It’s another top 5 Wednesday
(T5W)! Top 5 Wednesday is a Goodreads group that you can find right here. This week’s topic is our top 5minor characters. My Slytherin nature is shown clearly here, because I love so many characters per series, and chose 2 at a time.
Enjoy!
5. The Raven Cycle: Henry Cheng and Kavinsky
I have very mixed feelings about Henry Cheng. Perhaps it is because I didn’t get enough time with him to fully realize what the heck he is all about. On the one hand, I understand his humor and can identify with him. But, on the other hand, I feel like he made me very uncomfortable.
The same thing can be said about Kavinsky. I wish we had more time with him; if we got a story with him and his dream thieving, perhaps he’d make more sense as a person. I like how he pushed Ronan to grow up but how did he get to this point?
4. Beautiful Creatures: Wesley Jefferson Lincoln (and Ridley Duchanne)
Link is one of my favorite characters ever, actually, because he brought this grounded nature to these books with heavy emphasis on the supernatural/paranormal. He was steeped in the culture of the place, too.
In contrast, his relationship with Ridley was so neat. I didn’t read the series focused on the two of them, but I loved just the hint of possibility between this very “real” human and then this dark castor. Perfection.
3. The Grisha Trilogy: Baghra and Genya
There is a very brief exploration of these two characters in the series. Part of me really wanted to see more of these minor characters. Baghra, in particular, and her relationship with the Darkling, was fascinating. I wanted to see more of her as a child and her relationship with family.
Genya is another really close character to my heart, because she is a sexual abuse survivor. She certainly handles it with grace and strength. Definitely something inspiring and encouraging.
2. Mistborn: Elend Venture 
I didn’t expect to love this dude as much as I do. But, here we are. I am on the second book in the series, and he has taken on a larger role, which makes me SO glad to see more of him. Mainly, I am curious to see how he will develop as a person, as a noble, as someone in a powerful position, and as someone who has Vin in his life.
1. Paper Towns: Ben and Radar
Minor characters shine bright in John Green’s work. But, among my favorites, are Ben and Radar. I just love them. They make me laugh a lot, and they are intriguing characters. Specifically, I would have liked more adventures with these two guys. Why can’t we hear more about Ben and his relationship woes? What about Radar? How does his family come to collect black Santa figurines? SO MANY QUESTIONS!
Some authors write minor characters really well. And sometimes certain minor characters just really stand out! Some of my favorite characters are minor ones (depending on your definition, I guess). I haven’t read these books, but some of the characters do sound interesting! And I’m going to read The Raven Cycle eventually, so you can remind me of these characters once I do and I can tell you if I also liked them 🙂
Ooh I’ve actually read all of these (well except The Raven King, I’ve only read The Raven Boys)! Of course, my memory is a bit crap so don’t recognize all the names, but the ones I do recognize I agree.
I loved Genya in Shadow and Bone and would’ve loved to know more. I’m not sure I ever considered Baghra, but yes, I think she too would’ve been interesting to dive into. And yes to Elend. That book is a bit blurry for me but I do remember loving him. Glad to hear he takes a larger role in the second book since I haven’t read it yet!
Ben and Radar are my faves too- tbh, I think I’d have preferred a book ALL about them haha. I read Beautiful Creatures SO long ago, I barely remember the characters, but I do vaguely remember liking Link. And I agree about the Grisha series too!