Minor Characters in Twilight

The Twilight series took the world by storm and became an international phenomenon. By now everyone on the planet has probably heard the names Edward and Bella. There's no question as to what an important part the main characters of the story play, but what about the minor characters? There are so many characters in the books and each one deserves a little recognition. They all add to the story in an important way and help to create the world of Forks that so many readers feel they have become a part of. Here's a list of a few of my favorites.

Jessica Stanley

We love her, then we hate her. We understand her, but she irritates us anyway. Jessica starts out as Bella's friend in Twilight even though her jealously of Bella is very strong. It is clear to the reader, though not to Bella, that Jessica is really only in it for the popularity she can gain by being Bella's friend. While Jessica is a minor character in Twilight, her role is necessary. Jessica is a reminder in the story of what an average teenage girl is supposed to be like, a little silly and a lot self-centered. Jessica has to be there to balance out Bella's intensity and remind us that through all the drama, she really is just a teenager.

Emily Young

Emily is the fiance of pack leader Sam Uley. Once a beautiful girl, Emily was scarred by Sam when he changed into a werewolf and was unable to control himself. She has three long claw marks down her face. Emily is one of my favorite minor characters of the Twilight series because her quiet strength is amazing. She is the rock that all the werewolves cling to. She is their mother figure. Bella sees her forgiveness of Sam and the bond they share despite their differences as a sign that her and Edward can make it work. Emily is the author's sneak peak that maybe things can work out for Edward and Bella.

Garret

Garret is a member of the Denali clan, another group of vampires that live like the Cullens. He's wild and adventurous. He calls himself a Patriot and the reader gets a pretty clear idea of the time frame he is from. He enters the story for a short time towards the end of Breaking Dawn and falls in love with Kate. I like Garret for that reason. He's your typical wild boy that is instantly mezmorized by the woman that is just as strong as he is. I get the impression that someone could write a whole other story about this guy.

Leah Clearwater

Leah was once engaged to Sam Uley, but when he imprinted on Emily she was left jilted. She then became the only female member of the werewolf pack. Because the wolves can hear each other's thoughts when they are transformed she makes life pretty uncomfortable for the boys. By the end of the story she has learned to accept and maybe even forgive and becomes a valuable member of Jacob's pack. I like Leah because of her transformation. In the beginning, she was very unlikeable and abrasive but as the story continued she grows and learns to accept the hand that has been dealt to her. I think we all go through difficult things, and sometimes handle them poorly. Leah is a reminder to the reader that we have to make the best of our situation even if it isn't the ideal one.

Mike Newton

Who wouldn't want to be buddies with Mike Newton? He's fun loving and silly. Even Bella who is completely infatuated with Edward can see Mike's appeal to other girls. Though if you read Midnight Sun you can get inside Mike's head a little and he's a bit selfish and flighty, but then that's what teenage boys are. Mike is the image of what Bella's life could be if she chooses to remain human. He's the safe bet, but in relationships the safe bet isn't always the best one anyway. The author makes Mike lovable and fun so that when things get really bad the reader might just root a little for Mike (New Moon) and his total normalcy, but ultimately he' s just the comic relief. My very favorite human teenage boy.