Writers use it to expand their world, hint at mysteries, and develop side characters into full-fledged protagonists.

For audiences, it adds a layer of depth and immersion, making the world feel alive and interconnected. Whether it’s through a hinted-offscreen adventure, a dedicated Day in the Limelight, or a full-fledged spin-off, this trope reminds us that every character is a hero—just in a different story.