By Lisa Jordan
Lone Ranger & Tonto. LaVerne & Shirley. Lucy & Ethel. Sherlock Holmes & Dr. Watson. Batman & Robin. Shaggy & Scooby. Frodo & Samwise. Lorelei & Sookie.
These names may sound familiar, but what do they have in common?
They’re all fictional main characters with their sidekicks, or close companions.
Just as real people have sidekicks-friendships with others-fictional characters need them, too.
Even though they may not be regarded as popular as the one they accompany, sidekicks act as Voices of Truth/Reason, provide information to the main character, or just plain watch the other’s back.
In addition to being a Voice of Truth, a good sidekick can act as comic relief. Nothing like a dose of laughter to lighten the mood, right?
Sidekicks also bring out strong qualities in main characters, even if that main character doesn’t feel so strong at a specific moment. Sidekicks also help the main characters stay grounded…going back to that Voice of Reason role.
Sidekicks may offer truths the main character doesn’t want to hear, but because of the trust in the relationship, she may listen. After all, having a sidekick means investing in a relationship and building trust so when the sidekick becomes a Voice of Truth, it’s a little easier to hear.
Think about your characters. Who does your main character pal around with most? What does this sidekick contribute to the relationship? A true sidekick knows her unspoken duties-check to make sure there isn’t any toilet paper stuck to the other person’s shoe…or worse, tell the truth about that new outfit, be honest (in love, of course) about that possible dream guy or even share truth (again in love) about negative choices when hearing it could cause a rift in the relationship.
Sidekick relationships are essential to complement the main character. So when you create character sidekicks, remember the main traits of a sidekick–truth, loyalty and trust.
Who is your character’s sidekick? What qualities does the sidekick bring out in the character?
Married over 25 years to her own real-life hero, Lisa Jordan knows a thing or two about romance. By day, Lisa is an early childcare educator, and by night, she is an award-winning author for Love Inspired. Her fourth book, Lakeside Redemption, released this month. Represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such, Lisa is also the Voices Community Hostess for My Book Therapy. In her free time, Lisa enjoys hanging out with her family, papercrafting, Netflix binging, and spoiling her dog Penny. Visit Lisa at www.lisajordanbooks.com.
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And you better watch those sidekicks–sometimes they demand a book of their own. 😉