History TheLancer / Literature

* In ''Literature/{{Animorphs}}'', Marco is [[TheHero Jake's]] best friend. He shares a distinctly different and darker view; in his more serious moments, he presents alternative -- even borderline ruthless -- options. He thinks very differently than Jake, which can be useful for filling in blanks, and helps in formulating strategies when Jake has trouble doing so. It should also be mentioned that along with being the cleverest in terms of tactics, he is explicitly stated to be the one who keeps everyone from going insane because the sarcasm, wit, and dumb jokes he uses as his own defensive shields distracts the others from the seriousness and tensions of their often downright suicidal missions, helps lighten the mood, and just generally helps everyone relax.
** Unusually for Lancers, Marco doesn't have any interest in being TheHero -- when Jake's out of action, [[TheBigGuy Rachel]] leads the team and Marco serves as ''her'' Lancer.

* Maybeck in ''Literature/KingdomKeepers''. He is more cynical and grounded in contrast to Finn, which in a Creator/{{Disney}} work is a disadvantage. He also has trouble grasping the [=DHI's=] full potential because he's mentally blocked by his high expectations.

* In ''Literature/DeathStalker'', Hazel d'Ark is essentially the Lancer. Owen Deathstalker is a proud, pampered aristocrat who, despite his impressive warrior training, only ever wanted to be left alone to write boring histories that no one ever reads (his own words, no less.) Hazel is a streetsmart pirate and outlaw, hates "aristos" and the wealthy, priveleged elite of the Empire, and knows the suffering and tragedy that opulence is built on, which Owen has never seen with his own two eyes. The switch? Despite being the main character and, indeed, hero of the story, Owen is ''much'' closer to being TheChick then the hero.

* ''Literature/BazilBroketail'': Swane acts as a frequent Foil to Relkin. He's hot-headed and prone to anger when somebody steps on his ego, while Relkin is reasonable and calm. Swane is very eager to prove his worth, Relkin just wants to do his job right and survive. Swane is the main troublemaker among the dragonboys, often disregarding official regulations and inciting others to do the same, while Relkin is — along with Manuel — the most responsible one, usually supporting the most rational choice of action.

* Brielle in ''Literature/TsunTsunTzimTzum'' is this to TheChosenOne Noah. While he is an UnlikelyHero who come out of nowhere and is woefully unprepared for the fight against Lilith, she comes from a long line of royalty that has been at the forefront of the war for generations and was raised from an early age to be a great warrior magician. She is also arrogant and temperamental where he is timid and repressed, and is always the first to point out his failures and inadequacies. It gradually becomes clear that they may be NotSoDifferent, though, as the expectations that Brielle has had on her all her life is causing her as much mental strain as Noah experiences from a lifetime of being put down and ignored.

* In the ''Literature/NightfallSeries'', Franka becomes one to Myra and constantly challenges any decision she makes.

* In ''Literature/FeliksNetAndNika'' sometimes [[GadgeteerGenius Feliks]] is the Lancer to [[PlayfulHacker Net]]'s TheHero, and sometimes Net's the Lancer to Feliks. This depends whether book focuses more or machines or [=AIs=].

* Ron from the ''Literature/HarryPotter'' books fits the definition perfectly. It was a plot point in the first book with the Mirror of Erised. Harry, who lacked ambition and never knew a family other than his abusive aunt and uncle, sees nothing but his parents standing behind him. To contrast, Ron felt crowded as the second youngest of seven kids and dreamed of outshining them all so he sees himself alone holding awards of many kinds.
** For a bit of extra symbolism, Ron (short for Rhongomynyad, cutting-spear) was the name of the mythical King Arthur's spear.
* In the ''Literature/MythAdventures'' books by Creator/RobertAsprin, Aahz is the loudmouthed, worldly, cynical Lancer to the quiet, naive hero, Skeeve. The two become more alike as the series goes on.

* In ''Literature/{{Animorphs}}'', Marco is [[TheHero Jake's]] best friend. He shares a distinctly different and darker view; in his more serious moments, he presents alternative -- even borderline ruthless -- options. He thinks very differently than Jake, which can be useful for filling in blanks, and helps in formulating strategies when Jake has trouble doing so. It should also be mentioned that along with being the cleverest in terms of tactics, he is explicitly stated to be the one who keeps everyone from going insane because the sarcasm, wit, and dumb jokes he uses as his own defensive shields distracts the others from the seriousness and tensions of their often downright suicidal missions, helps lighten the mood, and just generally helps everyone relax.
** Unusually for Lancers, Marco doesn't have any interest in being TheHero - when Jake's out of action, [[TheBigGuy Rachel]] leads the team and Marco serves as ''her'' Lancer.

* Mudge from the ''Literature/{{Spellsinger}}'' novels is the Lancer for Jon-Tom, being cynical and streetwise enough to counterbalance Jon's idealism, and carefree enough to keep Jon from turning maudlin about his exile in another world. Later in the series, Jon-Tom returns the favor, as his MoralityPet example helps LovableRogue Mudge adjust to life as (yikes!) a responsible husband and father.
* Sir Kay of King Arthur's Court is the original Lancer, both figuratively and literally. He became Arthur's {{foil}} even ''before'' his actual crowning, and since then had been his most loyal, if sour, supporter. Even in earlier versions of the legend, he already was Arthur's right hand man.
* Bigwig from ''Literature/WatershipDown'' is made of this trope, with some of TheBigGuy for flavoring. He's unabashedly the {{foil}} to MessianicArchetype Hazel, the cynical tough guy acting as a grouchy but loyal second-in-command to the charismatic, idealistic leader.
** He does such a good job, that the BigBad assumes Bigwig ''is'' the leader. When Bigwig mentions that he is making his last stand at behest of his chief rabbit, the idea of a rabbit badass enough to boss Bigwig around terrifies the enemy so much they consider giving up their attack. When Bigwig finally [[spoiler: fights Woundwort to a standstill, Woundwort is unwilling to face him again even though, had he but known it, Bigwig was totally exhausted and easy meat.]]
** The jocular Bluebell is also this to the serious Holly in [[spoiler: their escape from the destruction of Sandleford]], while the technical Blackberry is this to the mystical Fiver in their mission to [[spoiler: rescue Hazel]].
* Patroclus of ''Literature/TheIliad'' fulfils this role to Achilles' TheHero: more thoughtful and level-headed than his best friend, his death is what snaps Achilles out of his [[AchillesInHisTent proverbial tent]].
* Literature/TheWheelOfTime gives us Mat and Perrin both serving as Lancers for Rand, the first contrasted because of his irresponsibility and refusal to accept destiny and the second because of his devotion to one person over the fate of the world.
* In Creator/JimButcher's ''Literature/CodexAlera'' series, Antillus Maximus (Max) is TheLancer to [[spoiler: Gaius Octavian]] (Tavi). He is a foil to Tavi in that he is BookDumb, extremely strong with furycrafting and a hardened veteran of the legions, where Tavi none of the above, at least at first.
* Sadrao from ''Literature/BlackDogs'' is TheLancer of their FiveManBand. He acts as the foil to [[TheHero Lyra's]] bumbling, naive, bookishness by being a hardened and competent warrior. As the story progresses, Lyra loses these first two qualities and becomes more and more like Sadrao.
* Maybeck in ''Literature/KingdomKeepers''. He is more cynical and grounded in contrast to Finn, which in a Creator/{{Disney}} work is a disadvantage. He also has trouble grasping the [=DHI's=] full potential because he's mentally blocked by his high expectations.
* ''Literature/ColtRegan'': Colt's partner Alex qualifies, as well as his friend Joseph to a certain extent.
* In Stephen King's ''Franchise/TheDarkTower'' series, Cuthbert and Alain are the two trusted companions in Roland's original Ka-tet (as told in Wizard and Glass). Being the polar opposite in personality to the serious, driven Roland, Cuthbert appears to be the lancer of the ka-tet and also the companion that Roland reminisces about the most. Alain could have also been a lancer, except that his cerebral personality is more in tune with Roland's no-nonsense demeanor. Eddie Dean (whom Roland states is much like Cuthbert) would become Roland's lancer later in life.
* In Stephen King's ''Literature/{{IT}}'', Richie Tozier is [[TheHero Bill Denbrough's]] lancer. Bill's TheStoic, a DeadpanSnarker and prone to the occasional HeroicBSOD; Richie's a MotorMouth with a [[CloudCuckoolander surreal]] sense of humour, who repeatedly stresses the importance of teamwork.

* In ''Literature/EndersGame'', Bean is the lancer to Ender at Battle School, although Orson Scott Card revisits the story in the ''Literature/EndersShadow'' series to give Bean a [[TookALevelInBadass badass upgrade]].
* In Creator/MargaretAtwood's ''Year of the Flood'', Zeb is the initially the lancer and the muscle to Adam One's founder and moral leader role in the God's Gardeners. A schism eventually leads Zeb to break away into a more militant organization along with a large part of the Garderners.
* In the medieval epic poem ''Literature/TheSongOfRoland'', Olivier serves as the Lancer to the main character, Roland. They are life-long companions and rivals (though Roland is stronger) and Olivier's clear-headedness and wisdom serve as a foil for Roland's recklessness and pride, his tragic flaws.

* While Merlin is the protagonist of the ''Literature/{{Safehold}}'' series, and Cayleb and Merlin work closely together, Cayleb is typically the one calling the shots and the role of Lancer goes to his wife and co-ruler Sharleyan. It's noted by one character that they were working in near-perfect tandem even ''before'' they gained access to Merlin's technology allowing them to communicate over long distances.

* Creator/TomClancy: In more than a few books, mainly ''Literature/RainbowSix'' and ''[[Literature/JackRyan The Bear and the Dragon]]'', Ding Chavez is this to [[BadassArmy Team]] [[FluffyTheTerrible Rainbow's]] official [[ColonelBadass leader]], John [[OneManArmy Clark]], in practice, although he's not actually Clark's immediate subordinate.
* ''Literature/TrappedOnDraconica'': Kalak strikes a contrast to the heroic Daniar by being a CombatPragmatist and a BloodKnight while she is a merciful TechnicalPacifist.

* Elim Rawne from the ''Literature/GauntsGhosts'' series of Warhammer 40k novels by Dan Abnett is very much this to the titular hero Ibram Gaunt.
* Ben usually takes up this role in ''Literature/TheLeonardRegime''.
%% * ''Literature/TheHouseOfNight'':
%% ** Stevie Rae to Zoey. [[spoiler:In later books, Aphrodite]].
%% ** Kramisha to Stevie Rae.
* Jason, being a [[{{Foil}} foil]] to [[TheLeader Percy]], acts as TheLancer of [[FiveManBand the Seven]] in ''Literature/TheHeroesOfOlympus''.

** Neal is Kel's Lancer in ''Literature/ProtectorOfTheSmall''--only there, ''Kel'' is TheStoic and straightforward but prone to bottling up her feelings. Neal is a DeadpanSnarker with DramaQueen tendencies, but he encourages her to rely more on her friends and talk about her problems.
* In ''Literature/HoratioHornblower'', William Bush serves in this role. He's Hornblower's NumberTwo in most of the stories--where Hornblower is innovative and liberal-minded, Bush is unimaginative and unquestioning of the harshness they live in as sailors at war. But where Hornblower is irritable and self-loathing, Bush is generous and uncomplicated, and able to see Hornblower as he is. He's also more physically strong and hardy than Hornblower, who is seasick and ungainly.
* In ''Literature/LonesomeDove'', Woodrow Call is TheStoic and Gus is the Lancer
%% * Will Herondale from ''Literature/TheInfernalDevices''.
* ''Literature/TheHungerGames'': Gale Hawthorne becomes Katiniss' most trusted ally in Mockingjay. He's even given the CodeName Mockingjay-1.

* In the ''Literature/MythAdventures'' books by Robert Asprin, Aahz is the loudmouthed, worldly, cynical Lancer to the quiet, naive hero, Skeeve. The two become more alike as the series goes on.

** Vimes has his own lancers: depending on the situation, other Watchmen (notably Carrot, Colon and Nobby) and occasionally his wife take turns at it. Angua is probably this most consistently for Vimes, especially in books that don't centre on the Watch. See Discworld/MonstrousRegiment, for example.

* In JimButcher's ''Literature/CodexAlera'' series, Antillus Maximus (Max) is TheLancer to [[spoiler: Gaius Octavian]] (Tavi). He is a foil to Tavi in that he is BookDumb, extremely strong with furycrafting and a hardened veteran of the legions, where Tavi none of the above, at least at first.

* Maybeck in ''KingdomKeepers''. He is more cynical and grounded in contrast to Finn, which in a Creator/{{Disney}} work is a disadvantage. He also has trouble grasping the [=DHI's=] full potential because he's mentally blocked by his high expectations.

* Creator/TomClancy: In more than a few books, mainly ''Literature/RainbowSix'' and ''[[Literature/JackRyan The Bear and the Dragon]]'', Ding Chavez is this to [[BadassArmy Team]] [[FluffyTheTerrible Rainbow's]] official [[ColonelBadass leader]], [[BadAss John]] [[OneManArmy Clark]], in practice, although he's not actually Clark's immediate subordinate.

* Elim Rawne from the ''GauntsGhosts'' series of Warhammer 40k novels by Dan Abnett is very much this to the titular hero Ibram Gaunt.

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* Bean is the lancer to [[EndersGame Ender]] at Battle School in the Ender series, although Orson Scott Card revisits the story in the ''Ender's Shadow'' series to give Bean a [[TookALevelInBadass badass upgrade]]

* ''InDeath'': Roarke is in this role, and also has TheSmartGuy put in there.

* Mudge from the ''{{Spellsinger}}'' novels is the Lancer for Jon-Tom, being cynical and streetwise enough to counterbalance Jon's idealism, and carefree enough to keep Jon from turning maudlin about his exile in another world. Later in the series, Jon-Tom returns the favor, as his MoralityPet example helps LovableRogue Mudge adjust to life as (yikes!) a responsible husband and father.

* Maybeck in ''KingdomKeepers''. He is more cynical and grounded in contrast to Finn, which in a {{Disney}} work is a disadvantage. He also has trouble grasping the [=DHI's=] full potential because he's mentally blocked by his high expectations.

* In the ''MythAdventures'' books by Robert Asprin, Aahz is the loudmouthed, worldly, cynical Lancer to the quiet, naive hero, Skeeve. The two become more alike as the series goes on.

* [[JerkAss Ford Prefect]] from ''Franchise/TheHitchhikersGuideToTheGalaxy'' fits this to a T. He could care less about Arthur's feelings about [[EarthShatteringKaboom the EArth's demolition]] or saving the rest of the universe for that matter, and is instead more concerned about drinking and dancing with girls.

* In Stephen King's ''{{IT}}'', Richie Tozier is [[TheHero Bill Denbrough's]] lancer. Bill's TheStoic, a DeadpanSnarker and prone to the occasional HeroicBSOD; Richie's a MotorMouth with a [[CloudCuckoolander surreal]] sense of humour, who repeatedly stresses the importance of teamwork.

* ''Literature/TrappedOnDraconica'': Kalak strikes a contrast to the heroic Daniar by being a CombatPragmatist and a BloodKnight while she is a merciful TechnicalPacfist.

* Lancelot of King Arthur's Court is the original Lancer, both figuratively and literally. He became Arthur's number two immediately after joining and was every bit the socialite that Arthur never could be.