Sidekicks have been an essential part of storytelling for centuries, from classic literature to modern fantasy and even superhero sagas. They offer comic relief, moral support, and, at times, protect the protagonist. But how compelling the sidekick would be if you flipped the script and wrote a novel about them? To write such a character takes more than witty one-liners or a compelling backstory — it's about depth, agency, and a personality that demands attention.

1. Give Them a Life Beyond the Hero: A well-executed sidekick serves not just the lead character. They have their own goals, relationships, and conflicts—for example, Dr. John Watson from Sherlock Holmes. While Sherlock is the genius detective, Watson is more than act as a supportive sidekick. He's a war veteran, a doctor, and a storyteller who dictates how the audience perceives Holmes. Without the presence of Watson, this legendary detective wouldn't have the same impact. For a sidekick to feel real, give them a world beyond the protagonist's shadow.

2. Make Them Capable (But Not Perfect): A good sidekick is capable of holding their own but not so perfect that they overshadow the protagonist. Consider Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings. He may not be the chosen one, but he's brave, determined, and arguably the heart of the story. Frodo wouldn't have made it without him. His emotional intelligence and competence make him a candidate who can carry his journey, but he never overshadows the central plot. This is extremely important when writing a sidekick who could easily step into the limelight.

3. Give Them Their Own Arc: A sidekick should never be relegated to a static role. They need development, conflict, and change. Take Neville Longbottom, for example, from Harry Potter. He begins as a shy and clumsy boy and, through the series, evolves into an influential leader. The depth of his underdog-to-hero arc is so riveting that he could very well be the lead in his series. When developing your sidekick character, make sure their arc isn't simply a subplot; it needs to be impactful enough to stand on its own.

4. Distinctive Voice and Personality: A sidekick is equally crucial to the main character, and they should have a unique way of speaking, reacting, and thinking. Jesper Fahey from Six of Crows is impossible to ignore due to his unique and reckless way of charming everyone around him. His witty nature already suggests he can lead his own story, and this makes him unique. Every single well-crafted sidekick character should have an unforgettable presence that can be felt through humor, intelligence, or utter audacity.

5. Create A Conflict For Them: A sidekick should exist for more than helping the main character through the obstacles, changes, and conflicts within the story. More than that, they need their own challenges. Let's take Inej Ghafa from Six of Crows again. She is composed beyond Kaz Brekker and possesses a sense of purpose that serves as her own demon and mission. She's not just a sidekick—she is a well-developed character with personal relationships that could lead an entire story on their own.

6. The "What If?" Factor: The simplest way to check if a sidekick can step up as a protagonist is to ask the following: Would their journey be captivating if the story was told from their angle? Would their struggles resonate the same way as in the mainstream? The answer to such questions will reveal whether the sidekick you created is more than just a supporting character or a leading one.

To wrap up, the best sidekicks give the impression of floating around the protagonists but are actually dynamic and have the potential for their own novels, too. A sidekick can emerge through backstory, personal growth, or even a conflict, which is what makes the character more engaging than the protagonist. So, craft a sidekick character and pose this question to yourself: Could they carry off their own book with their fantastic character and personality? If yes, you've just written someone unforgettable.