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Sidekicks in Crime Fiction: Adding Depth to Character Dynamics

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Crime fiction is a genre that has captured the hearts and minds of readers for centuries. From classic detective novels to modern thrillers, crime fiction has the power to transport readers to the dark underbelly of society and immerse them in a world of danger, intrigue, and suspense.

One of the key elements that sets crime fiction apart from other genres is the dynamic between the protagonist and their sidekick. Often serving as a sounding board, comic relief, or even a source of conflict, sidekicks can add depth to character dynamics and provide a unique perspective on the story.

Sidekicks come in many forms, from law enforcement partners to criminal accomplices. Police procedural novels often feature partners in law enforcement, such as detectives, FBI agents, or other law enforcement officials. These partners often serve as sounding boards for the protagonist, bouncing ideas off each other and working together to solve the case.

In contrast, criminal accomplices can offer a unique perspective on a case. These sidekicks may be reluctant or unwilling partners in crime, forced to work with the protagonist for their own reasons. This can create a complex and morally ambiguous relationship between the protagonist and their sidekick.

Here are a few examples of famous sidekicks in crime fiction:

Dr. John Watson from Arthur Conan Doyle’s “Sherlock Holmes” series
Robin Ellacott from Robert Galbraith’s “Cormoran Strike” series
Sergeant Lewis from Colin Dexter’s “Inspector Morse” series
Ariadne Oliver from Agatha Christie’s “Hercule Poirot” series
Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers from Elizabeth George’s “Inspector Lynley” series
Watson Bryant from John Grisham’s “The Runaway Jury”
Jesse Stone from Robert B. Parker’s “Jesse Stone” series
Marty Hart from Nic Pizzolatto’s “True Detective”
Hawk from Robert B. Parker’s “Spenser” series
Tinker Dill from Dashiell Hammett’s “The Thin Man”

One of the key functions of a sidekick in crime fiction is to help the protagonist navigate through the complex world of crime. Whether it’s providing technical expertise, emotional support, or even physical backup, sidekicks often play a vital role in helping the protagonist achieve their goals. By working together, the protagonist and their sidekick can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and bring criminals to justice.

But sidekicks are more than just a means to an end – they can also be fully-realised characters in their own right. Some sidekicks are just as complex and intriguing as the protagonist, with their own motivations, fears, and desires. In some cases, the sidekick may even have their own character arc or storyline that runs parallel to the protagonist’s. This adds an additional layer of depth to the story and can keep readers engaged and invested in both characters.

True Detective


One of my personal favourites is Marty Hart in ‘True Detective’. Marty Hart is a prime example of a sidekick who serves as a foil to the protagonist in crime fiction. In “True Detective,” he is the partner and friend of the main character, Rustin “Rust” Cohle, and provides a contrasting perspective to Cohle’s pessimistic and nihilistic worldview.

Hart, played by Woody Harrelson in the television series, is a family man with a more optimistic and traditional outlook on life. He is a detective in the Louisiana State Police and has a more grounded and practical approach to police work compared to Cohle’s more philosophical approach. Hart is also a flawed character with a complicated personal life, including infidelity and alcoholism, which contrasts with Cohle’s more monastic lifestyle.

Throughout the series, Hart serves as a sounding board for Cohle’s ideas and theories, challenging him when he goes too far in his bleak worldview. At the same time, Hart’s flaws and mistakes are exposed, highlighting the differences between the two characters and adding depth to their relationship.

Marty Hart’s character is an excellent example of how a sidekick can add complexity to a crime fiction story by serving as a foil to the protagonist. By offering a contrasting perspective to the main character, sidekicks like Hart can add depth to the story and highlight the protagonist’s flaws and strengths.

If you haven’t seen this series I highly recommend it. Matthew McConaughey’s performance is an acting masterclass.

Dr Watson


Dr. John Watson is one of the most iconic sidekicks in crime fiction and an integral part of the “Sherlock Holmes” series by Arthur Conan Doyle. He serves as the loyal friend and partner of the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and is the narrator of most of the stories in the series.

Watson is a former army surgeon who meets Holmes through a mutual acquaintance and becomes his flatmate and assistant in his investigations. He provides a contrasting perspective to Holmes, who is known for his cold and analytical approach to crime-solving. Watson is more empathetic and emotional, often serving as the emotional anchor to Holmes’ more detached persona.

Portrayals of Dr Watson. Image credit: sherlockshome.net

Throughout the series, Watson’s character develops beyond his initial role as a narrator and sidekick. He grows in his own right as a character, eventually becoming a successful writer and even marrying and starting a family. Watson’s character is also used as a tool for Conan Doyle to provide exposition and backstory for Holmes and the cases they investigate.

Watson’s role as a sidekick is essential to the “Sherlock Holmes” series, as he provides a more human and relatable perspective to the genius detective. His contrasting personality and role as a supportive friend and partner make him an excellent foil to Holmes, highlighting the detective’s eccentricities and making the dynamic between the two characters all the more compelling.

Doyle himself spoke highly of Watson, calling him a “character for whom I have the highest regard” and “a composite of several of my medical friends and myself.” He also acknowledged that the character of Watson was essential to the success of the Sherlock Holmes stories, stating that “Holmes, who has no peer in solving small puzzles, is eclipsed by his own sidekick in the larger one of personality.”

If Watson interests you, this is a great article on the different portrayals of him in film and on TV. https://sherlockshome.net/2016/05/27/10-greatest-ever-portrayals-of-dr-watson

Unusual partnerships


Aside from the typical detective partnerships, often two completely different (and often opposing) characters come together in crime solving unity. I love these unlikely pairings, and the exploration of their relationship adds another layer of intrigue to the central investigative plotline.

Here are a few notable ones:


“The Alienist” by Caleb Carr – In this novel, the unconventional trio of detectives – a newspaper reporter named John Moore, a female secretary named Sara Howard, and a criminal psychologist named Dr. Laszlo Kreizler – are tasked with tracking down a serial killer who is targeting young boys in New York City. Despite their differences and occasional clashes, the trio must work together to unravel the mystery and stop the killer before he strikes again.

“The Surgeon” by Tess Gerritsen – In this novel, Boston detective Jane Rizzoli teams up with FBI agent Gabriel Dean to catch a sadistic killer who preys on young women. Rizzoli is initially skeptical of Dean’s involvement, but as they work together to solve the case, they develop a mutual respect and understanding.

Interestingly, in the US TV series Rizzoli and Isles, Rizzoli partners up on her investigations with friend and pathologist Maura Isles. I’m a huge fan. Their multi-level dynamic is lovely, and their contrasting traits and personalities perfectly compliment each other.

“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson – In this novel, journalist Mikael Blomkvist hires Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant but troubled hacker, to help him investigate a decades-old case involving a wealthy family. Despite their vastly different personalities and backgrounds, Blomkvist and Salander form an unlikely partnership as they unravel the dark secrets of the family.

“The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides – In this novel, psychiatrist Theo Faber becomes obsessed with treating Alicia Berenson, a woman who has been accused of murdering her husband and has not spoken a word since the crime. As he delves deeper into her case, he enlists the help of a former criminal named Theo, who holds the key to unlocking Alicia’s secrets. Together, they form an unlikely partnership as they uncover the truth about what happened the night of the murder.

“The Poet” by Michael Connelly – In this novel, retired FBI agent Rachel Walling teams up with crime reporter Jack McEvoy to investigate a series of murders that may be linked to a notorious serial killer known as “The Poet.” Despite their initial mistrust and professional rivalry, Walling and McEvoy must work together to solve the case and stop the killer before he strikes again.

Conclusion

Sidekicks are an essential part of crime fiction, offering a fresh perspective on a case and adding depth to character dynamics. Whether they are partners in law enforcement or criminal accomplices, sidekicks can create tension and conflict, highlighting the strengths and flaws of the protagonist. They have the power to elevate the reading experience and make the story more engaging and immersive.

So, the next time you pick up a crime novel, take a moment to appreciate the role of the sidekick – you never know, they just might be your new favourite character.

I’m an avid reader, so I can’t wait to meet more of them!

Thanks for taking the time to read this post. If you found it informative and entertaining, please consider sharing it with your friends and followers on social media. And if you have any feedback or suggestions for future topics, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more content and updates, or pop over to my newsletter page for more crime stuff, direct to your inbox every month.

See you soon.

Wendy

    Unpacking the Power of Storytelling: A Look at Our Ancient Connection to Narrative

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    From ancient myths to modern blockbusters, storytelling has been a fundamental part of human culture for thousands of years. We love to hear stories, whether they’re told around a campfire, read in a book, or watched on a screen. But why do stories captivate us so much? What is it about a good tale that can transport us to another world, evoke strong emotions, and leave a lasting impression?

    In this blog post, I’m going to look at the psychological and cultural reasons why humans are drawn to stories and why they continue to be such a powerful force in our lives.

    Reading stories with my mum is one of my earliest and most cherished memories and I love writing stories for my daughters (see pic – my debut, in glorious A5 printer paper!)


    From an early age, long before we can read, we’re immersed in stories. Initially we’re engaged by the repetition of sounds and patterns which promotes brain development and imagination, develops language and emotions, and strengthens relationships. We have a need for emotional connection and stories allow us to gain a deeper understanding of other people’s experiences, in a memorable and immersive way.

    Throughout history, humankind has used stories to share information. Stories can elicit change, warn or teach important concepts, or simply entertain us. We might laugh or cry, feel anxious or angry with the characters we’ve invested in, and any of these provide a powerful emotional connection.


    The science bit


    As a storyteller, I find this fascinating, and so is the science bit. ‘Narrative progression’ as it’s called, feeds our brains. Being engrossed in a book or movie stimulates our senses and cause measurable reactions in our brain’s chemistry. Dopamine makes us feel motivated and focused, oxytocin (the ‘love chemical’) promotes feelings of trust and bonding, while endorphins give us a positive buzz.

    Image credit: Pamela Rutledge


    The two parts of our brain most engaged by stories are the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. The prefrontal cortex is the area of the brain responsible for cognition and understanding. As we follow a story, it absorbs the information and commits it to short-term memory. The amygdala, however, is responsible for emotion and long-term memory. As our prefrontal cortex receives information, the amygdala essentially “codes” the information based on the emotion we feel, which aids the processing of long-term memories. Both areas of the brain are essential to deep learning and recall.


    What makes a good storyteller?


    Think about anyone you know who you’d describe as a good storyteller, someone at work or a friend. What makes them so engaging? Chances are they use relatable characters, intriguing plot, emotional connection and a satisfying conclusion, mingled together to create a cocktail of all those chemicals.


    As readers, we naturally search for something in characters which we can relate to. It enhances our experience of the narrative and the feeling of trust and empathy can give us a quick dose of oxytocin. The ‘hero’s journey’ from adversity to triumphant success is a familiar trope used by storytellers and forms the backbone of many great stories. The journey from adversity to triumph fires up all the chemicals in our brains and gives us that ‘feel good’ feeling. Subconsciously we search for an emotional connection and without it even a good story might not be committed to memory.


    What about happy endings? Again, many great stories lead us to a satisfying conclusion, which gives us another dose of feel good as all loose ends are tied together and the hero or heroine triumphs. If we don’t experience this pay-off, we can be left feeling cheated or disappointed. Think of that series you invested hours in, where the big reveal at the end is more of a limp fob-off. It’s devastating!


    Storytelling is critical in our learning process. It aids our engagement with a subject and our retention of information.


    Can you use storytelling in business?


    Storytelling is just as important in business too, and it doesn’t matter how dry the subject is.

    A few years ago I worked as an actor on a commercial project for a battery manufacturer. The client had asked a video production company ABF, to create a training video on battery safety for its employees. ABF presented a concept which went on to win awards and was a wonderfully creative and innovative interpretation of the brief.


    They told a story.


    The video was shot like a mockumentary and showed a group of employees going through a series of training sessions. They had characters (the employees), plot and conflict (the training sessions) emotional connection (the employee and trainer relationships) and a satisfying conclusion (everyone passed the training, with a hint of romance thrown in).
    They created a training tool which people enjoyed and engaged with. It entertained, took people on a journey and helped with their learning.

    If you’d like to watch it, it’s on Facebook here.

    Humans love stories because they are the framework of our perception. Stories can change our minds, make us feel something new, win our hearts. We react deeply to stories when they communicate information in a primal, insightful way and it’s what we’re looking for when we browse the bookshelves, choosing our next read or when we’re trawling through Netflix.

    Some stories have a huge impact on us and can change our perception of society. Here are a few examples of stories that have had a big impact on people’s lives:

    The Diary of Anne Frank: This book, which chronicles the experiences of a young Jewish girl during World War II, has been a powerful tool for teaching empathy and tolerance to generations of readers. Many people credit Anne’s story with helping them better understand the horrors of the Holocaust and the importance of standing up against hatred and discrimination.

    To Kill a Mockingbird: Harper Lee’s classic novel, which explores issues of race, justice, and morality in the American South, has been hailed as a powerful tool for promoting empathy and understanding. Many people credit the book with helping them see the world through a different lens, and inspiring them to take action against injustice in their own communities.

    The Fault in Our Stars: This novel by John Green, which tells the story of two teenagers with terminal illnesses who fall in love, has been a powerful source of inspiration and comfort for many people dealing with illness or loss. Readers have praised the book for its honest portrayal of the challenges of living with a serious illness, and its message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

    The West Wing: This TV show, which aired from 1999-2006, has been credited with inspiring a new generation of young people to get involved in politics. The show, which follows the staff of the fictional White House under President Jed Bartlet, has been praised for its smart writing, engaging characters, and optimistic portrayal of the political process.

    Personal stories can be incredibly powerful in inspiring people to take action or make a change in their own lives. For instance, hearing the story of someone who overcame addiction or achieved a lifelong dream can be incredibly inspiring, and may motivate others to pursue their own goals and aspirations.


    Stories have been a fundamental part of human culture and communication for thousands of years. As human beings, we are naturally drawn to narratives because they help us make sense of the world around us and understand ourselves and others better.

    Stories have the power to move us emotionally, inspire us to take action, and connect us with others on a deeper level. Whether it’s a classic novel, a movie, or a personal anecdote, stories can transport us to different times, places, and perspectives, and help us gain new insights and perspectives.

    So, the next time you find yourself captivated by a story, remember that you’re not alone – people have been fascinated by storytelling for generations, and it’s one of the things that makes us uniquely human.

    Thanks for taking the time to read this post. If you found it informative and entertaining, please consider sharing it with your friends and followers on social media. And if you have any feedback or suggestions for future topics, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more content and updates, or pop over to my newsletter page for more crime stuff, direct to your inbox every month.

    See you soon.

    Wendy