In urban fantasy, the protagonist often takes center stage, navigating a world full of supernatural dangers, moral dilemmas, and personal struggles. But while the hero’s journey is undeniably essential, the sidekick—the secondary character who stands by their side—also plays a critical role in the narrative. Sidekicks are not just comic relief or tools for exposition; they are multi-dimensional characters in their own right, with their own strengths, weaknesses, and distinct personalities. When crafted well, a compelling sidekick can elevate the plot, deepen the emotional stakes, and help ground the hero in a complex, magical world.
So, how do you create sidekick characters that are more than just “supporting players”? In this article, we’ll explore the key elements that make sidekicks stand out in urban fantasy, and how they can enhance both the hero’s journey and the overall narrative.
1. Make Them More Than Just Comic Relief
It’s easy to fall into the trap of making sidekicks the comedic foil to the serious hero. While humor is an essential tool for lightening the tone of an otherwise dark and gritty urban fantasy, a sidekick should not exist solely to provide punchlines. In fact, making your sidekick a multi-dimensional character—one who brings more to the table than just jokes—will help them feel real, relatable, and essential to the plot.
The Sidekick’s Role in the Story: The sidekick should have their own personal motivations, desires, and struggles that influence the main storyline. They might have an entirely different set of skills, knowledge, or talents than the hero, making them a crucial partner in the hero’s journey. Whether it’s their unique magical ability, street smarts, or deep understanding of supernatural politics, a well-developed sidekick brings valuable perspectives to the table. Their presence should not just reflect the hero’s actions, but also challenge them, creating opportunities for growth and evolution in both characters.
Consider Butch O’Neal from The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. Butch isn’t just Harry Dresden’s comic relief or sidekick; he’s a fully realized character with his own motivations, fears, and backstory. He is a former police officer turned vampire, and his presence in the story challenges Dresden in meaningful ways, both emotionally and narratively.
2. Give Them Their Own Arc
Just like your protagonist, a sidekick should undergo character development throughout the story. While they may not have the same level of narrative focus as the hero, their growth is essential for adding depth to the plot. A sidekick who is static or unchanging risks feeling flat or underdeveloped.
A Sidekick’s Personal Journey: The sidekick doesn’t have to be on the same journey as the hero, but they should have their own goals and challenges that reflect their arc. Maybe they begin the story unsure of their place in the world, but by the end, they’ve developed new skills or come to terms with their past. Or perhaps they struggle with loyalty, torn between helping the hero and following their own moral code. Their arc should intersect with the hero’s journey, creating tension and moments of mutual growth.
In Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson series, Mercy’s friend, Coyote (aka Adam’s pack), is more than just a helpful ally—his arc involves his struggle with leadership, morality, and love. Over time, his character deepens, contributing to the overall stakes of the plot and showing that sidekicks are often more than just passive participants.
3. Create a Dynamic Relationship with the Hero
The relationship between the hero and their sidekick is one of the most important aspects of the sidekick’s role in urban fantasy. The dynamic should be layered, with tension, loyalty, camaraderie, and mutual respect. A sidekick who exists purely to support the protagonist without any friction or complexity can feel unrealistic. Instead, consider how their relationship with the hero can evolve over the course of the story.
Conflict and Compromise: A well-crafted sidekick often challenges the hero in ways that prompt growth. The sidekick may have different values, methods, or ideas, which forces the hero to reevaluate their decisions or approach. Whether it’s moral dilemmas, differing opinions on how to handle a supernatural threat, or conflicting personal goals, the tension between the hero and sidekick should drive both character development and plot progression.
In Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter series, Anita’s relationship with her sidekick and friend, Edward, is fraught with tension. Edward is an assassin who operates on a morally gray spectrum, and their relationship is a delicate balance of mutual respect and mistrust. This dynamic keeps the reader engaged and deepens the conflict within the plot.
4. Give Them Unique Skills or Traits
A sidekick should never be a carbon copy of the protagonist; they should bring something different to the table. In urban fantasy, this is especially true. The supernatural world is often complex and layered, with many different creatures, powers, and knowledge systems at play. Sidekicks can provide vital expertise, access to unique skills, or an alternative perspective that complements the hero’s strengths.
The Sidekick’s Purpose in the World: Whether it’s a specific magical ability, an extensive knowledge of occult history, or street smarts in navigating dangerous urban environments, the sidekick should offer something the hero cannot easily replicate. This makes the sidekick indispensable to the hero’s journey. Their talents and abilities should feel natural in the context of the world you’ve built, and their knowledge should help them contribute to solving the story’s conflicts.
For example, in Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files, Bob the Skull, a disembodied spirit of knowledge, serves as both comic relief and a valuable source of information. His deep well of knowledge is critical to Harry’s success in solving complex supernatural cases. While Bob isn’t physically imposing or particularly heroic, his unique abilities make him a vital member of Dresden’s team.
5. Add Layers to Their Personality
Great sidekick characters often have their own quirks, flaws, and strengths that go beyond their role as a support character. Giving them a rich personality adds realism and depth to the narrative. Sidekicks should be multi-dimensional, with hopes, fears, weaknesses, and virtues of their own. Avoid stereotypes like the “grizzled mentor” or “innocent child” and instead create a sidekick who feels like a fully realized person.
Complex Personalities: A sidekick’s quirks can make them stand out in the story and offer opportunities for emotional depth. Maybe the sidekick is fiercely independent, which sometimes creates friction in their relationship with the hero. Perhaps they struggle with their own insecurities, which may be exacerbated by the danger and supernatural elements surrounding them. These personal complexities not only make the sidekick more engaging but also provide emotional stakes that drive the plot forward.
In Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse series, Tara Thornton is Sookie’s best friend and sidekick, but she’s much more than just a support character. Tara has her own emotional turmoil and backstory that influence her actions throughout the series. She has a complex personality, struggling with personal relationships and finding her place in a world full of supernatural creatures. Her emotional growth is just as important as Sookie’s own journey.
6. Make Them Integral to the Plot
A sidekick should never feel like an afterthought. They should have a direct impact on the plot and help drive the story forward. Whether it’s providing essential information, aiding in a confrontation, or making a critical decision that changes the course of the action, the sidekick’s involvement should matter. They are there to help the hero in ways that feel authentic and integral to the narrative, not just to tag along for the ride.
Making Their Role Essential: A sidekick who is essential to the plot doesn’t just help the hero solve the mystery or defeat the antagonist—they add unique perspectives and contribute to the overall resolution of the story. Their choices, actions, and growth should directly impact the hero and the outcome of the adventure. This not only makes the sidekick feel vital to the story but also elevates the entire plot.
For example, in Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson series, Mercy’s sidekick, Stefan, plays a critical role in the supernatural community’s politics and provides valuable insight into the dynamics of werewolves, vampires, and other creatures. He is more than just a secondary character—he is an essential piece in Mercy’s world and contributes significantly to the development of the plot.
Don’t Forget…
In urban fantasy, sidekicks are far more than mere accessories to the hero. They are vital, multi-faceted characters whose presence elevates the story, deepens the conflict, and helps to ground the hero in the fantastical world they inhabit. By giving your sidekick their own arc, skills, and personality, and ensuring they are integral to the plot, you create a character who feels as essential to the story as the protagonist. The best sidekicks are those who grow alongside the hero, challenge their views, and add emotional weight to the narrative. With a well-crafted sidekick, your urban fantasy world becomes richer, more complex, and more engaging, inviting readers to dive deeper into both the supernatural and the very human relationships that drive the plot forward.
Nina Soden 