What would you call these characters?

[avaseofpeonies]

In terms of character function labels.

I have a female protagonist and her love interest. Normally you would call those MC/ ML or FL/ ML.

Then there's a second couple, who are also core main cast, and they are both male. Are there terms I can apply to them to indicate their functional positions? Does "second ML" always have a romantic connotation toward the FL? One of these is her brother, and they are both very gay, so no. If not, could these be 2nd and 3rd MLs? Or a secret other thing?

 

[CrimsonGenius]

The protagonist and love interest.

 

[HelloHound]

I suppose just refer to them as the other couple if they're not trying to get into the main couple; if they are trying to get with the MC then refer to them as other love interests. or their names, that might work as well

 

[Sleds]

MC (Main character) / FL (Female lead), her love interest are the MMC (Male Main character), the other are just second characters.

 

[J_Chemist]

This is one of those "be creative" situations. So long as you can properly define/reference each couple/character, then there's no real ruleset to follow. They're all technically Leads and depending on their screen time they could all technically be "Main Characters".

That MC moniker only shifts if a certain character is at the center of the web. If it's across a core cast, then they all fit the bill.

Ranking them is a way to do it if you want to do so, but know it might subconsciously sway how readers view the character. I e; if you say "he's number 2", then it may be perceived as number 2 will never be as good as number 1. Some people can be weird like that, even if it means nothing.