Hello! I just found your blog and I love it!! How would I write a good protag's best friend character (or sidekick but not really) Much appreciated!!!
Thank you for the ask! Sorry it took me forever to get to it
How to Write a Protagonistâs Best Friend (Without Making Them a Sidekick!)
A great best friend character does more than just stand beside the protagonist, here are some tips to help you capture that:
What Makes a Best Friend Character Strong?
A well-written best friend character has qualities that make them stand out on their own. Hereâs what sets them apart from a generic sidekick:
They Have Their Own Story â They shouldnât exist just to serve the protagonistâs journey. Give them goals, conflicts, and motivations that intersect with the main plot but donât revolve around the protagonist.
They Balance the Protagonist â A best friend should contrast the protagonist in meaningful ways. Maybe they challenge the protagonistâs worldview or complement their weaknesses with different strengths.
They Change Over Time â Just like the protagonist, they should grow. Their relationship with the protagonist should evolve based on the events of the story.
For example, in Percy Jackson, Grover is not just comic reliefâhe has his own mission (finding Pan, proving himself as a protector), and his strengths (resourcefulness, empathy) balance Percyâs impulsive nature.
What Role Should They Play in the Plot?
A best friend character shouldnât just be there for emotional supportâthey should impact the story. Here are some ways to make sure they play a meaningful role:
Driving the Plot â Have them take actions that change the course of the story. Maybe they uncover crucial information, make a decision that alters the protagonistâs fate, or even become a source of conflict.
Acting as a Foil â A best friend often highlights the protagonistâs strengths and flaws through contrast. Are they more cautious while the protagonist is reckless? More idealistic, while the protagonist is cynical?
Having Moments of Leadership â The protagonist shouldnât always be in charge. Let the best friend take the lead at times, making key choices that drive the story forward.
Even well-meaning writers can accidentally flatten a best friend character. Hereâs what to watch out for:
Making Them One-Dimensional â If their entire personality is âsupportive and loyal,â theyâll feel like a cardboard cutout. Give them flaws, ambitions, and struggles.
Using Them as a Plot Device â They shouldnât just show up to deliver emotional support or conveniently solve problems for the protagonist. They need to have agency.
Forgetting Their Growth Arc â Just like the protagonist, they should be affected by the events of the story and change accordingly.
A common complaint about Ron Weasleyâs character in later Harry Potter books is that he sometimes feels like just a sidekick, while Hermione and Harry have more direct influence on the plot. Had Ron been given more individual agency in key moments, his presence might have felt stronger.
How to Develop Their Relationship with the Protagonist
A strong friendship isnât always smooth sailing. Consider:
Conflict & Tension â Friends fight. Maybe they disagree on how to handle a situation. Maybe one feels overshadowed by the other.
Moments of Distance â Do they ever drift apart? Are they forced into situations where they canât rely on each other?
Loyalty vs. Individuality â The best friend doesnât always have to be on the protagonistâs side. Maybe they make a choice that goes against the protagonistâs wishes.
Examples of Well-Written Best Friend Characters
Here are some standout best friend characters and what makes them strong:
Samwise Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings) â Sam is fiercely loyal, but heâs also stronger than Frodo in many ways. He makes tough calls, pushes Frodo forward, and carries both emotional and physical burdens.
Inej Ghafa (Six of Crows) â Inej is Kazâs closest ally, but she doesnât just follow him blindly. She has her own sense of morality, her own trauma, and her own dreams beyond him.
Peeta Mellark (The Hunger Games) â Peeta isnât just a love interestâhe challenges Katniss emotionally and strategically, making choices that directly impact her fate.
Robin (Stranger Things) â Unlike the stereotypical âsupportive best friend,â Robin has her own quirks, insecurities, and motivations that make her dynamic with Steve stand out.
These characters donât just exist to assist the protagonistâthey challenge them, change them, and make the story richer.
Tips to Make Your Best Friend Character Stand Out
Here are some practical ways to make sure your best friend character is strong and memorable:
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Give them distinct personality traits â Donât let them blend into the background. Make sure they have mannerisms, speech patterns, and habits that set them apart.
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Let them struggle â Just like the protagonist, they should face obstacles that force them to grow.
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Make them essential to the story â If you could remove them from the plot and nothing would change, theyâre not well-integrated enough.
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Let them ride solo â Just because they're friends doesn't mean they have to be glued to the hip the entire story! Maybe they get separated during a key arc, have a bit of tension that splits them (think Ron and Harry) or have different offices/schools/hobbies.
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Show their relationship evolving â Friendships arenât static. The ups and downs should feel natural and meaningful.
Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks?Â
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