Why Do Anime Sidekicks Rarely Get Character Development And Is It Fair

Anime storytelling often centers on a chosen protagonist—someone destined for greatness, burdened by loss, or thrust into an extraordinary world. Around them orbit sidekicks: loyal friends, comic relief, or strategic allies who help move the plot forward. Yet despite their consistent presence, these secondary characters frequently remain static, underdeveloped, and emotionally flat. Why does this pattern persist across decades of anime production? And more importantly, is it fair to reduce complex roles to mere narrative tools?

The absence of meaningful character arcs for sidekicks isn't accidental—it's systemic. It stems from structural storytelling choices, commercial pressures, and audience expectations. But as viewers grow more sophisticated and demand richer narratives, the treatment of side characters has come under scrutiny. This article examines the reasons behind limited sidekick development, evaluates its fairness, and explores how creators can elevate supporting roles without sacrificing pacing or focus.

The Role of Sidekicks in Anime Narratives

In most anime series, sidekicks serve functional purposes. They exist primarily to support the protagonist’s journey—not to undergo one of their own. Their typical roles include:

• Motivational anchors: Reminding the hero of what’s at stake (e.g., family, friendship).
• Comic relief: Lightening tense moments with humor, often through exaggerated expressions or quirks.
• Tactical advisors: Providing exposition or strategy during battles.
• Foil characters: Highlighting the protagonist’s strengths or flaws by contrast.
• Emotional support: Acting as confidants during personal struggles.

These functions are essential, but they don’t inherently require deep backstories or emotional transformation. As long as the sidekick fulfills their role efficiently, many writers see no need to invest time in expanding their inner lives.

“Side characters are often designed as mirrors—they reflect the protagonist’s growth rather than generate their own.” — Dr. Akari Tanaka, Media Studies Professor at Kyoto University

This utilitarian approach allows writers to maintain narrative momentum. In serialized formats like shonen anime, where episodes must advance the main conflict, dedicating screen time to sidekick development risks slowing down the central arc.

Structural and Commercial Constraints

The lack of development for sidekicks isn’t solely a creative choice—it’s shaped by real-world limitations. Anime production operates under tight schedules, limited budgets, and strict episode counts. Every minute of animation costs money, and producers prioritize content that drives ratings and merchandise sales.

Main protagonists are typically the face of the franchise. Their image appears on posters, action figures, and video games. Supporting cast members, unless exceptionally popular, rarely receive similar marketing attention. This economic reality influences which characters get expanded storylines.

Tip: When analyzing character importance, consider not just screen time but merchandising presence—figures, keychains, and promotional art often reveal who the studio truly values.

Additionally, episodic formats common in older anime discourage long-term sidekick arcs. A filler episode might explore a side character briefly, only to reset their emotional state in the next arc. This episodic amnesia prevents cumulative growth, keeping sidekicks perpetually “on standby” for the protagonist’s needs.

A Closer Look: Examples Across Genres

To understand the scope of underdevelopment, consider some iconic sidekicks and their treatment across major anime franchises.

Anime	Sidekick	Role	Development Level
Naruto	Sakura Haruno	Team medic, childhood friend	Low-to-moderate; gains skills but lacks emotional arc until late series
One Piece	Usopp	Sniper, comic relief	High; one of few with clear fear-to-courage transformation
Demon Slayer	Genya Shinazugawa	Cannibal demon hunter	Moderate; explored in manga but underused in anime adaptation
Bleach	Chad (Yasutora Sado)	Brute strength ally	Very low; minimal dialogue or backstory exploration
My Hero Academia	Ochaco Uraraka	Romantic interest, team member	Moderate; gets origin story but later sidelined for Deku’s journey

This table reveals a trend: even when sidekicks show potential for depth, their arcs are often truncated or overshadowed. Usopp from *One Piece* stands out as a rare exception—his cowardice, trauma, and eventual courage form a compelling arc that earns fan respect. His success proves that audiences respond positively to well-developed side characters.

Mini Case Study: Sakura Haruno – From Background to Backlash

Sakura Haruno in *Naruto* exemplifies the pitfalls of poor sidekick handling. Introduced as intelligent and capable, she quickly regressed into a stereotypical fangirl—shouting Naruto’s name, fainting during fights, and contributing little beyond healing jutsu. Fans criticized her lack of agency, especially compared to rivals like Hinata or Tsunade.

It wasn’t until Part II (*Shippuden*) that Sakura received meaningful training under Tsunade. She gained medical prowess, confidence, and moments of leadership. Yet even then, her emotional maturity was inconsistently portrayed, and her contributions were often downplayed in favor of male leads.

The backlash against Sakura wasn’t just about her personality—it reflected frustration with how female sidekicks are treated. Her arc highlights a broader issue: when sidekicks are developed too late, audiences may reject the change as unearned or inconsistent.

Is It Fair to Neglect Sidekick Development?

Fairness in storytelling depends on intent and impact. If an anime aims for fast-paced action with minimal introspection, flat sidekicks may be acceptable. But in emotionally driven or ensemble-focused series, neglecting secondary characters feels increasingly outdated.

Modern viewers expect psychological realism. They want to know why a character fights, what they fear, and how they change. When only the protagonist evolves, the world feels artificial—populated by cardboard cutouts cheering on a lone hero.

Moreover, underdeveloped sidekicks can reinforce harmful tropes:

• The Token Friend: Exists solely to validate the protagonist’s decisions.
• The Eternal Supporter: Never pursues personal goals, always putting others first.
• The Comic Relief Trap: Reduced to jokes, preventing serious emotional exploration.

These patterns disproportionately affect marginalized identities. Female sidekicks are often relegated to love interests; quiet characters become mysterious without explanation; non-combatants are deemed less valuable. Such portrayals send subtle messages about worth and visibility.

“When we deny side characters interiority, we teach audiences that only certain kinds of journeys matter.” — Kenji Morimoto, Anime Critic & Columnist for Otaku Times

Towards Better Sidekick Writing: A Practical Guide

Improving sidekick representation doesn’t require overhauling every anime. Instead, writers can adopt incremental strategies that enrich narratives without derailing main plots.

Step-by-Step Guide to Developing Sidekicks

1. Define Core Motivation: Ask: What does this character want independently of the protagonist? Even a simple goal (protecting a sibling, mastering a skill) adds depth.
2. Create a Mini-Arc: Design a three-act structure for the sidekick: starting point, challenge, transformation. This can unfold over several episodes.
3. Give Them Agency: Let them make impactful decisions—even if they’re wrong. Mistakes humanize characters.
4. Use Contrast Scenes: Show the sidekick alone or interacting with others without the protagonist present. These moments reveal authenticity.
5. Integrate Growth into Plot: Tie their development to the main story. For example, a fearful sidekick earning trust during a crisis enhances both tension and payoff.

Tip: Use flashback sequences sparingly—focus on present behavior that implies past experiences rather than explaining everything.

Checklist: Signs of Well-Developed Sidekicks

• They have desires unrelated to the protagonist.
• They experience internal conflict.
• Other characters react to their growth.
• They make mistakes with consequences.
• They’re allowed to disagree—or even leave—the group temporarily.
• They influence the main plot through their actions, not just reactions.

Applying this checklist helps distinguish between token allies and genuine companions. Characters like Kurapika (*Hunter x Hunter*) or Rintarou Okabe (*Steins;Gate*, though technically a protagonist with sidekick dynamics) demonstrate how layered personalities enhance overall engagement.

FAQ

Can an anime succeed with deeply developed sidekicks?

Absolutely. Series like *Attack on Titan*, *Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood*, and *Steins;Gate* thrive on ensemble casts where nearly every character undergoes significant change. These shows prove that investment in sidekicks enhances emotional stakes and rewatchability.

Why do some sidekicks become fan favorites despite limited development?

Fans often project depth onto characters based on small gestures—a glance, a line of dialogue, a unique design. Popularity can stem from charisma rather than writing. However, sustained fandom usually demands more substance over time, which is why studios sometimes expand beloved sidekicks in sequels or spin-offs.

Are there cultural reasons for the lack of sidekick development in Japanese anime?

Possibly. Traditional Japanese storytelling often emphasizes harmony and collective effort over individualism. The protagonist acts as the focal point, while others support the group’s mission. That said, modern anime increasingly embraces Western narrative techniques, suggesting evolution is underway.

Conclusion: Elevating Every Voice in the Story

The question isn’t whether sidekicks *can* be developed—it’s whether creators are willing to see them as more than tools. Audiences today crave authenticity, diversity, and emotional truth. Ignoring half the cast undermines those goals.

Sidekicks don’t need to overshadow protagonists to matter. A single episode exploring a character’s hometown, a quiet conversation revealing hidden fears, or a moment of defiance can leave lasting impressions. These moments cost little in runtime but yield immense rewards in connection and immersion.

As anime continues to reach global audiences, the demand for richer storytelling will only grow. Writers, directors, and producers have the power—and responsibility—to ensure no character exists merely to cheer from the sidelines.

💬 What sidekick do you wish had gotten more development? Share your thoughts and let’s celebrate the unsung heroes of anime together.