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
