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." In fandom this often occurs when a majority of the fandom embraces a secondary character, and makes them the focus of fannish discussion, and centers their fanworks around them.

Example Breakout Characters

• Lady Dimitrescu
• Harley Quinn
• The Punisher
• Stiles Stilinski
• Wolverine
• Vegeta
• Vincent Valentine
• X-23

Resources

• List of Breakout Characters on Wikipedia
• Breakout Characters and Ensemble Darkhorses on All the Tropes