Sidekicks

[pbray]

Next week I'll be giving my guest lecture at the 2009 Odyssey Workshop.. My topic is on characterization, specifically the hero/sidekick relationship in fantasy. I've been working on my talk for the past couple of weeks (so far I've resisted putting together Powerpoint slides, but given my corporate training I may inevitably succumb.)

I'll be starting the discussion with examples of sidekicks, and have come up with some of my favorites:

Gilgamesh / Enkidu (gotta love the classics)
Frodo / Sam
Holmes / Watson
Spenser / Hawk (Robert B. Parker series)
Batman / Robin (or Batman / Alfred, depending on which universe/version)
Dr. Who / Companion
Devlin / Stephen (as the author I know what I was trying to do with this one)

So, any suggestions? Favorite hero / sidekick pairings I should be sure not to overlook? Fantasy works best, but I'm open to all genres/mediums.

Comments

[dynastic-queen.livejournal.com]

Dr. Who / Sarah Jane Smith is my favorite Who pairing-up to date.
Han Solo / Chewbacca
Hiro / Ando (Heroes)
Matt Dillon / Festus (Gunsmoke)
Daffy Duck (Duck Dodgers) / Porky Pig

And of course, Electra Woman and Dyna Girl.

Just some I've enjoyed over the years...

[pbray.livejournal.com]

Great examples, thanks!

Sarah Jane Smith is an excellent example of a sidekick who grew into her own lead role, with the Sarah Jane Chronicles. Though as far as companions go, personally I was always fond of Leela's "Let's just stick a knife into it" approach to problem solving.

[dynastic-queen.livejournal.com]

Leela is my next favorite. Haha! Great minds.