| Acknowledgements | 第1-5页 |
| Abstract | 第5-7页 |
| 中文摘要 | 第7-9页 |
| Chapter One Introduction | 第9-12页 |
| Chapter Two Criteria of Minor Characters | 第12-15页 |
| Chapter Three Functions to Shakespeare as a Playwright | 第15-47页 |
| ·Functions to the Plot | 第15-30页 |
| ·Setting the Background | 第15-19页 |
| ·Starting the Play | 第19-23页 |
| ·Advancing the Play | 第23-25页 |
| ·Adjusting Certain Effects at Certain Moments | 第25-30页 |
| ·Functions to Themes | 第30-35页 |
| ·Some Minor Characters Designed to Bring out Themes | 第31-33页 |
| ·Some Minor Characters Designed to Enhance Themes | 第33-35页 |
| ·Complementary Functions to Characterization | 第35-47页 |
| ·Helping Introduce and Understand Characters | 第35-41页 |
| ·Foils to Major Characters | 第41-47页 |
| Chapter Four Functions to Shakespeare as a Commentator | 第47-57页 |
| ·Embodiment of Shakespeare's Views on Occurrences in the Play | 第47-54页 |
| ·Embodiment of Shakespeare's Views on the Real World | 第54-57页 |
| Chapter Five Functions to Shakespeare as a Businessman | 第57-60页 |
| Chapter Six Conclusion | 第60-62页 |
| Notes | 第62-63页 |
| Bibliography | 第63-65页 |
| Appendix | 第65页 |
