Minor characters are an important aspect in "Young Goodman Brown." This story by Nathaniel Hawthorne mentions several characters whom the reader does not know much about. These figures are made to be mysterious in the sense that the reader does not know for sure whether they are good or evil. If Goodman Brown were dreaming this tale, then perhaps these people are good, just as he originally thought. However, if he is not dreaming and he really does go through this nightmare, then these characters are indeed evil on the inside and live two extremely different lives.
Throughout the entirety of the story, these minor characters appear for short periods of time. Many readers do not know why Hawthorne includes some of these characters and do not even know exactly who they are. These two points are what adds to the mystery of the minor characters. The answers basically depend on the reader and how he or she perceives the book and its deeper meanings. Hawthorne is trying to send a message by using these characters and just did not come out and say it bluntly, but instead tries to get the reader to look more deeply into his story and recognize these meanings for him or herself.
Most readers can probably recognize that almost all of the mysterious people have one major thing in common - a spiritual background. Goodman Brown also knows all of these people personally and is comfortable talking to them and probably has never thought once about the fact that they could be evil in any way. Since the reader does not know about Brown's purpose for venturing into the forest to begin with, he or she does not know if Brown is expecting to see any of these people along the way. It seems as though it is a big surprise and that he is very confused. .
The first character he comes across is Goody Cloyse. Goodman Brown cannot understand why an elderly woman is walking so far out in the wilderness at this time of night.