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Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Hero or Sidekick?


I just watched a movie where, for a variety of reasons, super heros were placed in one of two categories: Hero or Sidekick.

In our stories do we have heroes and sidekicks? They may not be wearing tights or a cape, but as writers, we definitely use the compare and contrast tool that the sidekick/hero relationship presents. By adding a sidekick to our MC, we open up all sorts of doors for the reader to discover the true nature of our hero or main character. Sidekicks are not only useful, they are often the most likable characters. Think Ron Weasley, Samwise Gamgee and Dr. Watson. These characters were placed next to the MC (Harry Potter, Frotto Baggins and Sherlock Holmes) for a variety of reasons.

1. Sidekicks provide comedic relief. In most cases they are funnier than the MC. Their blunders, jokes, shortcomings, etc. reflect not only on them, but on the MC as well, making him or her, look even smarter or more put together.
2. Sidekicks are usually more down to earth and relate-able to the readers. I connect much more with Ron Weasley than I do Harry Potter ... though I love them both. And the fact that Ron stands by Harry, inspires me all the more to believe Harry, as well.
3. No matter how intelligent or unintelligent your MC is, if you make the sidekick more dense and simple minded, then POOF! Just like that, your MC looks like a genius.
4. The sidekick performs an invaluable service in giving us a peek inside the secret lives of the MC. Sidekicks are usually the MC's one confidant or best friend. Usually MC's come loaded with secrets and dark pasts. But with a sidekick, we writers can showcase all sorts of expository conversations that reveal the true nature of our MC. This helps increase the likability of our MC's and strengthens the bond between them and the reader.
5. Even the physique of the sidekick vs. the hero serves a purpose. We can describe the sidekick and contrast that with the description of the hero. If the sidekick is large and not-too-bright, then perhaps the hero is scrawny and brilliant. If the sidekick is rich and sloppy, maybe the hero can be poor, but clean cut. Whatever the hero isn't, the sidekick is and vice versa. This gives us, the writers, such incredible power. Often a reader's opinion of our hero is shaped by our description of the sidekick.
6. Sidekicks also make great villains. Disgruntled, once-loyal friends who are always in the background, never sharing in the glory or the power that usually surrounds the hero. There are many stories where the understudy or best friend or apprentice decides they've had enough and WHAM! We've got conflict. Now the one person who knows more than anything about the MC, is their greatest enemy. I love it!

If I may use Angie's story as an example (dont' worry Angie, there are no spoilers!), it provides an awesome example of the hero/sidekick relationship. Her MC, Taggert has a best friend, Breck. Not only do these soldiers have fantastic names, they are amazing characters as well. Breck's down-to-earth, open-book friendliness helps us get inside of Taggert's more guarded personality. Much of my initial opinion of Taggert was based on his friendship with Breck. Breck is drunk half the time, usually laughing and always making a joke. He's completely likable and helps increase or decrease the tension as Angie crafts and carves out her story. He's a tool and a handsome one at that.

And so I salute you, Sidekicks, for the depth you bring to our stories and our characters. We couldn't do it with out you!

Do most of you have a 'sidekick' in your story? What ways do they enrich your book? Do any of them literally wear a cape and tights? Just kidding!

--Sara Bulla

10 comments:

Miranda Hardy said...

I love sidekicks, too. They do bring a lot of entertainment to a story.

Elizabeth said...

Love it! I don't share your gift for writing; however, as an avid reader, I agree completely. I have always taken the sidekick for granted in the books I love, and now I see it's because the author did a brilliant job of incorporating all the points you mention. Awesome.

Tara Tyler said...

great post! i love that movie, Sky High, right?

Abby Fowers said...

This is so true. Sidekicks open a wonderful amount of opportunity no matter how they are portrayed. My MC currently has 2 sidekicks. It's very fun to explore their personalities this way. No capes or tights tho! lol

Emily R. King said...

I love that you used Angie's story as an example. I was totally thinking about Breck as I read this!
BTW, your #3 made me laugh out loud. Thanks!

Sara Bulla said...

Miranda: I agree. Most sidekicks that come to mind bring a whole layer of comedy to the table. What would we do without them?? :)

Elizabeth: Once I wrote this, then I though of a gazillion more sidekicks... they are everywhere. In the background but essential for stories! Good to hear from you!

Tara: Sky high indeed! Love it! Still laughing!

Abby: I think having a couple of sidekicks just adds layers to your story. Even without the tights! :)

Emily: I forgot that you are already well acquainted with Breck. Don't you love him? :)

Angela Cothran said...

I loved number 4! I hadn't thought about using side kicks in that way. I'm like you I tend to identify with the sidekick. Maybe it's because I feel like a sidekick myself.

Who is the MC in my life you ask? My 6 year old! I'm pretty sure she thinks she is the center of the universe :)

And thanks for the shout out. I love Breck too. He is my favorite!

Cortney Pearson said...

I loved number three, fun stuff! Friends definitely make good side kicks. Loved the picture!

Angela Brown said...

I enjoyed Sky High as well.

I guess I hadn't really thought about the use sidekicks have. Your points are so spot on, especially regarding Ron Weasley and the way he and Harry Potter were perfectly balanced each other.

Kim said...

I think I need to get me a sidekick... I could stand to look a little smarter and more competent myself :)
Great post!

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