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Breakout Character
| Synonyms: | Darkhorse character, scene-stealer, spotlight-stealer |
| See also: | Fan fave |
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A breakout character is "a character in serial fiction (usually stories involving an ensemble cast) who becomes more prominent, popular, discussed, and/or imitated than was originally intended or expected, sometimes equaling or even overtaking the main character (or characters) in popularity."[1] In fandom, this often occurs when a majority of the fandom embraces a secondary character, and makes them the focus of fan discussion and centers their fanworks around them. Prominent breakout characters will often make cameo appearances in "expanded universe" works in a franchise or even feature as the main character in a spin-off installment of their own.
Examples of Breakout Characters
- Arthur "The Fonz/Fonzie" Fonzarelli (Happy Days)
- Deadpool
- Lady Dimitrescu
- Harley Quinn
- The Punisher
- Saul Goodman
- Stiles Stilinski
- Wolverine
- Vegeta
- Vincent Valentine
- X-23
Resources
- List of Breakout Characters on Wikipedia
- Breakout Character and Ensemble Darkhorse on TVTropes