The Sidekick

If you've got someone by your side whom you can kick, then you've got a sidekick. Sounds like fun! So in this episode, Eline and Domien explore some of the famous sidekicks throughout storytelling history, what types of sidekicks there are and how they function in a plot. We talk about henchmen, volleyballs, passive-aggressive space aliens and there's some gushing over The Lord of the Rings. So sit back and enjoy the ride!

Sidekicks mentioned:

• Sancho Panza
• Doctor Watson
• Snowy
• Robin
• Samwise Gamgee
• Obélix
• Mr. Spock
• Chewbacca
• Jar-Jar Binks
• C-3PO
• R2D2
• Luigi
• Princess Peach
• Harley Quin
• Buzz Lightyear
• Pikachu
• Syndrome
• Kif
• Waylon Smithers
• Navi
• Muchu
• Abu
• Rajah
• Pascal
• Mini-Me
• Patrick Star
• Wilson
• Donkey
• Dory
• Ron
• Hermione
• Crabb & Goyle
• Iago
• Diego
• Merlin
• Folkrin
• Rudolf Bauknecht
• Captain Elsenbach

Types we've identified:

• Fairy companion
• Kid sidekick
• Coward
• Animal companion
• Comic relief
• Conscience
• Henchman
• Assistant
• Apprentice

Roles for a sidekick:

• Providing cynical commentary
• Giving pep-talks to the hero(ine)
• Becoming the future villain
• Getting rescued by the hero(ine)
• Screwing everything up so the hero(ine) can fix it
• Being the loyal friend
• Providing a useful skill
• Speaking for the audience
• Having someone to explain the plot or the lore to
• Providind a viewpoint perspective on the main character