by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethspanncraig.com

Sidekicks are important characters in cozy mysteries. They keep our sleuth from having a lot of interior monologue about suspects and motives, for one thing (which can get very boring to read).  But they play other big roles in our stories, too.

Give Them a Life Beyond the Sleuth

I’ve learned that the most memorable sidekicks have identities independent of the main character. In my Myrtle Clover series, I gave her sidekick, Miles, a job as a retired engineer, specific hobbies, and his own social connections. This approach brings fresh perspectives and storylines into the books. A sidekick who runs the local bakery brings completely different community insights than one who works at the historical society or retirement home.

Create Productive Contrast

• Pair a cautious protagonist with an impulsive sidekick (Jane’s careful planning versus John’s spontaneous decisions)
• Match analytical thinking with intuitive hunches
• Balance a rule-follower with a rule-bender (a sleuth who goes by the book working with someone who’ll peek through windows)

Build in Useful Access

For me, sidekicks really shine when they open doors my sleuth can’t enter alone. Valuable sidekicks might be the neighbor who knows everyone’s business, the administrative assistant with access to private records, or the bartender who hears local secrets.

Allow for Growth and Surprise

Static sidekicks eventually become predictable. It’s worth giving your supporting characters their own arcs of discovery, challenge, and change across your series. It keeps things fresh for both you and your readers.

Balance Reliable Traits with Hidden Depths

Readers seem to appreciate characters with recognizable signatures—maybe it’s the sidekick’s catchphrase, collecting habit, or legendary baking skills. But let them also reveal surprising talents or unexpected vulnerabilities.

Which mystery sidekick has stayed with you? I was always partial to Poirot’s Captain Hastings. :)