A sidekick is a loyal companion who helps and supports the main character in a story, or someone who faithfully assists a leader or more prominent person in real life. In classic Western movies, the hero often had a trusted sidekick who rode alongside him. Batman has Robin, Sherlock Holmes has Dr. Watson, and in many adventure stories, the brave protagonist has a clever friend who helps solve problems and shares dangers.

A sidekick plays a supporting role while another person takes the lead, offering help and companionship along the way.

In real situations, people sometimes jokingly call themselves someone's sidekick when they're helping with a project or task. You might be your older sibling's sidekick while helping them build something, or your friend's sidekick during a school presentation.

While sidekicks are sometimes portrayed as less important than the main character, the best stories show that sidekicks bring their own talents and courage. A good sidekick offers different skills, asks important questions, and sometimes saves the day when the hero is in trouble. True partnerships work because both people contribute something valuable.