Can a Main Character also be the Sidekick of the Protagonist?
by Clair
(Philippines)
Question: Since in the story that I'm thinking separated the Protagonist and the Main Character, is it possible to give my main character the role of the sidekick? Since he (the Main Character) deeply believes in the actions of the Protagonist. And also, Can I also give my Protagonist a role similar to that of a Guardian? (There are going to be multiple Guardians the Main Character is going to get acquainted to). My idea is to have the Protagonist act like a Guardian in the beginning of the story develop the Main Character since the Main Character is the key to achieving the Protagonist's goal in the end. So is this okay?
Answer: Absolutely the main character can be a sidekick, as long as his main function in the story is to be supportive of and show faith in others (such as the protagonist).
It is also possible for one character to have the traits of both Protagonist and Guardian.
However, what you have to consider is whether your main character isn't actually evolving into the Protagonist (even if it doesn't seem so at this stage).
For example, in Star Wars Obi wan Kenobi seems to take over the lead role in the effort to deliver the Death Star plans (after R2D2), while simultaneously acting as Guardian to Luke. However, Luke ultimately takes on the role of Protagonist and destroys the Death Star at the climax of the story.
Sometimes, these roles are only clear once the entire story is finished and one can look at the whole (and possibly do some revision).
There is a natural tendency as well for the main character to take on the Protagonist role, since presumably the main character's decision of whether or not to change has a big effect on the outcome.
If you want to keep the main character as the Sidekick and not the Protagonist, then you will need to be careful to keep him in a purely supportive role--but you may find at some point that you don't want to.
- Home
- Character Questions
- Can a Main Character also be the Sidekick of the Protagonist?
Search this site...
|
||
| site search by freefind |
100% Human Generated Content!
All
articles on this website were written by a human being -- one possessed of flaws and limitations, but also with a personal perspective and a desire to help fellow
writers. No article on this site was written by or with the aid of artificial intelligence (AI).
Popular Articles
Mini-Course
Never be stuck for a great story idea again! This online mini-course will show you how to create simple ideas for original characters and build a plot around each character that contains the essential elements needed for a compelling story.
Recent Postings
-
Trauma And Superpowers: How Do They Connect?
Question: I'm currently writing a story where MC1 can control darkness, MC2 can control plants, and MC3 can control machines. I want them to experience -
Using the actual names of people and places in memoir...
Question: I am writing a memoir of my years as a teacher. If I want to use real names, what is the protocol/requirement for getting permission? (Changing -
How to Write a Thriller
See how to write a thriller story -- the essential traits and plot structure.
"I've read more than fifty books on writing, writing novels, etc., but your website has the most useful and practical guidance. Now that I understand how a novel is structured, I will rewrite mine, confident that it will be a more interesting novel." - Lloyd Edwards
"Thanks to your "Create a Plot Outline in 8 Easy Steps," I was able to take a story that I simply just fooled around with and went willy nilly all over, into a clearly defined, intriguing battle where two characters fight to keep their relationship intact, and try to find a balance in control of themselves and their lives. Thanks to you, I'm not ashamed of the poor organization of my writing." - Nommanic Ragus
"I am so glad I found your site. It has helped me in so many ways, and has given me more confidence about myself and my work. Thank you for making this valuable resource, for me and my fellow writers. Perhaps you'll hear about me someday...I'll owe it to you." - Ruth, Milton, U.S.A.
"I never knew what to do with all the characters in my head, but since discovering Dramatica I am writing again in my spare time. Thank you for making this available. Yes, it is a bit complex, and it does take time, but I love it because it works." - Colin Shoeman
"I came across your website by chance. It is a plethora of
knowledge, written in a simplistic way to help aspiring writers. I
truly appreciate all of the information you have provided to help me
successfully (relative term) write my novel. Thank you very much!" - Leo T. Rollins
"I
can honestly say that this is the first website that is really helpful.
You manage to answer complex questions in relatively short articles and
with really intelligent answers. Thank you for taking the time to write
these articles and sharing them so generously." - Chrystelle Nash
"...had no idea that a simple click would give me such a wealth of valuable information. The site not only offered extremely clear and helpful instructions but was a very enjoyable read as well. The education from your wonderful site has made me a better writer and your words have inspired me to get back to work on my novel. I wish to give you a heartfelt thanks for How to Write a Book Now, sir." -- Mike Chiero