A character who accompanies the protagonist, offering loyalty, contrast, comic relief, or practical help while the hero takes center stage.
A sidekick is a secondary character who travels alongside the protagonist, providing companionship, assistance, and often a different perspective on the story's events. Unlike a deuteragonist who carries their own substantial arc, the sidekick's primary narrative function is to support and illuminate the main character. The best sidekicks, though, transcend this supporting role - they become beloved characters in their own right, with distinct voices, motivations, and moments of growth.
Sidekicks are secretly one of the most versatile tools in your writing kit. They give your protagonist someone to talk to (solving the 'lone hero thinking in silence' problem), they can voice the reader's questions or objections, and they provide contrast that reveals your protagonist's true nature. A great sidekick makes your protagonist more interesting, not less.
Samwise Gamgee redefined what a sidekick could be - Tolkien himself called Sam the 'chief hero' of the story, and Sam's devotion provides the emotional backbone of the entire quest.
Dr. Watson is the original literary sidekick template - he's the narrator, the audience surrogate, and the humanizing force that makes Holmes's brilliance accessible.
Percy functions as both sidekick and love interest to Monty, and his own struggles with illness and identity give him depth far beyond the companion role.
Grover Underwood is Percy's loyal satyr companion whose environmental mission and personal fears make him a fully realized character despite his supporting role.
Give your sidekick their own wants, even small ones. They should have reasons for being in this story beyond the protagonist's needs.
Let your sidekick have at least one moment of genuine competence or emotional weight. Comedy and depth aren't mutually exclusive.
Clarify what each character brings to the partnership. The sidekick should complement the protagonist, not overshadow them.
Write a scene entirely from your sidekick's point of view during a moment when the protagonist isn't around. What does the sidekick do, think, or worry about when they're off-duty from their supporting role? Let their independent personality emerge in 300-400 words.