The line between this and Ensemble Dark Horse can sometimes seem thin, and one may wonder why this isn't a YMMV trope when the latter is one. Compare to Breakup Breakout and Decoy Protagonist. When a character simply takes over the existing show, see Spotlight-Stealing Squad.Īlso see Breakout Villain, a Sub-Trope for villain characters, and Iconic Sequel Character, a Sub-Trope for when the breakout character in question doesn't appear until a sequel. Ascended Extra is when a character gains any sort of increased role regardless of the character's popularity (or lack thereof). When a character gets a larger, but still supporting, role because of the fanbase, that is simply an Ensemble Dark Horse, which they also are even if they don't get any increased role. It might also be the reason why someone becomes an Adaptational Protagonist. Trying to intentionally make a breakout character before they're even introduced to audiences can also lead to some unfortunate results. Naturally, like a lot of executive decisions over creators, this can backfire spectacularly and cause a popular character to crater from over-exposure. Relatedly, this can sometimes result from Executive Meddling, as opposed to the will of the writer/director The Fonz himself, our poster boy, was an example, as his increasing prominence was inspired in part by executive pressure, and said execs even wanted to rename the show Fonzie's Happy Days at one point. As such, their fans will patiently wait for them to reappear in the story and be all the more excited when they do. This pitfall can be avoided if the breakout character is given an occasional break so other characters can get their stories told. Furthermore, other characters in the cast might be Demoted to Extra due to their reduced roles and screentime. Sometimes, if a breakout character gets too much screentime, they risk making the audience feel that the character is overexposed or worse, become a Scrappy or a Creator's Pet. Sometimes, a breakout character becomes such because they fill a niche in the cast that wasn't previously filled or acts as an impressive foil to The Hero. May begin with Promotion to Opening Titles if they aren't already there and often liable to lead to a Spin-Off, or be subject to becoming an Adaptational Badass. Someone who was once a one-note C-character, such as a Satellite Character or a Living Prop, becomes a central part of the regular cast. ![]() Usually starring in a sitcom, the breakout character quickly grabs hold of the audience's attention and writers take advantage of this energy. What's a writer to do when a minor character that they created for a show suddenly becomes much more popular than the other members of the cast? Why, re-write them as a main character, of course!
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