Every story needs a main character, and in Galaxy’s Child, that role belongs to Philip Anders. But let’s be honest, no protagonist becomes who they are in isolation. Behind every great journey is a group of people who shape it, challenge it, and sometimes carry it forward when the hero can’t.
That’s where the supporting cast comes in. And for me, they matter just as much as the lead.
Philip’s story may be the one we follow most closely, but the people around him are what give that story weight. They’re not just there to fill scenes or deliver exposition. They each have their own motivations, flaws, and arcs. And in many ways, they reflect different facets of the human experience, some of which Philip isn’t ready to face on his own.
Take Mike Parks, for example. He’s a career military man. Sharp. Disciplined. But what makes Mike interesting isn’t just his command, it’s his ability to bend the rules when instinct tells him to. He’s not the guy who shouts or flexes rank. He’s the one who quietly chooses to trust Philip when others won’t. And that trust comes with weight. It forces Philip to rise to the challenge, even when he doubts himself.
Then there’s Dany “Sable” Crews, the seasoned pilot who balances edge with empathy. Dany doesn’t coddle. She pushes Philip. Challenges him. But she also teaches him that courage doesn’t always come with a medal, it sometimes comes with consequences. Her presence adds heart and tension to the squadron dynamic, and when she makes a choice that shifts the course of the story, its impact hits hard because we know who she is.
Dr. Elaine Shaw is another key player. She’s brilliant, focused, and quietly emotional beneath her calm exterior. She’s the first to recognize that Philip might be something more than what his résumé suggests. She doesn’t push him forward with pressure—she opens the door and waits to see if he’ll walk through. That kind of support can be just as powerful as a rallying speech.
And of course, Ava Shore. Ava isn’t just the emotional thread of the story, she’s a mystery, a mirror, and sometimes a quiet reckoning. Her connection to Philip doesn’t just soften him, it challenges him to confront what he believes, and who he’s becoming.
The beauty of a strong supporting cast is that they make the main character feel real. Because that’s how life works. We’re shaped by the people we meet. The ones who believe in us, frustrate us, challenge us, and stand beside us when things go wrong.
So, while Galaxy’s Child may start with one voice, it’s never told alone. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
David P. Lloyd 