Creating Characters Pt. 2
The Straight Man
Continuing my dive into the characters for my Margo Intergalactic Trash Collector series—having introduced my protagonist, Margo, in the last update—it’s time to bring in the supporting cast.
Supporting characters play a central role in establishing the hero’s journey. In this case, the “straight man” isn’t a man at all—it’s a computer.
SUNI (Shipwide Universal Navigation Intelligence)
SUNI is the onboard computer of Margo’s trash hauler.Having a computer serve as the straight man is a well-used trope in sci-fi storytelling, but for my purposes, I’m not looking to reinvent the wheel—just to give it my own spin.
SUNI’s cybernetic brain is outdated and long overdue for upgrades. Like the ship itself, he’s been patched up by Margo just enough to keep running. SUNI also serves as Margo’s link to the outside world. For storytelling purposes, SUNI’s dialogue often replaces traditional caption boxes, helping deliver exposition quickly and naturally.
SUNI’s primary directive is to complete the trash route and strictly follow company rules. He often acts as the voice of logic in response to Margo’s rebellious, rule-breaking nature. As the foil to her sarcasm and human quirks, he fits neatly into the role of the straight man.
Next: The Comic Relief
Series Art Update
The new Margo series is gaining momentum, and as I dig deeper into these characters, I couldn’t resist giving you a peek at some of the artwork I’ve been crafting in the studio.
Keep Creating,
