Observe the description the writer uses in the story to tell the reader about each character. The physical features and personality of a major character is described in great detail because of the protagonist's importance to the storyline. Authors tend to provide only the gender and traits that form a minor character's personality, making the minor character less dominant.
Take note of the point of view the story is told from. Most stories are told through the point of view of the major character, providing the reader with a front-row seat to the action in the story. The major character tells the reader how they experienced a situation and shares the emotional impact the situation had on his life. Minor characters are described as part of the story the main character is telling, rather than telling the story themselves.
Read or listen to the dialogue spoken between characters in the story. The main character in the story has most of the dialogue and action, allowing the reader to become acquainted with him. The reader gains a better understanding of the major character's personality and the character's thought process. Minor characters have few words in the story and may only make an appearance for a brief moment without dialogue.
Notice the path each character takes in the story. Minor characters tend to appear and disappear depending on the event or time in the story. Major characters are part of the entire story, taking the reader on a journey. Events in the story personally affect the major character, causing the major character to grow and change.
Pay attention to the relationship you have to each character in the story. A strong major character has qualities and characteristics the reader can relate to. The reader tends to care about the well-being of the major character, creating a bond between the reader and protagonist. Minor characters help further the story, but may not always be necessary to the storyline. Minor characters may also provide comedic relief to the story, easing the suspense or drama in a situation.