This is discussion archived from a time before the current discussion method was installed.
With due respect, Rita and Runt either subvert the trope as stated, or represent the "other variety" - the big character is still the protector but dumb as a bag of hammers, but the smaller character is wily and quick with their wits. Personally I think I could name more examples of the latter (Master Blaster from the third Mad Max movie, Lina Inverse and Gourry from Slayers, etc.) but that's just me.
In fact, half of the examples on there are inversions. The smaller one being wilier and wordlier and smarter then the big strong one, who offers physical power. It's good old fashioned character diversity and min/maxing. In short, this trope is all wrong!
