Fancy,
I thought so too. Then a wonderful person told be about having a second story. How many times have you read a novel about two people and then part way through one of the minor characters has a problem the MC may or may not help with. Someone's sister fell down a rabbit hole and called saying she can't get out. The MC can't go so she sends a friend who has special powers that help the poor girl. Later the couple may come to the rescue of the MC since they've now learned they can combine their powers.

You just have a side story that forshadows a time later on in the main story that will help or hinder the Main characters from reaching their goal. If you are doing the NaNo Challenge this will help to plan for these issues. That's why what Michelle posted is such a big help. Now I have a different direction to look at. Maybe new characters need to pop up to help or hinder. Maybe I just need to create more DRAMA! AHA! that's it MORE DRAMA.

write a short syop of your characters first meeting
When do they meet their first conflict? what do they do? If they do this what happens. What if they don't?What if another character interfere?
What outside (external) conflict comes to the MC not related to the MC and the support Character? Do they argue what to do? who wins? why?
What causes the MC to change? There has to be a change. Bilbo Baggins choses to leave the shire on an adventure.
Think how we see all the other characters stories come to life in one story. Everyone has a story. The dwarfs lost their homeland, That's why they need to get to the mntn. What did the dragon want?
Make sure everyone gets a story. Then you decide when and where you insert their reasons as the story goes. Volia' you have masses of word count!! later you can decide what to keep and what not to. This is (like someone above said) word-vomit put it out there and worry about cutting later. You need the word count!
Turn off the editor that makes you want to go back. If you think something sounds better in another place just type [insert "the ring" here] and do it later.
You can do it.!!!


Tina Weaver