Tukihahmot

Tukihahmot is a Finnish term meaning “supporting characters.” They are characters who are not the primary focus of the story but play important roles in shaping the narrative, supporting the main character’s development, and enriching the fictional world. Tukihahmot contribute to plot progression, reveal aspects of the setting, and help convey themes through interactions with the protagonist and other characters.

Functions and roles

Tukihahmot can serve multiple purposes: they offer information, perform tasks, provide emotional support, or create subplots. They act as foils or contrasts to the main character, highlight choices and values, and help maintain narrative momentum. Some tukihahmot function as mentors, sidekicks, confidants, comic relief, or sources of conflict. Their presence can deepen realism by reflecting social networks, cultural context, or communal dynamics.

Characterization and development

Effective tukihahmot are more than functional devices; they often have distinct motivations and, in well-crafted works, their own, albeit smaller, character arcs. Consistency and agency are important: even if limited in scope, tukihahmot should feel believable and capable of influencing events. Stereotypes should be avoided or subverted to preserve nuance and avoid flat portrayals.

Relation to main narrative

Tukihahmot interact with the päähenkilö (main character) to prompt growth, test decisions, or provide critical information. They can also help convey themes indirectly by representing different perspectives within the story world. In analyses, tukihahmot are examined for their narrative function, thematic relevance, and how their presence shapes the protagonist’s journey.

See also: päähenkilö, antagonist, henkilöhahmo, kaari.