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[[quoteright:335:[[Film/ReturnOfTheJedi https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/HanSolo_TheLancer_6589.png]]]]
[-[[caption-width-right:335:"I used to live here, you know."\\
"You're gonna die here, you know. Convenient."]]-]

->''"It's my job to say crazy stuff. Your job is to stay cool and stop me."''
-->-- '''Gon Freecss''', to his Lancer '''Killua Zoldyck''' in ''Manga/HunterXHunter''

The {{Foil}} for a [[TheHero hero]] of the closely allied variety.

In general, the Lancer will often form one half of a RedOniBlueOni contrasting duo with the main character. While they may butt heads with TheLeader, they're usually the BestFriend by the end of it all.

Traits common to the Lancer include:

* Being TheHero's primary foil. Typically in some form of RedOniBlueOni. Their force of personality makes them a partner or FriendlyRival of relatively equal footing when paired up with TheLeader, rather than a Sidekick who is more of a helpful assistant.
* If they're also NumberTwo, they fill in the gaps in the hero's leadership style. If the hero is charismatic, they may be a mastermind. If the hero is levelheaded, they may be headstrong. If the hero is rash, they may be a calming influence.
* Having a different mindset in terms of goals, training, or culture. If the team works from a place of passion, the Lancer may be more diligent and thoughtful and vice versa.
* In a military setting, if the Captain is smooth, the Lancer will be [[CaptainSmoothAndSergeantRough Sergeant Rough.]] Since they're the hero's counterpoint, they may be more willing to [[CombatPragmatist employ dirty tricks]] or venture into [[GreyAndGrayMorality moral gray areas]]. See: TokenEvilTeammate. To that end, [[HeelFaceTurn former bad guys]] or [[BadButt bad boys]] in general will become the Lancer on the good guys' side. This might also apply to their true EvilCounterpart (which is TheDragon).
* If TheBigGuy doesn't [[OpenSaysMe kick in the door,]] this guy will.
* If there's a potential traitor in the group that manages to fool the hero, expect the Lancer to sniff him even before he knows the guy's true colors.

Due to most heroes being cheerful and passionate types, Lancers are often surly or analytical, but when the chips are down, Lancers are true as steel and will lay down their lives for the cause. If the rest of the members [[BreakingTheFellowship turn their backs on]] TheHero [[WhatTheHellHero for some reason]], the Lancer may be the only one who [[UndyingLoyalty sticks by his side]]. In the event that TheLeader of TheTeam is unable to lead, The Lancer usually steps up. This plot is used to contrast the leader's leadership style against what The Lancer's would be. A frequent ending for this plot is for The Lancer to gladly give up the reins of power while the Leader often notes that the team will be in excellent hands should he be absent after that.

On the other side of the coin, if the Lancer's dissent gets too out of hand, they're likely to go off on their own to do what they think is right.


Powers and skills common to the Lancer include:

* A contrast to the hero's abilities in a meaningful way. SuperPowerLottery vs. BadAssNormal, physical strength vs mechanical or spiritual strength, BareFistedMonk vs HyperspaceArsenal, direct attacks vs sneak attacks and so on.
* Where the hero [[CloseRangeCombatant gets up close]] with a [[HeroesPreferSwords sword]], the Lancer picks [[LongRangeFighter opponents off at range]] with with projectiles and [[TheGunslinger guns]], or pole weapons making for a literal lancer. See ShortRangeGuyLongRangeGuy and GunsVsSwords. If everyone is a ranged fighter then expect the Lancer to be the best shot, or an AcePilot.
* If TheHero and the Lancer have ElementalPowers, they will be [[ElementalRockPaperScissors complementary]], like [[PlayingWithFire fire]] vs. [[AnIcePerson ice]] (or [[MakingASplash water]]), [[LightEmUp light]] vs. [[CastingAShadow darkness]], or something else that makes sense in context.
* However, if the Lancer isn't the opposite of The Hero, they get a [[MovesetClone similar toolkit]] but in a contrasting style making a ForceAndFinesse or TechnicianVsPerformer duo.

This {{trope}} is named for the man-at-arms of TheMiddleAges, the term for a professional soldier. While the term also encompasses the members of the knightly class, a man-at-arms was not necessarily a knight. They were also men of lesser financial and social status than knights, but were equally trained and equipped to fight on horseback in full armour and with sword and lance, just like their social superiors. In this regard, he is most [[TropeCodifier recognizable]] as Myth/KingArthur's greatest warrior and right-hand man, Sir Kay, according to the source Welsh legends (and who was later DemotedToComicRelief).

On that note, if you were looking for a trope on the actual appearances and usage of lances, that's the JoustingLance trope.

TheHeart is usually the mediator between TheHero and the Lancer, making for a PowerTrio (as well as a set-up for a LoveTriangle). If it's a LoveTriangle, the Lancer can either be the Hero's romantic rival or a potential love interest to [[BettyAndVeronica contrast]] TheHeart.

If given enough individual focus, the Lancer may become the {{Deuteragonist}}.

Occasionally, the lancer and the dragon will fight each other at some point, being the second-most prominent characters to their respective teams; see LancerVsDragon when that happens.


Not to be confused with the recurring character title of the ''Franchise/FateSeries'', nor [[MinionWithAnFInEvil Lancer]] in ''Videogame/{{Deltarune}}'', or the [[{{TabletopGame/Lancer}} RPG of the same name]], or the [[{{UsefulNotes/YanksWithTanks}} Rockwell B-1]].

!!Examples
[[index]]
* TheLancer/AnimeAndManga
* TheLancer/{{Literature}}
* TheLancer/LiveActionTV
* TheLancer/VideoGames
* TheLancer/WesternAnimation
[[/index]]

[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder:Comic Books]]
* ComicBook/{{Hawkeye}} of ''ComicBook/TheAvengers''. He tends to chafe under ComicBook/CaptainAmerica's leadership, but it's clear how much like Cap he is -- he led both his own Avengers franchise and the ComicBook/{{Thunderbolts}} for several years.
** ''ComicBook/IronMan'' has also acted as a Lancer to Captain America at times, often being pragmatic in the face of Cap's idealism.
* Franchise/{{Batman}} fills this role in most incarnations of the ''Franchise/JusticeLeagueOfAmerica''. The darker interpretations fall into the [[TheRival Rival]]/{{AntiHero}}ic version of this trope, with Franchise/{{Superman}} as TheHero.
** ComicBook/{{Nightwing}} is an example of how the Lancer's traits depend on who TheHero is: when he fills this role for Batman, his empathy, idealism, and approachability are played up as a contrast to Bruce.
** In a hilariously fitting EvilCounterpart, ComicBook/TheJoker tends to be the Lancer (or more appropriately, TheDragon) to ComicBook/LexLuthor on the rare occasions they team up.
* ''ComicBook/{{Champions|MarvelComics}}'': [[Characters/MarvelComicsMilesMorales Miles Morales]] usually takes the unofficial role as second in command within the Champions when team leader, [[Characters/MarvelComicsKamalaKhan Kamala Khan]] is unable to. Even when Kamala is leading on the field, Miles will at times act as a co-leader, becoming the main support for the overall mission. Miles also often acts as a voice of reasoning and calm for the team as a whole, being the one to de-escalate rising tensions between members and calling themselves out to reflect on their mistakes when they make them no matter how uncomfortable.
* Douglas Pope from ''ComicBook/{{Circles}}'' is the Lancer to his husband Paulie. While Paulie is a kind and caring leader, Doug can come off as brash and aloof if you get on his bad side.
* ''{{ComicBook/Crimson}}'' had Joe, a wacky Mexican-Indian vampire to TheChosenOne vampire hero Alex Elder. Whereas [[FriendlyNeighborhoodVampire Alex resists drinking blood at every turn]], Joe is a FullyEmbracedFiend who loves being a vampire and targets only criminals for lunch. Joe becomes a valuable ally and his best friend despite these differences.
* ComicBook/{{Deadpool}} would probably be horrified if he realised, but he ends up being this when he teams up with ComicBook/{{Cable}}. Sure, he wouldn't be anyone's first choice for a [[TalkativeLoon voice]] [[DidIJustSayThatOutLoud of]] [[MediumAwareness reason]], but no-one else can actually stand up to Cable when he's getting [[WellIntentionedExtremist way too into]] the [[CrystalDragonJesus future mutant messiah thing]].
* ''ComicBook/TheDNAgents'' had the lightning-shooter Surge, who as his name might imply was unpredictable and reckless making him this to the group's TeamMom, Rainbow. In an extremely amusing turn, Surge's own foil was a hero actually named Lancer, making Lancer TheLancer ''to'' TheLancer!
* WesternAnimation/DonaldDuck fills this role nicely for Scrooge in the Creator/DonRosa ''Uncle Scrooge'' comics, serving as a practical, pessimistic {{Foil}} for the overly-eager treasure hunter, ever ready with either a complaint or a [[DeadpanSnarker snarky observation]].
* Skywise from ''ComicBook/ElfQuest'' has a great number of complementary traits with his buddy and heroic leader Cutter. A drinker and womanizer, he is more lively and easygoing than Cutter, who naturally bears a keen sense of responsibility for the tribe. Skywise is a studious, curious dreamer, while Cutter prefers to live in the here and now.
** A more likely interpretation is that among the Wolfriders, ''Strongbow'' is the lancer and Skywise is the smart guy. Unlike Skywise, Strongbow makes a habit out of disagreeing with Cutter a lot. In the later series, e.g. Shards, Rayek becomes the lancer.
* ComicBook/{{Huntress}} was the Lancer to ComicBook/BlackCanary's [[TheHero Hero]] in ''ComicBook/BirdsOfPrey'', at least until the Canary left.
** At which point she became the Lancer to Oracle.
** Subverted when it comes to her relationship with Batman. Batman once recruited Huntress to the Justice League expressly to try to force her into this role, hoping it'd curb her murderous urges -- it didn't take. For her part, Huntress tries to impress Batman, but her DaddyIssues clash too badly with him being a TechnicalPacifist for them to get on for long. Both want her to be the Lancer to him, but neither can tolerate the other long enough for it to happen.
* For the New Avengers line-up Hawkeye/Ronin seems to be The lancer for Captain America (Bucky).
** Actually, it's the other way around.
* ''ComicBook/NewWarriors'': Nova serves this role to Night Thrasher, being the one most likely to butt heads with him, and being more impetuous and headstrong.
* Woody plays this role against his friend Eric in ''ComicBook/QuantumAndWoody''.
* In ''ComicBook/{{Runaways}}'' Nico was originally this to Alex. These days [[TheSmartGuy Gert]], [[SixthRanger Victor]], and [[BadassNormal Chase]] have all been known to alternate the role amongst themselves.
* In ''ComicBook/SinCity'', Dwight has had two lancers over the course of the series. In the story ''A Dame To Kill For'', he employs the help of SociopathicHero, Marv. Later in the same story and subsequent stories after that, his lancer is ActionGirl, Miho. Both lancers are extremely loyal to Dwight but are also far more violent, causing him to be unsettled more than once by their brutality.
** Dwight also acts as the Lancer for Gail in her leadership of the Old Town girls. Gail's more vengeful and murderous than Dwight's strategic approach, but Gail's unquestionably in charge and Dwight doesn't forget it for a moment.
* [[ComicBook/SubMariner Namor]] is perhaps the MU's resident [[{{Pun}} Freelancer]], having filled the role on every team he has ever been in, and simply filling that role for the MU heroes in general.
** DependingOnTheWriter, ComicBook/{{Aquaman}} can also be an all-purpose Lancer. Particularly on ''WesternAnimation/JusticeLeague''.
* Speedy I/Arsenal/Red Arrow has often played this role against Robin/Nightwing in the ''ComicBook/TeenTitans'' (and later the ''Outsiders'').
** Oddly, the way he's been TheLancer has varied widely, sometimes being the hotheaded rebel willing to risk lives needlessly, other times calling out Nightwing for being callous about the danger he's putting the team in.
* Moonstone of the ''ComicBook/{{Thunderbolts}}'' is somewhere between this trope and TheStarscream.
** Same thing in ''ComicBook/DarkAvengers'', though ComicBook/{{Ares|Marvel}} also fills this role sometimes. {{ComicBook/Daken}} too for that matter.
* ''ComicBook/TheTransformersMarvel'' had a few over the course of its long-run and rotating roster. The original Lancer to Optimus Prime was Prowl, who offered a cold logical point of view to Optimus Prime's more noble and compassionate stance. During a period when Optimus Prime was a prisoner and Prowl was TheLeader, Jazz acted as the Lancer to him, being the one who embraced Earth culture and sought to understand humans more. During a UK storyline where most of the senior Autobots went missing leaving Jetfire [[YouAreInCommandNow in command]], Ironhide and Smokescreen took on the role of Lancers, offering alternate viewpoints.
** When Grimlock became the first long-term new leader, Blaster (who had earlier filled the role for Perceptor on Cybertron) looked like becoming the Lancer to him: Both were similar temperament but Blaster felt protecting humans was a priority while Grimlock believed in [[PragmaticHero doing anything necessary]] to achieve a goal. However, Blaster quickly deserted and set up an Autobot splinter group, leaving Ratchet as the closest thing to an alternate voice among Grimlock's command. Around the same time, Kup acted as the Lancer to Fortress Maximus among the Nebulan Autobots, being the one most eager to resort to violent solutions against Fortress Maximus' attempts for peace.
** Optimus Prime then returned as TheHero, leaving either Grimlock or Kup to take on the role of the Lancer in a RedOniBlueOni set-up. (Fortress Maximus was Optimus Prime's NumberTwo for a while but they were similar temperament.) During Grimlock's second tenure as leader, and in the Marvel UK Earthforce storyline, Prowl took on the role of Lancer again, tending to favour a more traditional way of doing things in contrast to Grimlock's [[MilitaryMaverick maverick]] tendencies.
** For the Cybertron-based Autobots, Impactor, Springer or Ultra Magnus acted as the Lancer, being the physically strong field commanders to non-action BigGood Emirate Xaaron.
** In Marvel UK's post-movie stories, Kup took on the role of Lancer to Rodimus Prime, being the one who had a personal relationship with him and challenged him the most, as well as often taking on a leadership role in his absence. (Ultra Magnus was clearly senior but was more TheBigGuy.)
* In ''ComicBook/{{The Walking Dead}}'', Rick Grimes, as {{The Hero}}, has gone through FOUR lancers:
** Shane Walsh, his old police partner and the most short-lived of his lancers.
** Tyreese, whom many speculated would actually become the main character before [[spoiler: his own death, which shocked many readers.]]
** Abraham Ford, who served a dual role as {{The Big Guy}}.
** Paul Monroe is Rick's current lancer and has had much better luck filling the role. He also serves as one for [[spoiler:Maggie]] after she becomes leader of the Hilltop.
** Michonne can also be considered Rick's lancer, at one point being explicitly identified as Rick's right-hand woman.
** As can Andrea, Rick's trusty sharpshooter and eventual [[spoiler:SecondLove]].
* ''In {{ComicBook/WITCH}}, there's Cornelia. Whenever Will has to make a difficult decision regarding their duties as Guardians, Cornelia will usually argue against her choices or doubts. Subverted in that usually they get along well and confide in each other in more personal matters. And after a while from knowing each other, Cornelia does not doubt Will's position of leader in the team.
* ''ComicBook/WonderWoman1987'':
** During "Journey to the Stars" the violent pragmatic [[ProudWarriorRace Khund]] Ectreba serves as the lancer to Wonder Woman, who remains a TechnicalPacifist despite leading a revolution during the arc.
** ComicBook/{{Artemis}} has served this role to Diana ever since her debut being the more cynical and violent foil to Diana.
* Wolverine of the ''ComicBook/XMen''.
** He was also the Lancer for ComicBook/LukeCage when the latter led the ''ComicBook/NewAvengers''.
** Iceman was the Lancer of the original five, with an attitude bigger than Connecticut and a constant bone to pick with TheHero, Cyclops.
** A solid case could be made for Angel as the Lancer of the original five, actually, right down to being a rival for the affections of TheHeart. Unlike Iceman, Angel has actually done the leadership thing on occasion.
** Wolverine (and Rogue, under similar circumstances years later) panicked and tried to refuse when ordered into a leadership position (despite proving rather competent in same). Nobody has had the nerve to try that stunt on Iceman. In fact, Wolverine was even slated to lead ComicBook/AlphaFlight when he ran away to join the X-Men instead (he was also in love with the team's eventual leader's red-headed wife.) Then again Logan has taken leadership positions since.
* In ''ComicBook/YoungAvengers'', Kate/[[LegacyCharacter Hawkeye]] is the Lancer to Eli/[[LegacyCharacter Patriot]]. They butt heads near-constantly (though that might just be [[SlapSlapKiss them flirting]]), but Kate genuinely believes Eli is the only one who can actually lead the team.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Fan Works]]
* [[Fanfic/DeliverUsFromEvilSeries Mortality]]: Davy Wiggins, to [[TheLeader Watson]], though, ironically, [[TheHero Watson]] is the one who is the designated fighter since he killed a captured criminal and Smith. Understandably, he was ''[[BewaretheNiceOnes very furious]]'' at those idiots for messing with his friend. You don't want to mess with him. Heck, like his counterpart this gentle soul [[BewaretheNiceOnes WILL end your life-and show no mercy about doing so]], if you [[LivingEmotionalCrutch mess with a detective.]] And to make matters worse? He'll use his medical skills [[DeadlyDoctor in a VERY merciless way.]] Basically, for a doctor, he's [[DeadlyDoctor MERCILESS with you]] if you ''really'' get him SO PISSED OFF by messing with his friend.
* In ''Fanfic/MyHuntsmanAcademia'', Weiss is Izuku's loudest critic and most obvious foil. She's the first to call him out on his recklessness and lets him now when he's being a blockhead. She reins him in with AngerBornOfWorry and one of the first people he goes to when looking for advice on how to improve himself. Battle-wise, Izuku is his team's vanguard, rushing into the fight to clobber them at point-blank range with the SuperStrength provided by One For All and drawing enemy fire. He was almost entirely self taught until he came to Beacon and his fighting style is rough and untrained at first. Weiss tends to provide support from the back until she's properly finished setting up and applying {{Status Buff}}s with her [[LadyOfWar fluid and elegant]] [[DanceBattler fighting style.]]
* [[TheApprentice Sanakan]] from ''Fanfic/TheNightUnfurls'' is the [[NumberTwo second-in-command]] of [[TheLeader Kyril Sutherland]], who is also her [[{{Mentors}} master]]. The [[RedOniBlueOni Red Oni to his Blue]], her [[HotBlooded tactless and headstrong]] personality contrasts Kyril's [[TheStoic level-headed]] approach. She is also expected to inherit the title of First Hunter from her master, should he decide to retire.
* ''Fanfic/ThePiecesLieWhereTheyFell'': Night Blade, who tends to butt heads with [[TheLeader Xvital]] and is the polished noble to her rough-and-tumble, streetwise upbringing.
* Jack Denham starts out as a PluckyComicRelief who eventually [[TookALevelInBadass graduates]] to serving as Drew's second in command on the park rescue team in both ''Fanfic/PrehistoricEarth'' and its subsequent ContinuityReboot ''Fanfic/PrehistoricParkReimagined''.
* Aigis gets one in Midori come The Answer Arc of ''FanFic/SevenDaysSurvivor'', thanks to their contrasting personalities, and Midori's support through ThePowerOfFriendship.
* [[spoiler: Chaos]] from the ''FanFic/TamersForeverSeries''. An interesting example, as he is [[spoiler: a split personality of TheHero Takato]]. He is essentially Takato's equal and opposite. They posses the same skills, but [[spoiler: Chaos]] is ruthless where Takato is compassionate.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Films -- Animation]]
* In ''WesternAnimation/HowToTrainYourDragon'', Astrid eventually becomes Hiccup's Lancer, with her energetic ferocity and physical nature contrasting against Hiccup's more quieter and intellectual manner. They initially are at odds first with Hiccup's goofing up at dragon training and then when he completely upstages her with his newfound knowledge of dragons giving him a overwhelming advantage. Eventually, she finds out his secret and Hiccup and Toothless win her over. From then on, she is not just in growing love with Hiccup, but [[SavvyGuyEnergeticGirl is glad to be the muscle to Hiccup's brains both on the job and in their relationship]].
%%* ''WesternAnimation/TheLionKing1994'': Timon.
* In ''WesternAnimation/RobinHood1973'', Little John is Robin Hood's Lancer, as a physical {{Foil}} (he's a big bear, Robin Hood is a lithe fox) and as the more cautious and serious {{Sidekick}} to contrast the carefree and daring Robin.
* ''Franchise/ToyStory'': Buzz Lightyear is Woody's Lancer in ''WesternAnimation/ToyStory2'' and ''[[WesternAnimation/ToyStory3 3]]'', after their rivalry is settled in the first film. He fits the definition so well it's almost scary. He begins as a rival to TheHero, has a similar design (law enforcing hero of a [[MerchandiseDriven television show's toyline]] with a voice clip feature), acts as the team leader when [[TheHero Woody]] is away, [[spoiler:ends up BrainwashedAndCrazy in the service of the BigBad for a while]], and as is made obvious during [[spoiler:said BrainwashedAndCrazy time]] he's the most combat-skilled and dangerous of the cast.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]
* ''Film/ConanTheBarbarian1982'': Subotai teaches Conan how to be a thief, saves him from the Tree of Woe, and stands by his side during the Battle of the Mounds.
* ''Film/TheCrossing'': Hugh Mercer is [[UsefulNotes/GeorgeWashington]]'s NumberTwo, best friend, and is more cautious, skeptical, and even-tempered.
* ''Film/FiftyFifty1992'': Sam French is the Lancer to [[TheHero hero]] Jake Wyer.
* ''Film/TheFugitive'': Cosmo to Sam.
* ''Film/GIJoeRetaliation'': Flint.
* ''Film/GIJoeTheRiseOfCobra'': Ripcord.
* ''Film/{{Inception}}'': Arthur, the Point-Man, is the sensible and cool-head Lancer to the dark and troubled Cobb.
* ''Film/GleahanAndTheKnavesOfIndustry'': Mark falls into this role as he gets to know Gleahan.
* ''King Arthur'': Being a loose film adaptation of the same original story, Lancelot fits this trope to a T.
* ''Film/TheHobbit'': Balin, son of Fundin. A senior member of the Company, he’s the cool and calm problem solver to Thorin Oakenshield’s fiery determination. Aside from the personality contrast, Balin is also not overly concerned with reclaiming the dwarves’ ancestral homeland, content to live the peaceful life they have built in the years since their exile.
* ''Film/TheLordOfTheRings'':
** Legolas is the Lancer to Aragorn and his trusted confidant. While they have personality traits in common, they don’t always agree on the best way to approach situations, and their fighting styles are largely opposite ([[MasterArcher archer]] and [[SwordsAreHeroic swordsman]]).
** Samwise Gamgee is not only Frodo Baggins’ Lancer but his literal and emotional support. While the influence of the One Ring gradually eats away at Frodo’s life force and mental state, Sam remains steadfastly devoted to his friend until the very end and his moral compass never wavers.
* ''Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse'':
** Iron Man to Cap in ''Film/{{The Avengers|2012}}''. Out of the whole DysfunctionJunction, they have the most personality conflict for any number of reasons (idealist vs. cynic, reluctant soldier vs. ex-weapons maker), but still end up working well together. Hawkeye, by contrast, is the SixthRanger who only really opens up around ComicBook/BlackWidow.
** Bucky to ComicBook/CaptainAmerica in ''Film/CaptainAmericaTheFirstAvenger''.
** Sam Wilson aka "The Falcon" becomes Cap's new lancer in ''Film/CaptainAmericaTheWinterSoldier''.
* ''Film/MississippiBurning'': Gene Hackman is the lancer to a by-the-book Willem Dafoe.
* ''Film/MortalKombatTheMovie'': Johnny Cage fills this role for TheHero Liu Kang, being the JerkWithAHeartOfGold who has all the snarky quips and one-liners in contrast to Liu's nobler, more straightforward character. He also has the less "epic" goal: Liu wants to avenge his brother's death at Shang Tsung's hands and save Earthrealm, while Johnny just wants to prove he's the real deal and not a conceited actor full of hot air.
* ''Film/MrSaturdayNight'': Stan had the makings and ambitions to be a comedian but his brother Buddy Young had the guts to go and perform, so Stan becomes the more grounded manager to egotistical Buddy.
* ''[[Film/{{Neighbors2014}} Neighbors]]'': Pete to Teddy.
* ''Film/OceansEleven'': Rusty Ryan to Danny Ocean in all the movies.
** ''Film/OceansEight'': Lou to Debbie Ocean.
* ''Film/{{Patton}}'': This WWII biopic depicts a "lancer reversal" between American generals George S. Patton and Omar Bradley. At first Bradley is Patton's lancer when Patton is made commander of the II Corps in North Africa and Bradley his deputy. Then after the invasion of Sicily, Patton is reprimanded for slapping a shellshocked soldier and Bradley is promoted over him. Bradley commands the U.S. 1st Army during the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Meanwhile Patton was used to decoy the Germans into thinking the invasion would be at Calais. Patton becomes Bradley's lancer when he gives Patton command of the Third Army to implement "Operation Cobra", the Allied plan to breakout of the Normandy beachhead.
* ''Franchise/PiratesOfTheCaribbean'': Captain Jack Sparrow, Will Turner and Elizabeth Swan seem to take turns playing TheHero and the Lancer. They switch sides and betray each other so frequently it can be hard to keep track of who's on which "team" and who's just out for their own ends. The only person who seems to ''consistently'' fulfill this role is Joshamee Gibbs, as the Lancer to Jack Sparrow.
* ''Film/ThePrincessBride'': Inigo Montoya fulfills this role rather well to the Man In Black/Westley. At first he is arrogant and apprehensive of Westley's skills, but eventually goes on to be a faithful right-hand man and gains a deep-set respect for his skills to the extent that he believes that Westley is capable of anything (which essentially turns out to be the case).
* ''Film/SevenPsychopaths'': Billy fits the role of the Lancer to Marty. Marty and Billy are almost perfect foils for eachother, since they have different opinions on Marty's alcoholism, Marty's girlfriends, and lifestyle. Marty has the Badass power (Billy says that Marty is the "best writer of his generation"), and Billy dies for the cause.
* ''Film/SmokeyAndTheBandit'': Snowman is this to The Bandit, hauling the all important cargo and occasionally saving the Bandit when the cops decide to get serious.
* ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries'': Spock is Kirk's Lancer.
* ''Franchise/StarWars'':
** Han Solo is this to Luke, who is the Hero.
-->"[[CombatPragmatist Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match]] for [[RayGun a good blaster at your side, kid]]."
** He also is a lancer to Leia (even as their romance blossoms).
-->"Your Worshipfulness, let's get one thing straight. I take orders from just one person, me"
** The Prequels have Obi-Wan to Qui-Gon in Episode I and then Anakin to Obi-Wan in Episodes II and III (despite being Anakin's mentor and superior in the Jedi Order).
* ''Film/TheWorldsEnd'': Steven Prince. Despite being friends, he's a bit of a rival to Gary.
* ''Film/XMenFilmSeries''
** ''Film/XMenFirstClass'':
*** Erik Lehnsherr serves this role to Charles Xavier for much of the film. They specifically fulfill the AntiHero and AllLovingHero dynamic.
*** Havok to Beast somewhat.
** ''Film/TheWolverine'': Yukio becomes Logan's.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
* This trope can be found in the makeup of any ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'' party due to the variety of roles that need to be performed in a campaign. The Hero of this group will generally be the one who is the obvious leader of the group, whether by being a great warrior or diplomat. Conversely, the Lancer will probably be the Leader's opposite, being the team's negotiator in the former case or being the taciturn combat leader in the latter.
* ''TabletopGame/WerewolfTheApocalypse'' has a tribe originally made up of Lancers: The Shadowlords. In former times, their task was to act as the Beta of packs and [[IDidWhatIHadToDo did what the Alpha]] [[ShootTheDog couldn't be seen to do]]. Unfortunately, more and more of them feel that the Silverfangs [[TheStarscream are no longer up to the task of leading...]]
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Toys]]
* Every Toa team in ''Toys/{{Bionicle}}'' has one of these, usually a Toa of [[AnIcePerson Ice]] to balance out the Toa of [[PlayingWithFire Fire]] leader. The most prominent example would be Kopaka, who has a RedOniBlueOni dynamic with Tahu.
** And to continue the tradition, Stormer is this to Furno in Toys/HeroFactory.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Theater]]
* ''Theatre/{{Hamlet}}'': Horatio.
* ''Orestes'': Pylades acts in this capacity to his friend Orestes, in Euripides' play.
* Casio, in Shakespeare's Theatre/{{Othello}}. Casio is Othello's faithful lieutenant. He is a good friend to his general, but has a weakness for drink and women.
* ''Theatre/RomeoAndJuliet'': Mercutio is Romeo's right-hand man and best friend. He even goes so far as [[spoiler: fighting and losing a duel in his name.]]
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Animation]]
* [[PsychopathicManchild The Chief ]], from ''WebVideo/ArbyNTheChief'' counts as this to the [[OnlySaneMan The Arbiter.]] During their various adventures of both regular Halo games and SeriousBusiness, The Arbiter is clearly the only skilled one of the duo. Their opponents would often only die to The Chief just from how utterly unpredictable he tends to be, both ingame and out. Beyond season 6 however, his actual skills grow a bit, but his main advantage is still his ConfusionFu.
* ''WebAnimation/{{Dreamscape}}'': Anjren is TheLancer of the FiveManBand. She is almost like a DistaffCounterpart to Dylan, in that she is also a {{Determinator}} that is not to be underestimated.
* Star Whistle from ''WebAnimation/DusksDawn'', as she's a major plot point in the first half and is the last pony standing when fighting the EvilTwin.
* ''WebAnimation/{{RWBY}}'':
** On Team RWBY, Weiss Schnee falls into this position as team leader Ruby's partner. It's demonstrated best in battle during the fight with the Nevermore -- Ruby makes the plans, but Weiss is the one who executes most of the key steps, including watching Ruby's back while she sets everything in place. Weiss has major problems with this at first, as she always expected she'd be the leader, but when Port [[BrutalHonesty points out that she would have made a terrible leader]], she resolves to be the best teammate instead.
** On Team JNPR, Pyrrha Nikos is the lancer to team leader Jaune, her partner. Whereas he's bumbling, barely competent and largely inexperienced with the outside world, she's straight-laced, talented and more experienced. Unlike Weiss, though, she's thoroughly supportive of him.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Comics]]
* Credenza, TheProtagonist of ''Webcomic/{{Archipelago}}'' being an AllLovingHero who always trusts her GutFeeling, needs TheCynic who [[ArbitrarySkepticism disbelieves in dream magic]] and relies on logical reasoning from pure facts to keep her safe, or at least that's how Raven, her Lancer, seems to think. Sometimes he [[AngerBornOfWorry says it out loud]].
* Guenevere in ''Webcomic/ArthurKingOfTimeAndSpace''. Not Lancelot, who is Arthur's right-hand man but doesn't really act as a foil, whereas [[http://arthurkingoftimeandspace.com/0117.htm Guenevere's outspokenness contrasts neatly with the more easy-going Arthur]].
* Humorously enough, the author of ''[[http://www.drunkduck.com/Cwens_Quest/ Cwen's Quest]]'' was unaware of this particular trope when he named his character Riddly Lancer. Fits the bill too, well actually only up to the third sentence of the description that is... but Cwen is definitely the leader between the two characters.
%% * UsefulNotes/AlexanderHamilton from ''Webcomic/TheDreamer'' is definitely the Lancer.
* Susan of ''Webcomic/ElGoonishShive'' is Tedd's foil.
** [[TheHero Elliot himself]] has two Lancers, varying by situation. Ellen usually takes the role when Tedd is playing TheSmartOne instead, while Tedd assumes the role in most other cases.
* Shelly from ''Webcomic/FindingYourRoots'' is a foil to the main protagonist Cedar. Shelly has a completely different attitude towards the FantasticRacism in that she wishes she ''weren't'' born a minority race, while Cedar embraces that part of her identity when she could easily pass as the MasterRace. Cedar is also outgoing and adventerous, while Shelly is skeptical and avoidant.
%% * Theo from ''WebComic/GoldCoinComics'', who is also TheSpock.
* ''Webcomic/{{Homestuck}}'':
** Dave Strider has taken this on this role voluntarily, at least for the human team. He's [[TheHero John's]] best friend, and is the badass [[KatanasAreJustBetter katana-wielding]] [[TimeTravel time-travelling]] [[TheStoic stoic]] DeadpanSnarker to John's IdiotHero/ AllLovingHero. Despite the fact he's probably the most all-round skilled of the human players, was the first to fully assume the mythological responsibilities placed upon him (as the [[TimeMaster Knight of Time]]), and proceeded through the game significantly faster than John (until the latter CameBackStrong anyway), he resigned himself to a supporting role out of [[AlwaysSomeoneBetter feelings of inadequacy]] and the inability to face his own mortality.
--->TG: im not a hero\\
TG: my [[TheAce bro]] was\\
TG: john is\\
TG: im not
** On the side of the trolls, Terezi Pyrope plays this to [[TheHero Karkat Vantas]], countering [[HatesEveryoneEqually his raving abuse of everyone and everything]] with... [[{{Troll}} messing with him]].
** Despite Dave's contention, his bro Dirk, for all his badass heroics, appears to be either the Lancer to Hero Jake or TheBigGuy to Heroine Jane.
* In ''Webcomic/TheInexplicableAdventuresOfBob,'' Jean is Bob's lancer. Where Bob is absurdly mellow in most situations, Jean is a MoodSwinger with with a bad temper. She's also a good deal more educated and intellectual than he is.
* Tyler Dawn fills this role in ''[[{{Webcomic/morphe}} morphE]]''. Tyler lacks [[TheLeader Billy's]] intellect and charisma but is on his level in terms of skill with magic and shows signs he may overtake him in future chapters.
* In ''Webcomic/TheNoordegraafFiles'', Akila is this to Theo. Her introduction page is TITLED "The Lancer".
* Haley Starshine from ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick'' starts out as a flighty, greedy foil to her leader, who's big on duty. She grows into a genuine [[NumberTwo second-in-command]] who can check his thinking when it comes to subterfuge.
* Giancarlo of ''Webcomic/RoninGalaxy'' plays lancer to Cecil. Giancarlo is his foil to the point of [[http://www.roningalaxy.com/comic/page-66/ talking morality when he doesn't]], and [[http://www.roningalaxy.com/comic/page-56/ tells him to drop it when he does.]]
* ''Webcomic/SleeplessDomain'': Sally Fintan is a FieryRedhead and the most [[HotBlooded passionate and aggressive]] member of Team Alchemical, as well as the youngest. She would much prefer to [[BloodKnight rush enemies down herself]] and hates being bossed around, so she frequently ends up clashing with Tessa over the latter's leadership. [[spoiler:This friction ends up with [[DeconstructedTrope fatal consequences]] when a fight between them leads Tessa to [[AchillesInHisTent sit the night's patrol out]]. When she eventually [[ChangedMyMindKid has second thoughts]] and arrives to check on her teammates, most of her team -- Sally included -- has already been killed]].
* In ''Webcomic/SluggyFreelance'', while Torg usually takes center stage and, in his "[[CloudCuckooLander unique]]" way, come up with a solution to the big problems, Riff is usually there as well, ready to solve things his own way. Which usually involves laser weapons, giant robots, and blowing stuff up.
* ''Webcomic/TowerOfGod'': Khun Aguero Agnes, the brains, and in a literal sense Rak Wraithraiser, the brawn (and TheHeart), choose to climb the [[PlaceOfPower Tower]] with Bam, one to find his lost self, the other because Bam happens to own a really CoolSword he wants to compete against.
* In [[WebAnimation/TeenGirlSquad]], What's Her Face acts as the Lancer for Cheerleader. Where Cheerleader is hotheaded and brash, What's Her Face is irreverent and the OnlySaneMan. Where Cheerleader is overly concerned with what everyone else thinks of her, What's Her Face couldn't care less.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Original]]
* Wyn from the web fiction serial ''Literature/DimensionHeroes''. %%how so? this is not a very descriptive example
[[/folder]]

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