How to Know If Your Side Character Deserves a Spotlight—and If Readers Will Follow
Some stories don’t end when the final page turns. Sometimes, a side character lingers in your mind. A fictional world begs to be explored more deeply. Fans start asking, “Will there be more?” That’s when the question arises: Should I write a spin-off?
Spin-offs have become a popular trend in fiction—from extended fantasy universes to romantic series that follow different couples in the same friend group. But not every story is built to support one. And not every spin-off succeeds.
In this post, we’ll explore what makes a spin-off shine, when to leave well enough alone, and how to turn a background character into a bestselling headliner.
What is a Spin-Off?
A spin-off is a new story that grows out of an existing work—usually focused on a side character, subplot, or different corner of the same universe. Spin-offs can be:
- A new POV from a supporting character
- A prequel or sequel that shifts focus
- A series continuation that follows a new arc in the same world
- A standalone story that shares a timeline with the original work
Think:
- The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer (each book focuses on a new heroine in the same futuristic fairy tale world)
- Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (a gritty spin-off of the Grisha universe)
- The Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn (each sibling gets their own book)
Why Readers Love Spin-Offs
Done right, spin-offs deepen the reader’s emotional connection to your world. They offer:
- Familiarity with something new
- Exploration of unanswered questions
- Emotional payoffs for beloved characters
- The joy of staying in a world they already trust
Readers who love your first book are primed for more—but only if the new story brings something fresh to the table.
What’s Hot: Spin-Off Trends That Sell
- Romance Series with Rotating Leads
Each book follows a new couple, but the friend group or family remains consistent. Think of it like a TV ensemble cast where every character gets their episode.
Why it works: Readers fall in love with the entire cast. They don’t want to say goodbye—just shift the spotlight.
- Villain Origin Stories
Exploring the backstory of a well-known antagonist can flip a narrative and offer emotional depth.
Why it works: Readers crave moral complexity. A well-crafted redemption (or corruption) arc sells.
- Prequels Featuring Legacy Characters
Want to dive into your world’s past? Prequels allow exploration of legendary events, forgotten battles, or a hero’s origin.
Why it works: It adds mythology to your universe and satisfies curiosity about how things began.
- Spin-Offs That Cross Genres
Maybe your fantasy novel spawns a mystery set in the same world. Or your sci-fi saga spins off into a romance. Genre shifts can refresh your story and reach new readers.
Why it works: Genre-crossing opens doors for readers who might not have connected with the original theme.
What’s Not: Spin-Off Mistakes That Fall Flat
- Too Much Repetition
If your spin-off is just a rehash of the original plot with new names, readers will tune out. You need fresh stakes, new arcs, and a unique emotional journey.
- Unworthy Leads
Not every side character can carry a novel. Choose spin-off protagonists with inner conflict, clear goals, and untapped depth—not just fan-favorite status.
- Lack of Resolution
If your first story leaves too many loose ends in hopes of setting up a sequel or spin-off, readers may feel cheated. A great spin-off builds on a complete original.
- Ignoring the Core World Rules
Continuity matters. If you rewrite the rules of magic, geography, or character history, you risk alienating loyal fans. Respect the world you built.
When to Write a Spin-Off (and When Not To)
✅ DO Write a Spin-Off If:
- Readers are asking for more of a specific character or arc
- You feel creatively excited about a new angle in the same world
- The original story’s world has room to grow
- You can tell a different story with new emotional stakes
❌ DON’T Write a Spin-Off If:
- You’re forcing it just to keep selling
- The side character lacks depth or complexity
- The original world was tightly wrapped and resolved
- You’re burned out and hoping a new POV will reignite passion
Planning a Successful Spin-Off
If you’re ready to spin:
- Map the connections. How does this story intersect with the original?
- Create a self-contained arc. It should stand on its own, even if it enriches the original.
- Balance nostalgia with novelty. Give fans callbacks and cameos—but make the new cast compelling in their own right.
- Keep tone and voice consistent. A spin-off should feel like it belongs in the same universe.
Final Thoughts: The Spin-Off as Evolution
Spin-offs aren’t sequels—they’re opportunities to explore your world from a new perspective. They let readers linger in the magic a little longer, but only if there’s something real to discover.
So, ask yourself: Is there more story to tell? More emotion to explore? More character to uncover?
If the answer is yes—spin away.
