Sidekick is a secondary role in film, art and literature, which mostly accompanies the main character of the narrative, ie the protagonist. The task of the sidekick is to learn the essential thoughts of the protagonist from him, whereby the thoughts of the main character can be transmitted indirectly to the receiver (reader, viewer, listener), without an omniscient narrator or the self-presentation through the inner monologue needs.
The term comes from English and can be translated with Handlanger or even Kumpan. The sidekick is therefore a kind of assistant to the main character and allows us to experience the plot, the plans, intentions, or even the thoughts of the main person as a persecutor of the plot. Furthermore, the sidekick can take over the task of emphasizing the special abilities of the main character.
One of the best known examples of such a figure constellation are Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson. Sherlock Holmes, the ingenious private investigator, is an artistic figure created by British writer Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes’ assistant is Dr. Watson, who accompanies the detective almost in all short stories and novels. The narrative perspective is interesting: Watson usually narrates the deeds of the title figure as an I-narrator.
The down-to-earth Watson, who plays the role of the chronicler in the narrative, is the one who allows the reader to have a look at the private investigator. Holmes tells Watson about his plans, thoughts, and how he could solve this or that case. The detective is therefore to identify as a protagonist of the action and his assistant takes the typical function of the sidekick.
In the literature, the term mostly means the protagonist of the protagonist. Nevertheless, the opponent (cf. antagonist) of the main person can, of course, also be characterized by a kind of sidekick. Here, however, usually the terms minions, handlangers and lackeys are used. In principle, however, they mean the same in the corresponding context and help to get a different look at the figure.
Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson are examples of protagonist and sidekick of a narrative
Doctor Watson (left) and Sherlock Holmes are typical sidekick (deuteragonist) and protagonist
Sidekick in film and television
In film and television the term is sometimes understood differently. Here, the sidekick of the main figure can provide templates for pointers, represent a comic element or is designed to appeal to the viewer or serve as a contact for a moderator.
Although he can also fulfill the function of obtaining a further or different view of the main character, it is in the film, in particular, that they are the nepits who support the main actor or have abilities that he does not have. Thus, they serve only primarily to change the perspective, but are otherwise rather assistants or supporters of the protagonist.
On television, and especially in TV shows, the sidekick serves to deliver templates to the presenter and is usually firmly anchored in the presentation. This is also a kind of assistant, but above all a contact person. Elton (TV Total), Glücksfee of the wheel of fortune and Manuel Andrak in the Harald Schmidt show can be cited as current examples.
Short overview: The most important part of the term at a glance
Sidekick is a secondary role in film, art and literature. This makes it possible – especially in the literature – to get a different perspective on the hero of the story. Sometimes the sidekick is also equipped with abilities that support the protagonist in his actions. This feature is found mainly in films.
The term usually refers to a figure that accompanies the hero of the work. However, there are also characters that support the opponent. However, these are mostly called minions, handlangers or lackeys. in English, the term Henchman is also common. The Henchman performs the same function.
In TV, the word is primarily a contact person for the moderation. In this case, the assistant usually provides moderation templates, performs services which are essential for the expiration of a broadcast, or performs itself as a support by the broadcast.
Hint: Henchman and Sidekick can assume the role of deuteragonist on both sides, and thus represent the second most important role in a work. Most of the time, however, this role falls on the protagonist’s assistant or a secondary role that is related to it.
Examples of main characters and sidekicks
Batman and Robin
Don Quixote and Sancho Panza
Robinson Crusoe and Friday
The Lone Ranger and Tonto