Recurring character
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A recurring character is a fictional character, usually in a TV series, who is not a main character, but appears from time to time during the series' run. Recurring characters often play major roles in an episode, sometimes being the main focus. Examples of recurring characters would be Reginald Barclay from Star Trek: The Next Generation, Darla from Buffy, the Vampire Slayer and Kate Lockley from Angel.
Recurring characters usually start out as guest stars in one episode but continue to show up in future episodes because of their popularity. Some recurring characters have been so popular that they became main characters, famous examples being the Family Matters' Steve Urkel and The West Wing's Donna Moss. In other cases, recurring characters have been given spin-off series of their own, such as Angel who originally appeared on Buffy, the Vampire Slayer and Dr. Frasier Crane who originally appeared on Cheers.