In some works, female characters may play central and active roles in the action, driving the plot forward and having a significant impact on the story. These characters may have complex motivations, agency, and arcs that contribute substantially to the overall narrative. In such cases, female characters play a major role in the action of the work.
On the other hand, in other works, female characters may have less significant or passive roles. They may be side characters who support the male protagonist or exist primarily as romantic interests without much agency or influence on the main plot. In these cases, female characters play a minor role in the action of the work.
Additionally, the portrayal of female characters and their roles can vary across different genres, cultures, and historical periods. In certain periods or genres, female characters may have been traditionally relegated to minor or subordinate roles, while in others, they may have enjoyed greater representation and agency.
Therefore, it is imperative to examine each work individually to determine the role played by female characters within its specific context. The level of prominence or significance attached to female characters cannot be uniformly classified as major or minor without considering the unique circumstances and nuances of each literary creation.