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How to Write a Protagonist’s 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. Here’s what sets them apart from a generic sidekick:
- They Have Their Own Story – They shouldn’t exist just to serve the protagonist’s journey. Give them goals, conflicts, and motivations that intersect with the main plot but don’t revolve around the protagonist.
- They Balance the Protagonist – A best friend should contrast the protagonist in meaningful ways. Maybe they challenge the protagonist’s worldview or complement their weaknesses with different strengths.
- They Change Over Time – 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 relief—he has his own mission (finding Pan, proving himself as a protector), and his strengths (resourcefulness, empathy) balance Percy’s impulsive nature.
What Role Should They Play in the Plot?
A best friend character shouldn’t just be there for emotional support—they should impact the story. Here are some ways to make sure they play a meaningful role:
- Driving the Plot – Have them take actions that change the course of the story. Maybe they uncover crucial information, make a decision that alters the protagonist’s fate, or even become a source of conflict.
- Acting as a Foil – A best friend often highlights the protagonist’s 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 – The protagonist shouldn’t always be in charge. Let the best friend take the lead at times, making key choices that drive the story forward.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-meaning writers can accidentally flatten a best friend character. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Making Them One-Dimensional – If their entire personality is “supportive and loyal,” they’ll feel like a cardboard cutout. Give them flaws, ambitions, and struggles.
- Using Them as a Plot Device – They shouldn’t just show up to deliver emotional support or conveniently solve problems for the protagonist. They need to have agency.
- Forgetting Their Growth Arc – Just like the protagonist, they should be affected by the events of the story and change accordingly.
A common complaint about Ron Weasley’s 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 isn’t always smooth sailing. Consider:
- Conflict & Tension – Friends fight. Maybe they disagree on how to handle a situation. Maybe one feels overshadowed by the other.
- Moments of Distance – Do they ever drift apart? Are they forced into situations where they can’t rely on each other?
- Loyalty vs. Individuality – The best friend doesn’t always have to be on the protagonist’s side. Maybe they make a choice that goes against the protagonist’s 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) – Sam is fiercely loyal, but he’s 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) – Inej is Kaz’s closest ally, but she doesn’t 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) – Peeta isn’t just a love interest—he challenges Katniss emotionally and strategically, making choices that directly impact her fate.
- Robin (Stranger Things) – Unlike the stereotypical “supportive best friend,” Robin has her own quirks, insecurities, and motivations that make her dynamic with Steve stand out.
These characters don’t just exist to assist the protagonist—they 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:
✅ Give them distinct personality traits – Don’t let them blend into the background. Make sure they have mannerisms, speech patterns, and habits that set them apart.
✅ Let them struggle – Just like the protagonist, they should face obstacles that force them to grow.
✅ Make them essential to the story – If you could remove them from the plot and nothing would change, they’re not well-integrated enough.
✅Let them ride solo – 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.
✅ Show their relationship evolving – Friendships aren’t static. The ups and downs should feel natural and meaningful.
Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks?
Check out the rest of Quillology with Haya; a blog dedicated to writing and publishing tips for authors!
