side character
self-aware
the one-line answer
Someone who exists in a supporting role without their own arc or depth.
Side character means you are not the main character of this story. You exist in relation to other people. You do not drive events. You are background.
mainstream
Your coworker might use this word.
01 / in the wild
hear it move.
identity
I feel like a side character in my own life sometimes.
I feel like I am not the protagonist of my own story.
03 / don't confuse
similar, not the same.
side character
Main character has the central story
vs
main-character
Side character is supporting only.