Maybe an old wise figure, like an old man or woman who knows the secrets behind the door or has some knowledge about the events in the other stories. They could guide the younger characters or be a source of mystery themselves. For example, they might have a past connection to the secret door that is gradually revealed throughout the stories.
I also imagine there would be some sort of antagonist. It could be someone who wants to keep the secret door closed for their own malicious reasons, or someone who tries to use the secrets from the other stories for their own gain. This antagonist would create conflict for the main characters and drive the plot forward.
Perhaps there are street - smart characters. People who know the ins and outs of the unforgiving city, like a street vendor or a pickpocket. There could also be authority figures, like corrupt cops or powerful politicians who add to the unforgiving nature of the city. And then there could be ordinary citizens just trying to get by and deal with the challenges the city throws at them.
There could be a gardener, someone who takes care of the garden in the story. Maybe a young child who discovers the garden and has adventures there. And perhaps an old wise person who imparts knowledge about the garden or the stories within the book.
The likely characters in 'lost love and other stories' would include the ones directly involved in the lost love situations. For example, ex - partners, who might be of different genders and personalities. There could be a male character who was unfaithful and now regrets it, or a female character who was left without any explanation. Additionally, family members could be characters too. A mother who tries to comfort her daughter after a bad breakup, or a father who gives advice to his son on how to move on from lost love.
There could be lovers, of course. Maybe a character who is in a doomed relationship, like a man or woman who is in love with someone they can't have. There might also be friends or family members who are affected by the main characters' love situations.
There might also be the courtiers, the servants who work in the royal palace. They could be important characters as they often have a unique perspective on the royal happenings. And don't forget the advisers to the royals. They play a crucial role in decision - making and could be central to some of the stories.
There might be brave explorers who are curious about the haunted house. Also, there could be the previous inhabitants of the house whose presence lingers in a spooky way. And of course, there would be the people who are affected by the strange happenings in and around the house.
There could be explorers. Since it's about new islands, explorers are very likely to be the main characters as they are the ones who usually discover new places.
There could be dreamers. Since the title has such a fantastical element like the kite of stars, it's likely that the characters are those who have big dreams and are not afraid to think outside the box.
Given the title, there are likely to be female characters, specifically girls. They could be soldiers, nurses, or civilians caught in the war. There may also be male characters who interact with the girls, such as fellow soldiers, commanders, or family members.
There could be a curious child as one of the main characters. This child is always exploring and it's their inquisitiveness that leads them to the secret door.