Sidekicks People Like Better Than the Main Character

Let’s be honest. Sometimes the main character in a book (or movie) just doesn’t measure up next to their sidekick(s). Sidekicks are the unsung heroes of lots of stories; they’re the comedic relief, the voice of reason, the support without which main characters likely couldn’t do what they have to do to bring a story to its conclusion. So today, let’s acknowledge some of our favourite literary (and movie) sidekicks.

Anna Kendrick as Jessica Stanley in the Twilight Saga

Anna Kendrick as Jessica Stanley is such a breath of fresh air, particularly in New Moon. Without her comedic interception into Bella’s endless Edward fantasies, New Moon would have been a lot more unbearable. She’s funny because she’s really not trying to be funny. It’s fantastic. “I don’t know why you wanna sit through all those zombies eating people, and no hot guys kissing anybody. It’s gross. Like, why are there that many zombie movies anyway? If it’s, like, supposed to draw a parallel about leprosy, my cousin had leprosy. It’s not funny, you know?”

Meggie Folchart in Inkheart

Meggie may be the protagonist of this story, but she originally is the sidekick to her father, as this adventure started when she was only a baby. Meggie is along for the ride with Mo in the beginning, but by the end she’s the one saving the day. Sidekick made heroine, which is arguably the best kind.

“Radar” Lincoln and Ben Starling in Paper Towns

When Q is on the seemingly never-ending hunt for Margo Roth Spiegelman, Radar and Ben are the most supportive friends Q could’ve asked for. Seriously, they get in a van and race across the country to find her, and they all have to miss graduation to do it. That’s some serious commitment to a friendship with Q, isn’t it?

Scorpius Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Scorpius Malfoy makes a better sidekick than Albus Potter does a protagonist. Scorpius, despite a fairly damaging reputation, perseveres and defies all negative expectations of him. He gives invaluable support to Albus even though Albus doesn’t always appreciate it. Between the two, Albus has the more desirable position, and yet he is still the one who’s unhappy. Scorpius overcomes all of the odds, which is more than Albus can say.

Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter series

We all can agree that everyone loves Hermione, but we're going to focus on another one of Harry’s sidekicks here. Running with the theme, we think Ron sometimes makes a better sidekick than Harry does a protagonist. Sometimes Harry’s just too serious, you know? Ron offers a light-hearted alternative to Harry’s endless broodiness. In the last few movies, Ron is often the only relief from the darkness of Lord Voldemort’s constant threat, and it is a comic break that we always appreciate. Ron keeps them feeling human and happy, without which we're not convinced that Harry could’ve pressed forward with pride and determination.

Nicu in We Come Apart

Nicu is an emigrant from Romania, and at first seems like he hasn’t got a clue about this new world. Honestly, we don’t think he ever really gets the hang of being an emigrant, even though it’s clear that he likes this new life more than the possibility of returning to Romania. He makes an excellent sidekick for all of Jess’ adventures, not least of which is their last one. We found that Nicu was a more interesting character than Jess, and had more stamina and strength than she did.

Let's hear it for the sidekicks!