How to Name the Sidekick in Your Story

Even while your main character may receive all the attention, it's important to remember that sidekicks frequently steal the show.

They serve as your hero's loyal allies, sometimes their voice of reason, or occasionally the mayhem required to advance in their narrative. And like the main character, their name matters.

Here are some simple ideas to help you choose the perfect name for your sidekick!

1. Make It Work with the Hero’s Name: The Art of Phonetic Balance

Even while your main character may receive all the attention, it's important to remember that sidekicks frequently steal the show. They serve as your hero's loyal allies, sometimes their voice of reason, or occasionally the mayhem required to advance in their narrative. And like the main character, their name matters.

To ensure your sidekick's name supports, but does not overshadow, the main character's, you need to establish phonetic and rhythmic balance. They should sound good when spoken together, almost as a unit, while avoiding an awkward clash or too much similarity.

Creating Connection Through Cohesion

One of the most effective techniques is giving the pair names that share a similar linguistic or cultural origin. This simple technique immediately makes your story world feel more authentic and lived-in.

• Shared Origin: Consider the classic pairing of Frodo and Sam in The Lord of the Rings. Both names are short, humble, and possess an Anglo-Saxon sound, which immediately places them firmly within the pastoral setting of the Shire. Similarly, if your hero has a very specific Greek or Roman name, your sidekick should generally follow suit. Consistency ensures your characters feel like they belong in their environment.

• Similar Length and Cadence: While they don't need to rhyme, names that have a similar number of syllables can feel naturally cohesive. For example, a three-syllable name like Hermione works well alongside the two-syllable Ron. They have different rhythms but share a simple, classic sound. Avoid pairing two very long, formal names unless you are deliberately aiming for an overly dramatic, high-fantasy tone.

Using Contrast for Dynamic Effect

Sometimes, the best connections are created through opposites. Utilizing contrast in your names can instantly define the relationship and personalities of the two characters.

• The Power of Formality: Think of the contrast between the highly formal, unique surname Sherlock and the grounded, common given name Watson. This difference in formality immediately defines their social and intellectual dynamic: one is the serious genius, the other is the practical everyman.

• The Weight of the Name: If your hero has a long, formal name loaded with serious meaning (like Alistair Pendelton), giving your sidekick a short, cheerful name (Mac or Pip) can highlight the sidekick's practical, lighthearted nature. This type of contrast emphasizes their respective responsibilities: the hero carries the heavy burden, while the sidekick provides needed levity.

By utilizing techniques like phonetic cohesion and strategic contrast, you ensure your sidekick's name is not just a label, but a subtle tool that enhances the reader's understanding of the story's main relationship.

2. Keep It Friendly: Using Names for Approachability

Typically, sidekicks are intended to be more personable and accessible. They are often the viewpoint character—the one who asks the questions the reader has, or the kind of character readers can relate to and identify with. This means their name shouldn't create a barrier.

The names of sidekicks usually lean towards being straightforward and simple to say. Short, charming, and familiar names often feel instantly likable and grounded. Think of classic, friendly examples like Sam (from The Lord of the Rings), Ron (from Harry Potter), or even Willow (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer).

The Role of Phonetic Simplicity

When choosing a name, favor sounds and spelling that are easy on the tongue. Avoid names that have complicated spellings, excessive hyphens, or multiple silent letters. A reader should be able to pronounce the name correctly on the first try. A name that is easy to say is also easy to remember, ensuring your sidekick doesn't fade into the background.

Additionally, many sidekicks have a lighter emotional register than the hero. If your hero's name is heavy or mythic (like "Kaelen" or "Persephone"), your sidekick's name should be structurally lighter ("Pip," "Toby," or "Jess"). This subtle contrast helps to highlight the sidekick's role as comic relief or a source of emotional stability.

3. Use Contrast for Fun: Defining Relationships through Naming

Leaning into contrasts can often result in the best, most memorable pairings, immediately setting up a playful or defining relationship dynamic. When a sidekick's name is deliberately different from the hero's, it emphasizes their individual roles and the chemistry between them.

A powerful technique is using name formality versus personality:

• Formal Name, Playful Character: A character with a highly formal or stuffy name like "Reginald" but who acts as the goofy, street-smart sidekick immediately generates humour and intrigue.

• Contrasting Titles: Consider the relationship between titles. If your hero is "Percival the Great," giving their companion a name like "Pip" or "Skittles" instantly creates a comedic dynamic that emphasizes the vast difference in their social status or temperament. This contrast helps the reader understand the core tension or affection in their relationship without needing lengthy explanations.

The name itself becomes a shortcut for communicating the sidekick's attitude and their place in the hero's life. This is especially useful for quickly establishing character dynamics in fast-paced fantasy or adventure stories.

4. Match Their Personality: Names as Character Previews

A sidekick's name needs to function as a miniature preview of their role in the narrative. If a name doesn't align with their function or personality, it can confuse the reader or make the character feel unrealistic.

To achieve alignment, consider: What is the sidekick's main function?

• The Loyal Companion: A character who is steady and always there to rely on might benefit from a classic, solid, or grounded name (Michael, Diana, or Thomas). These names often convey reliability and trustworthiness.

• The Witty Instigator: Is your sidekick clever, fast-talking, or mischievous? A name with a sharp, quick rhythm, a witty nickname, or even a name that suggests speed (Mercury, Jet, or Zip) can perfectly fit a dynamic disposition.

• The Gentle Giant: When using an archetype, subvert or play into expectations. Giving a massive, imposing character a tiny, sweet name (Tiny Tim or Buttercup) is a quick way to communicate their gentle nature and add immediate warmth.

  
  

The name should serve as a consistent reminder of their character essence. When their personality changes or evolves, the original name often highlights that transformation.

5. Keep the World in Mind: Ensuring Setting Consistency

When naming any character, you must always remember the setting you created. A name that feels jarring or out-of-place is one of the quickest ways to pull a reader out of your story's world. This consistency is even more important for a sidekick, as their name often helps anchor the hero in a specific time and place.

The Rule of Consistency

A futuristic robot would not likely have a name that sounds medieval, and a fantasy sidekick usually won't have a name that sounds too modern (like "Chad" or "Brittany" in a land of elves). To maintain immersion, apply a simple rule: if the hero's name sounds like it belongs in the world, the sidekick's name must share the same linguistic DNA.

• In High Fantasy: If your world uses names with complex elvish sounds or Gaelic roots (e.g., Aerthas), your sidekick should have a similar name, perhaps one that is slightly simpler or more common to that fictional culture (e.g., Bran or Lia).

• In Science Fiction: If your hero's name utilizes technical elements, rank, or a designation (e.g., Captain Rex 89), your sidekick's name might be a more casual callsign, a number, or a common Earth name meant to show their nostalgic longing for the past (e.g., C-4PO or Maya).

• In Historical Fiction: Avoid using names that weren't common during your chosen period. For example, a sidekick in a 17th-century English village should not be named "Madison" (which only became popular centuries later); instead, stick to period-appropriate common names like Thomas or Elizabeth.

Using Name Roots for Depth

Consistency doesn't mean boring. You can add depth by choosing a sidekick's name that reflects their origin within that specific world. For instance, a sidekick raised in a city's slums might have a rougher-sounding name or a name that reflects their profession ("The Crow"), while a sidekick from the noble class will likely have a long, traditionally correct family name, even if they prefer a simple nickname.

By maintaining naming consistency with the world and genre, you ensure your characters feel like they belong in their environment, allowing the reader to fully invest in your narrative.

6. Don’t Forget Nicknames: Layers of Intimacy and Backstory

Sidekicks are the perfect characters to use nicknames with because they are typically the ones who know the hero well enough for nicknames to be used naturally. A nickname is not just a lazy alternative; it is a powerful tool for conveying intimacy, backstory, and humour.

Communicating Relationship Status

• Intimacy: A unique or slightly silly nickname used only by the hero immediately establishes a deep, shared history between the two characters. The reader understands they have a bond that supersedes formal titles.

• Hostility or Teasing: A nickname can communicate tension or a teasing relationship. If the hero refers to their sidekick by a derogatory or slightly annoying name ("Chief," "Shorty," or "Bookworm"), it signals their constant, low-level banter or competition.

• Character History: Nicknames can also convey crucial character backstory without a single line of narrative. If a character is called "Doc," the reader immediately knows they have medical knowledge. If they are called "The Ghost," the reader knows they have a reputation for stealth or disappearing acts.

When you use a nickname, ensure it tells a story, even if that story is only revealed much later in the plot. It makes the sidekick feel more rounded and gives the reader a glimpse into the history of the relationship.

Conclusion

Our idea is that naming your sidekick is about finding the perfect balance. They shouldn't overshadow your main character, but they shouldn’t fade into the background either. Good things to focus on in to make sure their name should fit the world they live in, but also reflect their personality and blend in well with your hero.

Because at the end of the day, every hero needs a sidekick whose name sticks just as much as their own.