Well, there's no set number. It could be as few as one in a very focused narrative or dozens if the story is complex and sprawling. It all depends on how well you can manage and develop each character to keep the story engaging.
It really depends on the type and length of the story. In a short story, maybe just a few main characters and a couple of supporting ones. For a longer novel, you could have a dozen or more.
The number of characters you can have in a story varies. A simple story might only need two or three well-developed characters. But in an epic tale, you could introduce many characters throughout and still make it work if you handle their arcs skillfully.
Look to Chapter 169 for the clearest answer. It begins with Everyone: "What?!" Seeing the shocked and bewildered expressions on their..., keeps building through This is a transformation show after all;
A practical answer is Chapter 160, because it turns the idea into a concrete scene. The chapter opens with As the sky gradually darkened, the originally mild drizzle began to..., adds pressure through Feeling somewhat guilty, she bluffed, "I—I like her, it's none of—none of..., and ends on Then.
Look to Chapter 121 for the clearest answer. It begins with Seeing that Wen Jiaojiao's condition had improved significantly, Director..., keeps building through A doctor, donned in a white coat, hurriedly got out and immediately asked..., and lands on You're supposed to be a man who conquers.
Look to Chapter 97 for the clearest answer. It begins with Suddenly, Jiang Li's livestream room was packed with people, and the..., keeps building through [I came from Weibo's trending topics, is Master Jiang really that awesome?, and lands on And you believe what she says?.
If you want the clearest chapter reference, go to Chapter 148. Early on, Exiting the cottage, Director Sun picked up the phone.; later, the chapter leans on Before he could even greet the caller, Su Yinwan's anxious voice rushed....
If you want the clearest chapter reference, go to Chapter 143. Early on, Is there really such delicious fish soup in the world?; later, the chapter leans on Sister Li, you are too awesome!" The fish soup was not only fresh and....
Chapter 162 is the strongest chapter-level answer because it starts from He Yun then realized what was happening and subconsciously wanted to check... and follows through on Having heard the news, Director Sun personally came with staff to pick.... The payoff is that the chapter closes with "?
Look to Chapter 127 for the clearest answer. It begins with Witnessing Jiang Li leave with a bucket, Jiang Yan refused to admit..., keeps building through Otherwise, how would he ever show his face in the Capital again?"..., and lands on He Yun, who chose the codonopsis, became the one with the.
If you want the clearest chapter reference, go to Chapter 125. Early on, Next, it was Qi Tianyu's turn.; later, the chapter leans on Although he didn't know what Jiang Li had chosen, just from her recent....