Character Archetypes: The Sidekick

Ah, the sidekick. Probably one of the most beloved and generally funny characters in any novel. Less essential than the hero or the villain, but they can still play a highly important part in the story. So let's take a look at the sidekick.

Who is the Sidekick?

The sidekick is the character who helps your hero on their journey, but isn't the main character. They've got the hero's back, fight by their side, and even cook them dinner sometimes. Often the sidekick can be the voice of reason when the protagonist is acting crazy, or a motivator when they need a kick in the pants.

When I'm talking about sidekicks today, I'm going to be focusing on the kind that go with the hero and help them on their journey. The sidekick is also a kind of secondary character, but those will be getting their own post, so stay tuned for that. Now, what kind of sidekicks are there?

Types of Sidekicks

• Kid. The child sidekick is a classic, especially if you have an older and possibly more jaded protagonist. They can bring light and innocence to a story, although they can sometimes have tragic ends. They can also be adults who are more childlike in nature.

• Rebel. Han Solo. Need I say more? This type doesn't like the follow the rules, or listen to the protagonist. They might be part of the team, but that's because they think they can get something out of it. Many of them turn out to be not so bad.

• Cheerleader. They're always there for the hero. They pick them up when they're down. They're always ready with a cookie, a hug, and some words of encouragement. A lot of this kind can show up in more realistic fiction, but you can find them almost any genre.

• Comic relief. Very classic, Disney type sidekicks. They're funny, constantly making a joke out of everything. They bring light to any situation and are a good foil to a more dark and broody protagonist. The Robin to their Batman, you could say.

• Best friend. Nothing is better than going on an adventure with your best friend. Many stories feature this sidekick, from Frodo and Sam to Sherlock and Watson. The best friend has known the protagonist forever and has their back, but is also willing to call them out on any B.S.

• Muscle. Big, burly, ready to fight, but ultimately lovable. Think of Little John. They can provide a lot more physical backup to your hero and are willing to fight almost anything. Often this kind is portrayed as more simple minded, a trope I think should be changed.

• Animal. Another Disney favorite. But an animal sidekick can work in plenty of stories. A faithful dog is a classic trope for many of a loner hero. Animals may not be able to provide words of wisdom, but they're always there for you.

And here's an article of some more kinds of sidekicks-
Sidekick- TV Tropes

Characteristics

• Supportive. Most sidekicks provide support to the hero, whether through words or through action. They help them on their journey, even if they can't do the hard part for them.

• Passionate. They're also generally passionate about something. It can be fighting, cooking, or crossword puzzles. These passions can help give them a defining characteristic, but don't lean on them too hard.

• Skilled. There's a reason the hero keeps them around. Sidekicks often come with their own unique skill set, a reason they're on the team. They can be master code breakers or skilled archers. But they can't be too powerful, or risk outshining the protagonist.

• Funny. Many sidekicks tend to be funny, even if they aren't intended as comic relief. They always seem to have the best lines.

To Avoid

• 2-D characters. Many people forget that sidekicks are people too. They have their own goals and dreams and ideas. Don't let them just become a walking characteristic.

• Bumbling idiots. While this can be used for comedy, it's not the best in a novel or longer work. Why would the hero keep them around if all they do is mess things up and don't know anything? Give your characters some smarts, please.

• No purpose. Sidekicks can sometimes be added as well just for another character, and have no purpose or agency of their own. They just follow the hero around and help them for no reason, or don't even do that.

• Killing them (without purpose). Do you know the statically likelihood of a sidekick dying during the story, generally to motivate the protagonist? It's high. This can sometimes work, but it's been overdone and I prefer when everyone lives.

Writing a Sidekick

The first thing you need to remember is that they are people too. You need to build them like you would the protagonist, although not as far in depth. What are their goals, their favorite colors? Why are they on this adventure, besides loyalty to their friend? What do they fear? How can they grow as a character during the story?

Beyond that, make sure they have their own characteristics, but aren't walking stereotypes. Give them unique traits. And be careful not to make them more likable than the protagonist, because that has happened many times. Sometimes you may even discover that the sidekick is the hero and change the story. Stranger things have happened.

Example Characters

Samwise Gamgee- The Lord of the Rings

Kronk- The Emperor's New Groove

Grover- The Lightning Thief

Chris- To All the Boys I've Loved Before

Short Round- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

John Watson- Sherlock Holmes

Who are some of your favorite sidekicks? Do you have any tips for writing one? Tell me in the comments.

Suggested Posts:

Character Archetypes: The Hero

Character Archetypes: The Villain