John Watson Archetype

Robert Beckman

Mrs. Holtzman

English 2 Honors

26 April 2023

The Importance of Sidekick In Literature

Since the beginning of written history, archetypes have been present to assist the reader in understanding messages throughout literature. According to David Leigh, a graduate from the University of Seattle, archetypes are common themes that are universally shared across cultures (96). One of the more prominent archetypes in literature is the sidekick, as the sidekick can be used in almost any story to enhance its message and establish a complex storyline. Ron Buchanan, a published author of the established Studies in Popular Culture journal defines a sidekick as a “lesser figure in the story, [but still] crucial to the story's development,

John Watson fits the unchanging archetype of sidekick as he supports and contrasts Sherlock Holmes to further the plot. Watson is Sherlock’s companion and assists him throughout the entire plot as Sherlock’s assistant. Watson is more than a simple character who follows Sherlock around. According to Zahroh, a lecturer for the department of english at Gadjah Mada University, to Sherlock, Watson “not only acts as a colleague… [but] acts as a best friend and a narrator or a biographer” (Zahroh 42). Watson is perfectly described as a sidekick because of the roles he takes up for Sherlock, who is the protagonist. Watson acts as narrator to Sherlock’s story and is often in line with the reader of the story, who is a few steps behind Sherlock. Watson’s contrast to Sherlock’s genius allows for him to act as foil. This portrayal juxtaposes Sherlock and Watson’s characteristics allowing for a greater appreciation of their strengths and weaknesses. For example, Sherlock’s cunning and prowess but cold personality versus Watson’s down to earth mindset and sociability, but slower intellectual capability. In addition, Watson’s contrast to Sherlock highlights themes of the story such as the importance of critical thinking and problem solving. Although Watson does narrate the story, the plot does not follow him which signifies his role as a sidekick. Not only does Watson act as a narrator for Sherlock but “Watson… is [also] his friend's loyal companion who becomes the recipient for [Sherlock’s] wisdom” (Buchannan 18). One of the main characteristics of a sidekick is their loyalty and friendship to the protagonist. Watson's steadfast devotion to Sherlock serves to emphasize his fitting designation as a sidekick, as he remains by his side through numerous challenges and conflicts. Watson and Sherlock are a perfect example of ‘opposites attract’ as they are polar opposites, yet great friends. Watson’s strong