Summary: For readers diving into the C.B. Strike series, it’s easy to get swept up in the central duo’s chemistry. But just beneath the surface, a web of recurring side characters adds both grit and heart to the stories. This article explores those oft-overlooked figures: their roles, quirks, and evolution throughout the books. I’ll take you through my personal reading experiences, highlight expert commentary, and map out the sometimes-messy world of side characters that make Strike’s London feel alive. Along the way, I’ll interweave a bit of fun—like the time I tried to explain Shanker’s appeal to a friend, to blank stares all around.

Why the Supporting Cast in C.B. Strike Matters More Than You Think

One of the things I noticed after binge-reading the first four C.B. Strike novels (and later, rewatching the BBC adaptation) was that the world J.K. Rowling (writing as Robert Galbraith) built isn’t just about Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott. Sure, their dynamic is the series’ engine, but the side characters—sometimes barely in the room—are the oil that keeps the whole thing humming. They’re there when you least expect it, sometimes helping, sometimes hindering, and always making the world feel real.

I’ll break down the recurring characters who show up across multiple books, share some personal anecdotes from my reading journey, and bring in a few expert takes. As a bonus, I’ll even include a real-world comparison table about how "verified trade" standards differ internationally—because, believe it or not, the way Strike’s cases criss-cross legal and social boundaries has its own echoes in the real world of international law.

Major Recurring Side Characters: Who Are They, Really?

Let’s get into the weeds. Here are some of the most memorable supporting figures, based on both my experiences and what leading Strike fans have highlighted on forums like Reddit’s r/CBStrike.

• Lucy Strike: Cormoran’s half-sister, Lucy, is constantly treading the line between support and exasperation. She appears throughout the series, often representing the "normal" life Strike could have chosen. Lucy’s family and her attempts to connect with her brother offer glimpses into Strike’s softer side—even if he’s terrible at showing it. There’s a particularly poignant scene in Career of Evil where Lucy tries to intervene as Strike’s life spirals. I felt for her; she’s the sibling who always reaches out, even when she knows she’ll be rebuffed.
• Shanker: If I had a pound for every time Shanker’s shown up at just the right (or wrong) moment, I’d have…well, enough to buy a pint at Strike’s local. Shanker is the informant with a murky criminal past but a weirdly loyal streak. He’s saved Strike’s skin more than once, and his street smarts often provide the missing puzzle piece. Rowling said in a 2015 Independent interview that Shanker is one of her favorite side creations: "He walks that moral tightrope, and he’s always a joy to write." I always get a kick out of his dialogue—he brings levity to otherwise grim investigations.
• Nick and Ilsa Herbert: These two are the kind of friends everyone needs. Nick, a doctor, and his wife Ilsa, a solicitor, have known Strike since university. Their flat is practically Strike’s second home, and they’re always ready with a cup of tea or a reality check. They also anchor Robin, especially as she navigates her personal upheavals. I remember thinking, during one late-night scene in The Silkworm, "Thank goodness for Nick—someone who genuinely cares whether Strike eats or sleeps."
• Matthew Cunliffe: Robin’s on-again, off-again fiancé (and, for a time, husband) often appears as both a personal roadblock and a foil to Strike. Matthew’s jealousy and insecurity drive much of the tension in Robin’s life. In online fan circles, he’s divisive—some see him as a necessary complication; others just want him gone. I’ll admit, the arguments between Robin and Matthew sometimes felt so real I was tempted to skip ahead. But those moments ground Robin’s journey in something painfully relatable.
• Wardle and Carver: These detectives from the Metropolitan Police crop up repeatedly, each with their own relationship to Strike. DI Eric Wardle is the more sympathetic of the two, occasionally sharing tips or collaborating on cases (sometimes bending the rules). Carver, on the other hand, is more by-the-book and suspicious of Strike’s methods. Their presence always signals that the case is about to get complicated—or that legal lines are about to be blurred.
• Pat Chauncey: The agency’s tough, no-nonsense secretary, Pat, starts as a background figure but quickly becomes a fixture in the office. She’s gruff, loyal, and has a knack for keeping Strike and Robin’s chaos in check. By Troubled Blood, she’s indispensable. I laughed out loud the first time Pat barked at a client—she’s the kind of colleague you wish you had when things go sideways.
• Charlotte Campbell Ross: Strike’s ex-fiancée, Charlotte, haunts the series as a toxic, alluring presence. Her manipulations and unpredictable appearances keep Strike’s emotional wounds raw. Her storylines often intersect with the main cases, complicating matters just when things seem to be settling down. She’s a classic "can’t live with her, can’t live without her" problem.

Of course, there are others—Strike’s uncle Ted Nancarrow, Robin’s parents, and various agency staff—but these are the ones who’ve stuck with me and, by all accounts, with most of the fandom. Their evolving roles create a sense of continuity and lived-in reality that few detective series achieve.

A Real-World Analogy: How Do Different Countries Handle "Verified Trade"?

Now, if you’re wondering what this has to do with international standards—bear with me. Just as Strike’s investigations often butt up against the boundaries of police jurisdiction, evidence rules, and even personal ethics, so too do international trading partners run into the messy world of "verified trade" standards. Let’s make this more concrete.

Each country sets its own "verified" standards—much like how each recurring character in Strike’s world has their own relationship to the rules. For instance, CBP’s AEO program in the U.S. is built on mutual recognition with Europe’s AEO, but the specifics (background checks, audit requirements) can differ. The WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement tries to harmonize things, but reality is always more complicated. If you want to compare the legal nitty-gritty, this EU resource is a good starting point.

A Simulated Case: When Standards (or Side Characters) Collide

Let’s imagine a scenario. Say you’re exporting electronics from the EU to China. Your goods are cleared for export under the EU’s AEO program, but upon arrival in Shanghai, Chinese customs apply stricter ACAE documentation checks. This mismatch leads to delays and headaches, despite both sides claiming to "recognize" the other’s certification. Similarly, Strike’s cases often hinge on information—or assistance—from his diverse circle. If Nick hadn’t vouched for Strike with a difficult witness in Lethal White, things could have unraveled. The comparison isn’t just literary; it’s lived reality for anyone navigating cross-border logistics or the tangled web of human relationships.

Expert Take: Why Recurring Characters (and Consistent Standards) Matter

In a recent panel hosted by the OECD, trade expert Dr. Linh Nguyen emphasized, "Harmonization is the gold standard, but the reality is always patchwork. Success depends on knowing the players and understanding their motivation—whether you’re talking about customs agents or recurring characters in a detective series."

That analogy stuck with me. Just as Strike’s network is his superpower, exporters (or readers!) need to know who’s trustworthy, who might throw up roadblocks, and who holds the missing piece.

Personal Lessons Learned (and a Few Missteps)

Here’s where I get honest: when I started the series, I barely noticed half the side characters. I was all about the mystery—who killed whom, who’s lying. But on my second read-through, I realized how much these recurring figures add. The first time Pat barked at Strike for leaving coffee rings, it reminded me of a grumpy office manager at my old job—someone who, despite the gruffness, was the glue holding everything together. And when Lucy’s worries about Cormoran’s drinking echo across books, it’s impossible not to feel that familial ache.

I’ve also learned (sometimes the hard way) that ignoring the "supporting cast"—in books or in real-world projects—means missing out on crucial context. A friend once told me, after we debated Matthew’s role for half an hour, "Even the characters you hate are there for a reason." Turns out he was right.

Conclusion and Next Steps

So, if you’re new to C.B. Strike or returning for a re-read, pay attention to the people on the margins. They’re not just background noise—they’re the threads holding the story (and its world) together. Whether you’re tracking the evolution of Pat’s role in the agency or getting frustrated with Charlotte’s latest attempt to mess with Strike’s head, these recurring characters make the series feel real.

For those interested in the international angle, I recommend digging into the resources I’ve linked above. The parallels between the cast of characters in Strike and the actual web of international regulations are more than just a literary trick—they’re a reminder that, in fiction as in life, the people (and rules) on the periphery often matter most.

If you want to keep exploring, check out the official series site or join the discussion at r/CBStrike. And next time you’re reading a detective novel, keep an eye out for the side characters—you might just find your new favorite.