Top Non-Fiction Novels with Exceptional Side Characters

For readers who prefer their stories grounded in reality, finding novels that feature well-developed side characters can add depth and richness to the experience. Whether it’s legal thrillers, psychological thrillers, or mysteries, stories with exceptional supporting characters can captivate your interest and make the narrative more engaging.

When you immerse yourself in a story, it’s often the side characters that bring the world to life, providing additional layers of intrigue and emotion.

Legal Thrillers

Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow

This classic legal thriller intertwines crime and courtroom drama, presenting a narrative filled with multifaceted supporting characters that drive the plot forward and add complexity to the story. The main character, prosecutor Rusty Sabich, may be the center of the story, but it’s the vivid supporting cast – from his enigmatic boss to the shifty defense attorney – that adds the rich, complex layers making the narrative so compelling.

The book's side characters don't just exist in the background; they actively influence the direction and outcome of the plot, making every chapter more engaging and unpredictable.

Psychological Thrillers

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Beyond its gripping main plot, this thriller captivates with a host of secondary characters that add intrigue and unexpected twists. The unsettling journey of Nick and Amy Dunne is heightened by a cast of untrustworthy friends, nosy neighbors, and relentless police officers who all hold pieces of a very intricate puzzle.

The secondary characters in Gone Girl are instrumental in amplifying the tension and delivering those jaw-dropping moments the book is famous for.

Mystery

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

This novel not only deals with gripping mystery elements but also presents a diverse cast of side characters, each contributing significantly to the story. The women of Pirriwee Public School and their families bring humor, depth, and heartfelt moments to a tale brimming with dark secrets and suspense.

Each character's journey and backstory add threads that weave into a rich, complex tapestry, making Big Little Lies an unforgettable read.

Tragedies

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

This heart-wrenching novel focuses on deep, emotional relationships and is enriched by its incredibly detailed secondary characters. Following the lives of four friends, the novel immerses you in their joys, sorrows, and everything in between. The side characters – from their families to their colleagues – bring added dimensions of heartbreak and hope.

Each secondary character in A Little Life serves as a mirror, reflecting different facets of the protagonists, deepening the emotional impact of the story.

These novels not only feature engaging primary plots but also excel in crafting memorable and impactful supporting characters that complement the story beautifully. Dive into these narratives and discover how side characters can transform your reading experience from ordinary to extraordinary.