Pets, Companions, and Bonded Creatures: The Sidekick Trope
Why we love companion creatures in fantasy. Familiars, bonded beasts, and the pets that steal the show.
The protagonist has a dragon. Or a wolf. Or a slime. Or something entirely new.
It's often the best character in the story.
Companion creatures are everywhere in fantasy for good reason—they tap into something fundamental about how we relate to non-human friends.
What Are Companion Creatures?
Non-humanoid allies bonded to protagonists in various ways:
- Familiars: Magical bonds, often witch/wizard associated
- Beast companions: Natural animals with special connection
- Bonded monsters: Tamed or befriended monsters
- Summoned creatures: Called beings with persistent relationships
- AI companions: In sci-fi and LitRPG contexts
- Spirit beasts: Cultivation novel variant
The connection can be magical, emotional, contractual, or some combination.
Why We Love Them
Unconditional loyalty. They're always on the protagonist's side. No betrayal anxiety.
Pure characterization. No complex motivations—just love, loyalty, and personality. Refreshing simplicity.
Reader favorites. Often more beloved than human characters. Easier to attach to.
Comedy potential. Animal behavior is inherently funny. Comic relief that doesn't feel forced.
Emotional anchor. Safe targets for affection. Writers can make us care without the complexity of human relationships.
Power boost. Additional combat capability that doesn't feel like cheating.
Conversation partner. For solo protagonists, someone to talk to without adding party members.
Common Companion Types
The Cute Mascot
Small, adorable, often comedic. Frequently has hidden power that emerges in crisis. Think Pikachu before it was a powerhouse.
The Battle Beast
Combat companion. Dragons, wolves, something dangerous. Fights alongside the protagonist as partner.
The Wise Mentor
Ancient being offering guidance through the companion bond. Talking animal variant with experience and knowledge.
The Growing Companion
Starts weak, evolves with protagonist. Parallel progression. Often from egg or baby form.
The Psychic Link
Mental bond, shared senses, emotional connection. Deep intimacy between character and creature.
The Unlikely Bond
Monster that shouldn't be tameable. Relationship defies expectations. Unique connection.
In Different Genres
Cultivation: Spirit beasts, contracted creatures, beast taming paths
LitRPG: Summoner classes, pet mechanics, companion systems
Fantasy: Familiars, magical bonds, druid companions
Pokemon-style: The entire genre is built on companion collection
Sci-fi: AI companions, robotic pets, bioengineered creatures
The Evolution Appeal
Companions that grow and evolve offer:
- Progression parallel to but separate from main character
- Visual and dramatic transformation moments
- Unlocking new abilities at key story beats
- Satisfying parallel growth arcs
- Investment in the companion's journey
Evolution is almost always a highlight when it happens.
What Makes Companions Work
Distinct personality. Not just a prop. The companion has character.
Meaningful contribution. Does something the protagonist can't do alone.
Development arc. Changes over the story. Grows alongside or independently of MC.
Relationship depth. The bond feels real and earned.
Not overpowered. Doesn't solve every problem. Has limitations.
Presence in the story. Actually appears and matters, not forgotten for chapters.
What Makes Companions Fail
Forgotten for chapters. Companion exists then disappears from narrative when inconvenient.
Deus ex pet. Shows up to solve unsolvable problems. Undermines tension.
No personality. Just a power boost with no characterization.
Scene-stealing. More interesting than MC, which breaks the story structure.
Suffering as drama. Only exists to get hurt for emotional manipulation.
Power scaling issues. Starts strong, becomes irrelevant as protagonist outgrows them.
The Monster Taming Genre
An entire genre built around companions:
- Catching or bonding with creatures
- Building a team of companions
- Creature development and evolution
- Battles between creature teams
- Collection and discovery aspects
Pokémon inspired an entire category of fiction that continues expanding.
Fan Favorite Companions
Characters that often outshine their protagonists:
- Nighteyes (Robin Hobb's Farseer) - The wolf who made everyone cry
- Mogget (Garth Nix's Abhorsen) - Snarky cat entity
- Various dragons in progression fantasy
- Slimes in isekai (oddly beloved)
- Any creature the author accidentally made too likeable
Finding Companion-Heavy Stories
Tags to search: "familiar," "beast companion," "monster taming," "summoner," "pet"
Genres: Monster taming, summoner LitRPG, some cultivation
Indicators: Synopsis mentions specific companion creature prominently
Platform: Royal Road has strong monster taming presence
Generating Your Own
narrator creates stories with meaningful companions:
- "Progression fantasy with evolving beast companion and distinct personality"
- "Monster taming story with team building and creature development"
- "Fantasy with meaningful familiar bond and deep connection"
- "Summoner class with multiple companion management"
Specify the companion type and how central they should be.
The Loyal Friend
We put companions in stories because we want loyal friends who love us unconditionally.
Dogs, but magic. Cats, but they actually come when called. Dragons, but they're on our side.
The fantasy of perfect companionship. Someone who's always there, always loyal, always yours.
The creature looks at you. It's chosen you.
You're not alone anymore.