Sidekicks

Writing tips

Question: What do the fictional characters Batman, the Lone Ranger, and Pollyanna have in common? Answer: SIdekicks, AKA Buddies. Pals. Best friends. "Buds." Amigos. Comrades.

Loyal supporters Robin, Tonto, and Jimmy Bean share in the lead characters' adventures, successes and failures. Loyal and faithful, they carve important niches of their own and play their roles admirably. On the other hand, they are never allowed to take center stage to the point where they are so charming or lovable or humorous that they over-shadow the hero or heroine. They remain content to win "Best Supporting Actor/Actress" awards. 

Anne of Green Gables in the popular series refers to her friend Diana Barry as a "kindred spirit." They share secrets. They understand each other's deepest longings. Diana stands by Anne even when doing so gets her in trouble . . . the test of a true friend.

"Will you swear to be my friend for ever and ever?" Anne demands. 

"It's dreadfully wicked to swear," Diana says reluctantly.

"There are two kinds of swearing, you know . . . it isn't wicked at all. It just means vowing and promising solemnly."

They join hands and vow to be faithful to one another "as long as the sun and moon shall endure." Although disagreements follow, their friendship lasts.
  

Creating a Sidekick

 

I wanted to write a YA mystery series for years. I concentrated on Juli Scott and her parents until I knew them as well as I know some of my neighbors. I plotted the joy and excitement, the heartbreak and despair Juli would face. She needed a friend her own age, one who, as Proverbs says, "Sticks closer than a brother."

After a long search I found Shannon Riley--a dark-haired Irish immigrant who needs Juli as much as Juli needs her. They click from the time their Principal S. Miles (affectionately called Mr. Smiles by his students) asks Juli to show the new girl around.

Shannon isn't as outgoing as Juli but her habit of misquoting cliches wins friends and keeps them laughing. Even Mr. Smiles falls into the "Rileyism" trap and inadvertently calls Pike's Peak "Pikers' Peak."

The Juli Scott Mystery series would be far less engaging without Shannon.

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Does your story need a Robin? A Tonto? A Diana? A Shannon? Consider creating a memorable sidekick. He or she will add color to your work and help bring it alive.

Juli Scott Mysteries