“You got this, Mr. Frodo!”
A sidekick is a character who is closely associated with the main character, and who often provides a range of benefits to the narrative. From providing emotional support to offering comic relief, sidekick characters can add depth, complexity, and a layer of human connection to your screenplay.
In many cases, the sidekick serves as a sounding board for the protagonist, allowing them to express their feelings, fears, and anxieties in a safe and non-judgmental environment. This can be especially important in movies and television series where the main character is going through a difficult time, such as dealing with loss or trauma.
Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings trilogy serves as Frodo's loyal companion, offering him unwavering support and encouragement, even when the task seems impossible. He is always there to listen to Frodo's fears and concerns, and his unwavering support gives Frodo the strength he needs to continue on his journey.
While the protagonist is often the one driving the action of the story, they may not always be able to express their emotions in a direct way. This is where the sidekick comes in, serving as a proxy for the main character's emotional state.
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Groot is a sentient tree-like creature who can only say one phrase ("I am Groot"). Despite his limited vocabulary, Groot is able to convey a range of emotions through his body language and the way he interacts with the other characters. He serves as a conduit for the emotional states of the other characters, providing a visual representation of their inner turmoil.
Sidekick characters are often the source of humorous situations and dialogue, helping to break up the tension and add levity to the story. This comic relief can be especially important in dramas or action movies, where the main character is dealing with intense situations.
In Thor: Ragnarok, Korg is a giant rock creature with dry wit and deadpan delivery that provides a welcome break from the action, and the relatable sincerity of his humor not only helps lighten the mood but connects the audience to the sci if setting.
Sidekick characters can get out exposition in a more natural way. Instead of having the main character deliver long monologues or explanations, the sidekick can ask questions or make observations that allow the audience to learn more about the world of the story.
In the Harry Potter series, Hermione is often asking questions and seeking information, allowing the audience to learn more about the wizarding world alongside her. Her curiosity and thirst for knowledge aligns with the audience providing a natural channel to get out exposition.
Sidekicks can also be placed in dangerous situations where their survival is not guaranteed. The audience knows the main character will probably make it ‘til the end of the flick. But the sidekick might get eaten by the T-Rex or go down with the Titanic.
In Iron Man 3, Tony Stark's best friend and loyal sidekick, James "Rhodey" Rhodes, also known as War Machine, has to face off against the Mandarin and his army, putting his life on the line to protect the president and other innocent people.
Similarly, in "Avengers: Endgame," Rhodey is part of the mission to retrieve the Infinity Stones, but his team is ambushed by Thanos and his army, leading to a dramatic battle where Rhodey is in serious danger.
From "Stranger Things." Steve Harrington, the former jock turned reluctant hero, is paired up with Dustin, a young member of the group, and the two become trapped in an underground Russian facility. As they try to escape, they are pursued by Russian soldiers and a monstrous creature, putting both Steve and Dustin in grave danger and adding a layer of tension to the already intense situation. Spoiler: They lived.
By giving the main character someone to bounce ideas off, reveal their internal emotions, or be placed in jeopardy, a sidekick can help the audience connect with the story on a deeper level. My current sidekick has a weird name, ChatGPT.
