So I'm not quite sure that this is strictly a thematic discussion, but it's what I want to talk about. So there. *sticks out tongue* (No we're not talking about immaturity or anything like that.)

I've been having a lot of fun with one of my characters from my Mark and Dr. Rob WiP. His name is Mel. Melvin Stillwater. He's. So. Much. Fun. I think some of the funniest moments I've written so far are between Mark, Mel, and Dr. Rob. And it's got me thinking...

Friendship. How big a part should it play in a romance? And while friendship between the two lovers is ideal IMO, I'm thinking more along the lines of secondary characters here. 

I read a lot of m/m fiction where it's just two guys making it on a mountain (I'm not being literal here, although I can think of story I flippin loved about just that, only add in people looking for stolen money and bullets). I often wonder where the protags' friends are. Don't they have any besides each other? 

Okay, I'm well aware that in shorter formats, a huge cast of characters is not possible. But in longer formats? I like to see an outside friend or two pop up in some way. It doesn't have to be a big deal or take up a lot of action, but it does help in making the character feel real if he has a full life.

Because here's the thing: it's all about characterization, and even the type of friend your character has and how he relates to them can reveal things about him to the reader. If he truly doesn't have any friends, that tells the reader something too.

So what's your feeling on friends as secondary characters? Anybody else working on something where a best friend is getting more than a cameo? Anybody read any m/m fiction lately that deals with this really well? For my part, I'd point you in the direction of Lee Benoit's work. Benoit could give instruction on how to create a full, in-depth cast of characters, usually defying the odds and doing it in a shorter format at that. Seriously. I adore how the theme of friendship runs through most of her stories. Really very special.

Talk to me, people.