[[quoteright:227:[[StarWars http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/han31.jpg]]]]
[[caption-width-right:227:The Lancer usually flies [[IncrediblyLamePun Solo]].]]

->'''Azazel''': I see you are the surly, temperamental one who '''instigates''', Wolverine. You '''cannot''' be the leader, then.
-->-- '''[[Comicbook/{{X-Men}} The Uncanny X-Men]]''', Issue #432

The right-hand man and go-to guy for TheHero. He has the same [[TheMario well-rounded skill set]] as his counterpart, but lacks his pure leadership ability and team spirit. If the hero is TheCaptain, the Lancer is his NumberTwo.

The Lancer serves as [[{{Foil}} a foil]] to the hero, either as a [[DefeatMeansFriendship former enemy]] or as a [[HeterosexualLifePartners life long friend.]] For example:
* If the hero is an [[IdiotHero idiot]], the Lancer will be TheSpock, TheStoic, or TheQuietOne.
* If the hero is [[ChasteHero chaste]] or [[CelibateHero celibate]], the lancer will be a HandsomeLech or {{Casanova}}.
* TheCape or TheMessiah will have a Lancer who is an AntiHero, IneffectualLoner, or even a HeroicSociopath.
* If TheHero is NotGoodWithPeople, his Lancer is likely to be more levelheaded and a social person, or even the MoralityPet in extreme cases.
* RedOniBlueOni are also a popular combination. They know each others' tactics, they know when something is wrong, and they know when the other is NotHimself or saying SomethingTheyWouldNeverSay.
* If the Hero works more from a state of passion when resolving problems, or is inspiring to his team, his Lancer tends to work harder, and in some but not all cases tends to be less popular. The Lancer in this context tends to think his way through challenges and through diligence eventually earns his team's respect for his obvious talents and successes.

This is the member of the FiveManBand who is most likely to [[TeethClenchedTeamwork not be a team player]]. He's the one who sneaks off on his own to advance the team's goals independently. He might be [[GreenEyedMonster jealous]] of the leader, and [[TheStarscream think he'd be better for the job]]. If TheComplainerIsAlwaysWrong and there's a chronic complainer to act as the show's ButtMonkey, it's this guy. He's also the one most likely on the team to go {{turncoat}}, and the last one the hero will suspect. Nevertheless, there's a strong chance that his rivalry with the hero may develop into a deep, powerful friendship. This is a frequent source of HoYay. TheHero and TheLancer may also be rivals for a love interest.

In the event that the hero of the team is unable to lead, or the team temporarily has no Hero, TheLancer steps in. Sometimes, he's forced to take the position against his will. Either way, this plot is used to contrast the hero'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 Hero often notes that the team will be in excellent hands the next time he is absent.

Powers and skills common to the lancer include:

* If there's only one stealthy guy on the team, the Lancer is typically that guy. Sneaky Lancers may fill the FragileSpeedster (or, if lucky, LightningBruiser) role, relying on agility and guile rather than brute force. Alternatively, he can be a GlassCannon, StraightArrow or [[TheGunslinger gunslinger]] who relies on firepower and distance. In this case the Lancer may be a BadassNormal in a superpowered Band.
* If TheHero and TheLancer have ElementalPowers, those will be complementary. If TheHero uses [[PlayingWithFire flames]], The Lancer will probably use [[AnIcePerson ice]] or [[MakingASplash water]].
* Since he's usually the hero's [[{{Foil}} counterpoint]], he may be the one who is willing to [[PoisonousFriend do dirty tricks]] or [[ShootTheDog enter moral gray areas.]] If there's only one ConMan on a team full of strait-laced heroes, it's this guy.
* Conversely, TheLancer on a [[AntiHero less-than-scrupulous]] or [[SurroundedByIdiots less-than-intelligent]] team may be its OnlySaneMan, trying (often futilely) to [[TheConsigliere keep the chaos under control]]. This Lancer may resemble a more traditional Hero (or the TeamMom version of TheChick, if acting as a moral compass).

When [[ItGotWorse worst comes to worst]], TheLancer is ''the'' one person on the team who is likely to [[RedemptionEqualsDeath die]] for [[HeroicSacrifice the cause]]. He's also the most likely member of the team to pull a FaceHeelTurn and get turned to TheDarkSide (though this usually [[DefeatMeansFriendship doesn't last]]), or end up BrainwashedAndCrazy by the BigBad or the EvilGenius (and if this happens, either TheChick or TheHero will [[IKnowYouAreInThereSomewhereFight talk him out of it]]. The Lancer is an extremely common EnsembleDarkhorse or DracoInLeatherPants, especially if TheHero is of the [[GoodIsBoring clean-cut type]].

It's becoming more and more common for this character to be female, either merged with, or contrasted with, TheChick. Having the character who is both most like and most unlike TheHero also being the strongest woman can create {{UST}}. If not multi-classed with TheChick, she may be in a LoveTriangle, acting as the [[BettyAndVeronica Veronica]] to {{The Chick}}'s [[BettyAndVeronica Betty]] in pursuit of the object of her secret desire, TheHero. A female Lancer and TheChick may develop into an OddCouple, and even begin to work as a sub-team. A former DarkMagicalGirl almost always becomes TheLancer after her HeelFaceTurn.

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 recognizable as King Arthur's right-hand man, Lancelot (portrayed as a better fighter than even the king in most versions of the myth.

----
!!Examples

[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder: Anime and Manga ]]

* "Condor" Joe Asakura, a.k.a. G-2 from the ''ScienceNinjaTeamGatchaman''. In the beginning, he's a HeroicSociopath constantly undermining [[TheHero Ken's]] authority because he wouldn't let Joe go on the attack. But by the second half of the first series, Joe's the only one who's able to [[GetAHoldOfYourselfMan talk Ken down]] when he [[FreakOut MAJORLY Freaks Out]] after [[spoiler: Red Impulse, Ken's long-absent father, is killed]], showing they have a RyuAndKen style respect for each other. From the beginning, he has a serious vendetta against the antagonists of the series since [[ParentalAbandonment ''his parents are DEEAAAAAAAAD!!'']] thanks to them, which drives his AntiHero tendencies, [[spoiler: and true to his role, he's the member that ends up dramatically dying in sacrifice at the end.]]
**[[spoiler: of the first series at least, subverted later.]]
* In the ''SailorMoon'' anime, Rei/Sailor Mars is the Lancer of the team. The English dub [[AdaptationDecay exaggerated this]] into a running subplot of her trying to subvert Usagi's leadership. In the manga, however, the Lancer is Minako/Sailor Venus, the leader of the Senshi in the Silver Millenium and the most seasoned warrior of the group. Rei can be considered as TheLancer in both versions, by some folks, seeing as how Usagi acts more the part of TheChick in a leadership role, while Minako is TheHero put in the role of a NumberTwo girl.
* Kei Kurono from ''{{Gantz}}'' was undoubtably TheLancer to TheHero Masaru Katou, his old friend. [[spoiler:Then Katou died and Kurono became TheHero instead.]]
* Rina/Green Pearl Voice from ''MermaidMelodyPichiPichiPitch'', and until CharacterDerailment gets her, Caren.
* Minto Aizawa/Mew Mint from ''TokyoMewMew'' is TheLancer to Ichigo Momomiya/Mew Ichigo.
* [[spoiler: Fate Testarossa, indeed an ex-DarkMagicalGirl]], in ''MagicalGirlLyricalNanoha''. In ''[=StrikerS=]'', [[spoiler:Vita and Signum become Lancers to Nanoha and Fate, respectively.]]
* [[spoiler:Haruna Kisaragi/Corrector Haruna]] from ''CorrectorYui'', [[spoiler:who was also a DarkMagicalGirl for a time.]] In the second season anime, Control and Synchro/War Wolf are Yui's Lancers when they form a FiveManBand IR and Rescue. Also, Ai Shinozaki/Corrector Ai is often Lancer-like towards Yui.
* In ''SoukouNoStrain'', Lottie considers Sara her Lancer up until [[spoiler:she realizes Sara's identity. She finally admits that maybe it's the other way around.]]
* Natsumi/Shiro [[{{Lolicon}} Loli]] in ''SaintOctober''.
* Every team on ''{{Digimon}}'' had one member who didn't get along with TheHero, escalating every season. To date: Yamato, Takeru, Ken, Ruki, Kouji, Touma.
**Actually, Digimon 02's Takeru was generally affable to TheHero, Daisuke; however Daisuke, being the HopelessSuitor that he is, becomes jealous of Takeru's close friendship/relationship with Hikari and rebukes Takeru's friendliness. In fact, the only time they actually fight (or rather, almost fight) is early in the season because of Daisuke's ignorance of the situation and the episode's theme of [[ThePowerOfFriendship "friendship".]]
* Kai of ''{{Beyblade}}'' switched between TheLancer and TheRival. Rei/Ray also had his moments.
* Vegeta from ''DragonballZ'' played both TheLancer and TheRival to Goku after [[StrangeBedfellows joining forces with the heroes]] against Frieza on Namek. He's not the only Z Warrior who fits, either: Piccolo can make a good case.
** Previous to that, Yamcha, Krillin, and Tien (and Chi-Chi for about five seconds) all had a run as the Lancer.
* Ishida and Chad in ''{{Bleach}}''. Ishida fits the rivalry mould, hating TheHero based on his race ({{Shinigami}}) but finding him a decent person other than that. Chad acts as a good parallel with Ichigo's powers, since both have powers that stem from dark sources that they use to protect people. Chad's power is akin to that of a Hollow, which is why - like Hollows - all his abilities have Spanish names. And Ichigo's is half hollow. The difference between them is when Chad discovers this he [[spoiler:embraces the power]].
** They both also do double duty, with Ishida also being TheSmartGuy and Chad being TheBigGuy. And partway through the Soul Society arc, [[TheHero Ichigo]] [[DefeatMeansFriendship adds]] a ''third'' Lancer to his group, [[SixthRanger Renji Abarai]].
** But the original lancer to Ichigo was [[ActionGirl Rukia]], who, if it wasn't for her, gave him his shinigami powers. Everytime she comes back in a non DamselInDistress capacity, she's the Lancer.
* Sanosuke in ''RurouniKenshin''. He starts out as Kenshin's rival before quickly becoming [[HeelFaceTurn his best friend]], spent the gap between the revolution and the start of the series as a glory-seeking street fighter rather than an atoning wanderer, and prefers hand-to-hand combat over disciplined sword fighting (although he was skilled with his BFS, which he lamentably only used twice).
* Brock plays Lancer to Ash in the ''{{Pokemon}}'' anime, though not the games (which are a different universe entirely).
* The lion version of ''{{Voltron}}'' has a Lancer appropriately named ''Lance.''
* Natsuki Kuga is Mai's Lancer in ''{{Mai-HiME}}'', being both her {{Foil}} (Mai is very strait-laced, while Natsuki's willing to break a few rules to meet her personal objective) and opposite number in the ElementalPowers department (Mai uses [[PlayingWithFire fire]], and Natsuki uses [[AnIcePerson ice]]).
* Sasuke Uchiha from ''{{Naruto}}'' fits this in almost every possible sense [[spoiler: until his FaceHeelTurn]]. [[spoiler:Replaced later by [[EmotionlessGirl Emotionless Guy]] Sai.]]
** Yeah, except for the "lacks [Naruto's] pure leadership ability and team spirit" part. Sasuke was both a better team player, constantly acting as protector, and the one his team looked to for leadership; not Naruto. Naruto was childish and boastful without anything to back him up at first. And while he had his moments, he was NOT the leader. Naruto only started to take on the role of protector during part one, and of being a leader only after timeskip. Meanwhile Sasuke, though he lost it during the VOTE arc, shows these same traits with his new team. Sai, it's been made clear, can't fill Sasuke's spot, except for being a fourth man on the squad.
* ''SuzumiyaHaruhi'' plays with this, in that the Lancer, Kyon, is in fact both the narrator and the main character... with a little dash of TheHero, something that the flighty and childish Haruhi is definitely ''not''.
* Jet Link aka 002 is Joe Shimamura aka 009's Lancer in {{Cyborg 009}}. Albert Heinrich aka 004 and Francoise Arnoul aka 003 sometimes fits in, too.
* Guts filled this role for Griffith in ''{{Berserk}}'' when he was still part of the Band of the Hawk.
* Snagglebit in the obscure 1990s anime ''The Littl' Bits'' fit this trope to a T.
* Eiji Shigure in ''{{Gravion}}'' may be the main character of the series, but is arguably the Lancer of the Gravion team, and often fills in the role with main pilot Toga.
* Roronoa Zoro in {{One Piece}}. Not only is he [[RedOniBlueOni the straight man to all of Luffy's antics]], he is literally the NumberTwo as [[TheCaptain Luffy's]] swordsman. Given the relative specialties of the two (namely Zoro being a swordsman and Luffy with a weakness to being cut) and the outcomes of the times they fight in the series, Zoro could probably beat Luffy in a fight even though Luffy's the more powerful overall.
** Except Luffy is not weak against being cut, he is strong against impacts, BIG difference. He CAN be cut, that does not make it a weakness of any kind.
** One could also make a case for Sanji being the Lancer: a similarly [[RedOniBlueOni cool]] personality, like Zoro's, contrasted with [[IdiotHero Luffy's]], but also, as per the "He's the one who sneaks off on his own to advance the team's goals independently" bit in the description, Sanji has done just that on at least four occasions (Little Garden, Alabasta, Water 7 and Enies Lobby).
* There are several (and ''very'' different, personality-wise) Lancers in the MobileSuitGundam meta series:
** MobileSuitGundam, the original: Kai Shiden and Bright Noa, to Amuro Ray.
** ZetaGundam: Quattro Bejina aka Char Aznable is the Lancer ''and'' the BigBrotherMentor to Kamille Vidan. Emma Sheen also is Lancer-ish sometimes.
** Gundam ZZ: Beecha Oleg, to Judeau Ashita.
** VictoryGundam: Odelo Henrik, to Usso Evin.
** Gundam The [=8th=] Platoon: Karen Joshua, to Shiro Amada
** {{Gundam 0083}}: Chuck Keith, to Kou Uraki.
** GGundam: Chibodee Crockett, to Domon Kasshu.
** GundamWing: Duo Maxwell, to Heero Yuy.
** GundamX: Roybea Roy, to Garrod Ran.
** TurnAGundam: Sochie Heim, to Loran Cehak.
** GundamSEED: Mwu La Flaga and Athrun Zala, to Kira Yamato.
** GundamSEEDDestiny: Rey Za Burrell, to Shinn Asuka.
** {{Gundam 00}}: first Setsuna F. Seiei to Neil "Lockon Stratos" Dylandy, then [[spoiler: either Tieria Erde or Lyle "Lockon" Dylandy]] to Setsuna.
* In ''TengenToppaGurrenLagann'', depending on your point of view either Simon is Kamina's Lancer, or Kamina is Simon's. Upon [[spoiler:Kamina's death]] Kittan gradually qualifes for the role, showing a strong grasp of Kamina's ideals, but lacking the gift with words he and Simon have to express it.
** Rossiu is certainly Simon's Lancer after the timeskip.
*** At least until [[spoiler: Viral's HeelFaceTurn, at which point Rossiu gradually takes upon a more passive role]].
* Natsu Tanimoto, a.k.a. Hermit, combines this with a bit of SixthRanger to ''KenichiTheMightiestDisciple.'' One of the last to defect from Ragnarok to Shinpaku Alliance, and even then unwillingly, Natsu and Kenichi have the same basic decency but are otherwise polar opposites.
* In sports manga/anime, the sub-captain of the team is likely to be TheLancer to the captain. Either that, or TheRival within the team plays this role for TheHero (who isn ''not'' necessarily the captain). Examples:
** ''ThePrinceOfTennis'':
*** Seigaku: Oishi and/or Fuji, to Tezuka. Momoshiro, to Echizen [[spoiler: and later, to Kaidoh]]
*** Fudomine: Kamio, to Tachibana.
*** Saint Rudolph: Kaneda, to Akazawa. Mizuki, to Yuuta (as a good example of a sneaky Lancer who uses less-than-ethic methods).
*** Hyoutei: Shishido, to Atobe; he actually [[HeroicSacrifice took one for the team]] during the yakiniku battle (sacrificing himself by drinking Inui juice so his team could go on). Ohtori, on the other hand, is Shishido's own Lancer (which makes them also a ''very'' popular HoYay subject, even lampshaded once or twice in the {{Dating Sim}}s).
*** Yamabuki: Sengoku and/or Dan, to AntiHero Akutsu.
*** Rokkaku: Saeki, to Aoi.
*** Jyousei: Wakato, to Kajimoto.
*** Rikkaidai: Sanada, to Yukimura.
*** Higa: Rin, to Kite.
*** Shitenhouji: Chitose (also SixthRanger), to Shiraishi. Koishikawa was ''supposed'' to be TheLancer, but Chitose's appearance shot that to Hell.
*** If we count the {{Tagalong Kid}}s, Tomoka is TheLancer to [[TheChick chicky]] [[TheHero heroine]] Sakuno.
** ''CaptainTsubasa'':
*** Depending on the team he's playing, Tsubasa can hace ''several'' Lancers. Up to date: Ishizaki, Misaki, Wakabayashi, Hyuga, Pepe and/or Rivaul.
*** Wakashimazu and Takeshi, to Hyuga.
*** Oda, to Matsuyama.
*** Müller, to Schneider. Sometimes Schester too, though he's more of TheSmartGuy [[spoiler: A small subplot in ''Road to 2002'' had Schneider trying to personally recruit Wakabayashi as his Lancer, too.]]
*** Napoleon, to Pierre.
*** Pascal, to Juan Díaz
*** Kaltz, to Wakabayashi (in the Hamburg team).
*** Leo (and briefly, Natourezza), to Santana
* Kuwabara from YuYuHakusho. He's Yusuke's school rival-turned-best friend, frequently teams up with him for tag-team battles, and leads the Team Urameshi almost as often as Yusuke does in the Dark Tournament saga.
* Daisy from ''DragonQuest: Abel Yuusha'' (a.k.a. the ''Dragon Warrior'' anime broadcast in TheNineties) is a good example of a female lancer: a mercenary adventurer who started out more skilled than TheHero, and who seemed to have a crush on him (which got sublimated into her helping rescue the DistressedDamsel).
* If you view the Allied Forces from ''AxisPowersHetalia'' as a FiveManBand, then TheLancer to IdiotHero LoveFreak America is the local TeamDad and his ex-tutor and steward, England.
** Fandom tends to see the East Asian nations as a FiveManBand as well, and in such an environment Japan plays Lancer to TheHero China.
*** They also apply these dynamics to the Nordic group, with Sweden as TheLancer to TheHero Finland.
* ''MahouSenseiNegima'' has either Asuna or Setsuna acting as Negi's lancer for the earlier arcs. More recently [[TheRival Kotaro]] has taken the position.
* [[FullmetalAlchemist Riza Hawkeye]] is the stern, cool-headed, and female Lancer serving under Roy Mustang. Maes Hughes could be considered [[ObfuscatingStupidity an even lazier one]].
* Thanks to ''[[YesPrettyCure5 Yes! Pretty Cure 5]]'''s insistence on dual-classing everyone, [[TheHero Nozo]][[TheChick mi]] has both [[TheBigGuy Big]] [[TheLancer Lancer]] Rin and [[TheSmartGuy Smart]] [[TheLancer Lancer]] Karen to contend with. They manage to simultaneously act as foils for both Nozomi and each other.
* In ''FushigiYuugi'', Tamahome and Tasuki end up as a BlueOniRedOni patterned Hero and Lancer, respectively. Interestingly, they ''both'' have a BrainwashedAndCrazy incident where one nearly murders the other.
* In ''OuranHighSchoolHostClub'' Shadow King Kyouya is TheLancer to IdiotHero Tamaki, and secretly runs the club behind his back. Everyone else is aware of it though.
* Chrono in ''ChronoCrusade'' serves as Rosette's lancer (particularly in the manga where Rosette is firmly the protagonist). While they usually seem eye-to-eye on moral issues, and they are in fact the OfficialCouple, they often clash and get into arguments--Rosette is {{hotblooded}} and determined, while Chrono ''appears'' to be calmer and also slips into despair much easier. Rosette is a nun, and Chrono is a demon. Rosette is very open with her emotions, while Chrono tends to try to hide when he's upset.
* ''HigurashiNoNakuKoroNi'' has an interesting example in [[spoiler:Keiichi]]. He starts off as a DecoyProtagonist. He's a bit paranoid and actually steers into [[spoiler:VillainProtagonist]] territory. In later arcs, the spotlight switches to the actual [[TheHero hero]], [[spoiler:Rika]]. Another interesting thing about it is the reversal of the usual optimistic-Hero and cynical-Lancer. [[spoiler:Rika]] behaves cheerfully, but is secretly very cynical and has all but resigned [[spoiler:her]]self to die. [[spoiler:Keiichi]], after a number of screw-ups caused by not trusting his friends, is optimistic and tells [[spoiler:Rika]] that it ''is'' possible to [[ScrewDestiny beat the crap out of fate]]. He's arguably [[spoiler:Rika]]'s [[TheMessiah savior]].
* In ''KatekyoHitmanReborn'', Yamamoto and Gokudera combine to become this for Tsuna. And Squalo for Xanxus.
* Rei is this to Kenshiro, in HokutoNoKen.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Comic Books ]]

* {{Comicbook/Batman}} fills this role in most incarnations of the ''JusticeLeague''. The darker interpretations fall into the [[TheRival Rival]]/[[AntiHero Anti-Heroic]] version of this trope, with {{Comicbook/Superman}} as TheHero.
** 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, The Joker tends to be the Lancer to Lex Luthor on the rare occasions they team up.
* Hawkeye of ''Comicbook/TheAvengers''. He tends to chafe under CaptainAmerica's leadership, but it's clear how much like Cap he is -- he led both his own Avengers franchise and the {{Thunderbolts}} for several years.
** ''IronMan'' has also acted as a Lancer to Captain America at times; this was used to add extra tension to their conflict in the CrisisCrossover ''Comicbook/CivilWar''.
* As indicated by the page quote, Wolverine of the ''Comicbook/{{X-Men}}''.
** He was also the Lancer for Luke Cage when the latter lead the ''New Avengers''.
** Iceman was the Lancer of the original five, with an attitude bigger than Connecticutt 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 TheChick. Not to mention that unlike Iceman, Angel has actually done the leadership thing on occasion.
** It should be noted that 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, he was even slated to lead Alpha Flight when he ran away to join the X-Men instead (of course, he was also in love with the team's eventual leader's red-headed wife.)
***Therefore, it of course makes ''perfect'' sense that Wolverine [[PanderingToTheBase becomes the new leader]] in ''{{Wolverine and the X Men}}''.
**** They did give a plausible justification for this: Cyclops was so emotionally devastated over Jean's disappearance that he wasn't really capable of leading the team. [[spoiler: How they will explain this in the second season, now that Jean has returned, remains to be seen.]]
**** Isn't Cyclops actually Wolverine's Lancer in that series?
***Then again Logan does currently lead X-force, with X-23 being the Lancer.
**** I dont' know about that, but considering Xavier is the Team Leader in the earlier series, they could BOTH be a different kind of Lancer.
* Moonstone of the ''{{Thunderbolts}}'' is somewhere between this trope and TheStarscream.
** Same thing in ''Dark Avengers'', though Ares also fills this role sometimes.
*** Daken too for that matter.
* Speedy I/Arsenal/Red Arrow has often played this role against Robin/Nightwing in the ''Teen Titans'' (and later the ''Outsiders'').
* Namor is perhaps the MU's resident [[IncrediblyLamePun 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, Aquaman can also be an all-purpose Lancer. Particularly on ''JusticeLeague''.
* The Huntress was the Lancer to Black Canary's [[TheHero Hero]] in ''Birds of Prey'', at least until the Canary left.
** At which point she became the Lancer to Oracle's.
* {{Deadpool}} would probably be horrified if he realised, but he ends up being this when he teams up with 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]].
*Skywise from ''{{Elfquest}}'' to Cutter. Skywise is at the same time more lively and easygoing with his drinking and womanizing compared to Cutters keen sense of responsibility for their tribe ''and'' more faraway with his stargazing compared to Cutter's tendency to be happy to live in the woods, here and now.
*For the current New Avengers line-up Hawkeye/Ronin seems to be The lancer for Captain America(Bucky).
** Actually, it's the other way around.
* In ''Young Avengers'', Kate/[[LegacyCharacter Hawkeye]] is the Lancer to Eli/[[LegacyCharacter Patriot]].
* Donald Duck fills this role nicely for Scrooge in the 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]].

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Film ]]

* Pictured above: Han Solo in ''StarWars''
** Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.
* Captain Jack Sparrow from ''PiratesOfTheCaribbean''. He is ''not'', contrary to what gushing fanpeople would have you believe, TheHero.
* Rusty Ryan to Danny Ocean in the ''OceansEleven'' movies.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Literature ]]

* Ron from the ''HarryPotter'' books fits the definition perfectly.
* Commander Vimes from {{Discworld}} spins this trope widdershins. He's the protagonist of Watch books, and is the cynical commanding officer of idealistic [[TheHero Hero]] Carrot. Plus, now that Vimes is Duke of Ankh, he would be NumberTwo to the king, if Carrot ever decided to actually take the job.
** Also as Commander of the Watch and the richest man in the city, Vimes is effectively the second most influential and powerful man in the city, and often plays the Lancer role to the Patrician, though Havelock Vetinari is hardly the traditional hero.
** Vimes has his own lancers: depending on the situation, other Watchmen (notably Carrot, Colon and Nobby) and occasionally his wife take turns at it.
* No one has yet agreed on a FiveManBand configuration for the ''{{Animorphs}}'', with Tobias, Rachel, and Marco all suggested for the role:
** Tobias is the silent loner compared to Jake, the leader and center of the team.
** Rachel would be a perfect Lancer if she wasn't already TheBigGuy. Jake says flat-out he'd rather have her at his back than anyone else and he trusts her both to protect his father and [[spoiler:kill his brother]]. She does the team's dirty work, and has the "challenger/thinks she'd be a better leader" aspects, and still can't quite shake that thought even after being smacked in the head with a VetinariParadox. [[spoiler:And she was the "someone" in TonightSomeoneDies via HeroicSacrifice.]]
** Marco is 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.
* Panther from the Genesis of Shannara books "Armageddon's Children" and "The Elves of Cintra".
** while on Shannara, pretty much anytime a Leah shows up, it's to play this roll for the main Ohmsford.
* 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.
* 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.

[[/folder]]

[[folder: Live Action TV ]]

* Several ''{{Angel}}'' characters have Lancer qualities. For most of the series, Wesley fulfilled this role as well as TheSmartGuy. Gunn also filled this role for a time late season 3 and early season 4, but was usually TheBigGuy. Connor fit for much of season 4. Easily the best fit that doesn't overlap with any other roles is Spike in Season 5.
** Cordelia was Interim Lancer between Doyle's death and Wesley's integration into the main cast, and was always Angel's real foil, despite being TheChick throughout.
* Col. Saul Tigh in the re-imagined ''BattlestarGalactica''.
* Avon from ''[[BlakesSeven Blake's 7]]'', even when Blake vanishes/dies and Avon slowly goes AxCrazy.
* Sam Axe in ''Burn Notice''.
* Willow and Faith can act Lancer-y on ''BuffyTheVampireSlayer''.
** Oh, and also Spike, when he starts moving to the side of good. Post-evilness, Spike is basically made of Lancer material.
* Captain Jack filled this role during his short tenure on ''DoctorWho''.
* ''TopGear'': Richard Hammond to [[TheCaptain Jeremy Clarkson]]. Hammond is a head shorter, a decade younger, and physically tough but emotionally fragile compared to Clarkson, yet they are [[HeterosexualLifePartners inseparably bonded]] by a mutual love of fast, powerful cars.
** The third presenter, James May, acts a bit like a Lancer to Clarkson but they are more of an OddCouple.
* Zoe plays the cool-headed Lancer to the often impulsive Mal in ''{{Firefly}}''
* Dr. Wilson plays the OnlySaneMan variety of lancer on ''HouseMD'', alongside the show's eponymous AntiHero.
** In fact, when Hugh Laurie first read for for the part of [[HeroicSociopath House]], he was under the impression that Wilson was TheHero, and that House was TheLancer. This was not the case.
* Several characters have fufilled this role for [[{{Lost}} Jack Shepard]] over the seasons; also, Bram seems to be TheLancer to Ilana.
* Stephen Hart [[spoiler: later Abby Maitland]] in ''{{Primeval}}''.
* Patrick Harper in ''{{Sharpe}}''.
* ''StarTrek'': [[TheSpock Spock]] is '''all''' over this trope. Indeed, he is by all counts equally as competent as [[TheKirk Kirk]]. But where [[TheKirk Kirk]] will go with guts and daring, [[TheSpock Spock]] will ''always'' be cool, calculating, and logical. And yes, when the chips are down, [[TheSpock Spock]] is ready at a moments notice to die for the cause. In fact, [[StarTrekIITheWrathOfKhan he did once....]]
** Are you out of your Vulcan mind??? McCoy played the lancer role far better and more often than [[TheSpock Spock]]. Granted they were both lancers for [[TheKirk Kirk]] but [[TheSpock Spock]] devoted a lot of his screen time as the smart guy.
* Riker from ''StarTrekTheNextGeneration'' was intended to perform the action roles that Picard (as TheCaptain) really should not be doing. Especially the first season he was pretty much a Kirk Clone. After GrowingTheBeard, his role on the bridge was to anticipate Picard's orders and issue them so that the captain wouldn't have to.
* Tuvok fulfils this role for Captain Janeway in ''StarTrekVoyager'', and Seven of Nine in later years.
* Owen from ''{{Torchwood}}'' falls under this fairly well.
* Deputy Jo Lupo to Jack Carter in Eureka.
* Common in ''SuperSentai'' due to its reliance on the FiveManBand structure, but special mention goes to ''ChoujinSentaiJetman''[='s=] Gai Yuuki (Black Condor) for being a CaptainErsatz of the TropeCodifier, [[ScienceNinjaTeamGatchaman Condor Joe]]. Indeed, the entire cast of ''Jetman'' are {{Captain Ersatz}}es of ''Gatchaman''[='s=] FiveManBand {{Trope Codifier}}s.

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[[folder: Video Games ]]

* Manticore, a signature character in ''CityOfHeroes'', is basically [[AlternateCompanyEquivalent their version of]] {{Batman}}, especially among the Freedom Phalanx.
* Kain from ''FinalFantasyIV'': TheHero's best friend, member of the FiveManBand, multiple-time TurnCoat, ''and'' in love with (and formerly romantically involved with) TheChick. Plus, wields a lance.
** Kain's class, Dragoon, was actually renamed Lancer in ''FinalFantasyTactics''.
* Shadow from ''FinalFantasyVI'': Advances the plot independantly by joining the enemy, is very fast (able to trap Kefka behind his statues), self-sacrificing (can die if you don't wait for him), has item-based Throw ability like Edgar, a martial arts character like Sabin, with a mysterious identity like Gogo.
** Possibly also Sabin, since he is a counterpart to Edgar who leaves him and eventually rejoins after having trained separately. Both have a variety of elemental ranged attacks, use of shields.
** Celes can be TheLancer to Terra as a main character. Linked to the villain historically, she has complementary powers (Terra's ability amplifies offensive magic, Celes' has her defend against magic).
* Barret Wallace from ''FinalFantasyVII'' is a unique mix of BigGuy and {{Lancer}}, with bonus TokenMinority points thrown in. He even [[strike:[[RetCon founded]]]] leads the WellIntentionedExtremist organization you start off as part of, and sometimes seems a little too ready to think of himself as TheHero early on.
* In ''FinalFantasyVIII'', the role of the Lancer is filled by the hero's love interest, Rinoa Heartilly, who is not only [[TheStoic Squall's]] foil and opposite number in the argument of EnthusiasmVersusStoicism, but also the one most likely to run off and take action on her own.
* Kimahri Ronso from ''FinalFantasyX'' displays many of these characteristics, and rather appropriately wielded a lance.
** Alternatively, Tidus and Yuna could be one another's lancers, depending on which of the two you view as most important.
* Shara from ''FinalFantasyTacticsAdvance'' is the Lancer to Ritz.
* Duke Cuan is both the best friend and TheLancer for Lord Sigurd in the first part of FireEmblem 4 aka ''Seisen no Keifu''. He also has ''his'' Lancer in the form of his protegé Finn.
** In the second part of the game, Ayra's son Skasha is TheLancer to Sigurd's son Celice.
* In ''FireEmblem 7'', [[TwoGuysAndAGirl Hector and Lyn *both* fit as Lancers for Eliwood]]. Just like in [=FE=] 6, StraightArrow Wolt and MagicalGirl Lilina are sort-of Lancers for TheHero Roy.
** Hector also has his own Lancer in the figure of [[GeniusBruiser General Oswin]], and it can be said that [[JeiganCharacter Marcus]] was Eliwood's Lancer before Hector and Lyn stepped in.
** If we're talking about Hector's Route in the game, [[FragileSpeedster Matthew the Thief]] has a short run as Hector's Lancer at the beginning, until Oswin and Serra come in.
** In "Lyndis's Tale", Lyn had Kent as her Lancer since Sain was a bit more of TheBigGuy of her Troupe.
* In ''FireEmblem 8''... The Paladin Seth is TheLancer to either Eirika or Ephraim, depending on the route you take. Innes fits more as Ephraim's Rival than Lancer.
** About Gerik and his mercenaries... [[EmotionlessGirl Marisa the Crimson Flash]] fits as his Lancer since she's more of an ActionGirl than Tethys, the TeamMom.
** In the case of Joshua, [[spoiler: either Gerik, Marisa or Natasha (in a more serious, StaffChick-y way) cane become his Lancers through supports as he rebuilds Jehanna]] )
** Rennac is TheLancer in L'Arachel's Power Trio.
* In ''GearsOfWar'', Dominic Santiago serves as Marcus Fenix's Lancer.
* In ''{{Halo}} 3'', the Arbiter plays the role of Lancer to the Master Chief.
* Protoman (Blues) often fills in this role in the original ''MegaMan'' games. Zero in the ''[[MegaManX X]]'' series takes it a little bit further, as his antisocial nature has led to more than one physical fight with X. Dex ''nails'' the Lancer role in the ''[[MegaManBattleNetwork Battle Network]]'' games.
** Dex tries, but he comes off as being the would-be hero that manages to do something right... almost never. Protoman and Chaud claim the role of Lancer all over again, being a far more serious threat to both the enemy and the hero.
** Dex might actually be an inversion. He has ''nothing but'' leadership abilities. He's a fantastic leader and motivator, but lacks the competence to back it up, which is all Lan's. This would probably be why he ended up [[spoiler: mayor of ACDC Town]] in the series ending.
** Dex really functions more as a Big Guy of the charismatic BoisterousBruiser mold. He started out as TheRival, but by the end of the first game Chaud had moved from SixthRanger into the Lancer position.
* Knuckles in ''SonicTheHedgehog'' started out as a Lancer, but lately his role has been handed off to Shadow and Knuckles has been relegated to the role of TheBigGuy.
** Don't worry, by ''Sonic Chronicles'' he's back with a true Lancer attitude! Shadow acts as a backup Lancer as well.
* An early CRPG example: Nazim in ''The Magic Candle''.
* Though they're technically on opposite sides, the prosecutors from the ''AceAttorney'' series often become closer to TheLancer after a few cases against the main character.
* Falco from ''StarFox'' fits this trope like a glove.
* Dio from ''Ogre Battle 64'' as well as Vice from the original ''Tactics Ogre''.
* In ''TalesOfSymphonia's'' initial FiveManBand, Raine plays the role of smart and cynical Lancer to Lloyd's idealistic IdiotHero. As the plot progresses and more characters are added, though, Zelos takes on this role as a much more traditional Lancer, leaving Raine to replace her younger brother [[BrattyHalfPint Genis]] as TheSmartGuy.
** It could be argued that Genis plays Lancer the entire time and Raine is TheSmartGuy.
*** Genis is DEFINITELY Lloyd's Lancer, not only because they fit into the RedOniBlueOni mold quite well (Lloyd is hot-headed and all-melee, Genis is much more deliberate and all-magic), but because they're also portrayed as the two best friends who are always getting into trouble, partially because the one is always willing to dive-head first into the trouble to help the other. This makes Genis' scene in the Tower of Salvation all the more emotional when you realize that polar opposites might look like the perfect team on paper, but have just as much trouble dealing with each other in real life as you would expect.
* Though TheLancer and not TheHero of his ThreeAmigos, Riku of ''KingdomHearts'' was the leader by virtue of being one year older and because of his natural drive. He had very clear and strong ideas about what he wanted, and Sora and [[TheChick Kairi]] followed his lead. Sadly, he was TooCoolToLive, and so fell to TheDarkSide. He gets better only after Sora has become clearly much cooler than him.
* Junpei Iori, of ''{{Persona 3}}''. Eager to prove himself, bitter about the Protagonist being chosen to [[ItsUpToYou lead the team]] over him, brash, loud, poor grades, and a girlchaser.
** And in [[ExpansionPack FES]], where [[spoiler: Aegis is the Protagonist, Yukari acts as the Lancer to her.]]
* Yosuke is the lancer in ''{{Persona 4}}''.
* Felius is Clarissa's lancer in ''{{Wild ARMs XF}}''.
* Etna, vassal of negotiable loyalty to demon prince Laharl in ''{{Disgaea}}: Hour of Darkness'', probably qualifies as a Lancer, being his go to girl, and the one who cheerfully tells him she will kill him and take over if he doesn't prove himself worthy of being the overlord. Her starting weapon also happens to be a lance. Rozalin (with elements of TheChick later) and Almaz also qualify.
* Lin from ''[[NintendoWars Advance Wars]]: Dark Conflict/Days of Ruin''. Possibly combination SmartGuy/Lancer, but definitely a lancer.
* Alicia, from ValkyriaChronicles, is this, with a touch of TeamMom. Possibly also Largo, who is also TheBigGuy.
* Luigi from the SuperMarioBros series has been increasingly this.
** And oddly enough, when he's thrust into the position of a hero, [[GoKartingWithBowser Bowser]] can be Mario's Lancer.
* Almost every main character from the numerous chapters of ''LiveALive'' has a {{Lancer}} to go along with him or her. The most clear example, however, is Straybow, who is both a rival to the chapter's main character Orsted and eventually [[spoiler:that chapter's final boss after his FaceHeelTurn]].
* Grandia II: Millenia is the Lancer and also the Veronica to Ryudo.
* Dogi [[FanNickname the Wallcrusher]] serves this role to Adol in the Ys series.
* ''FateStayNight'' has a character called 'Lancer', who also fits this trope fairly well; not only is he amongst the most well-rounded of all the Servants (but isn't a protagonist like [[TheHero Saber]]) [[spoiler:but he also plays the role to the hilt when he joins up with the heroes late in Unlimited Blade Works]].

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[[folder: Real Life ]]

* Current pope, Benedict XVI was this for the previous pope, John Paul II - as a cardinal he had never hesitated to say that he disagrees with the pope. People say that now he really regrets a lack of somebody who would be this for him, as a pope.
* Hilary Clinton for Barack Obama.
* Lee Iaccoca strongly recommends all leaders to have at least one Lancer in their staff.

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[[folder: Webcomics ]]

* 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. Pretty much 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.
* Vaarsuvius in ''OrderOfTheStick'' fits this trope. He/She is the person the leader(Roy) consults in many matters(such as talking to his father's ghost). They complete each other. Roy is physically tough and good with people. V is a powerful magician and "book smart". V also feels the party isn't always deserving of him/her.(And is actually jealous of Roy when he's attacked by a mind flayer).
** [[YourMileageMayVary Maybe]]. Haley, the literal LoveableRogue often acts as a foil to LawfulGood GeniusBruiser [[TheHero Roy]], and V could quality for TheSmartGuy, but then again his/her genius seems to be [[WhenAllYouHaveIsAHammer completely focused towards arcane magic]], and he/she tends to act more as a heavy hitter rather than a brain. [[spoiler: This really bit V in the ass.]]
** [[YourMileageMayVary Again, maybe]]. Roy's true foil is not Haley or V, but Durkon, who acts as a more "standard" portrayal of his class. He's the number-one that Roy goes to when he needs backup, and he also plays the OnlySaneMan to the entire OrderofTheStick, so...
** In terms of actions taken, while Roy usually sets the goals, it was Elan, TheDitz, who makes sure [[GenreSavvy conventions are followed]] and [[PetTheDog kitties are loved]]. But as in any long-running work, EVERY major character gets a chance to be the Lancer. While Hojo was in charge [[spoiler:due to Roy being dead]], Elan spent most of his time trying to be a NeutralGood supporting character while the "[[BattlestarGalactica ragtag fleet fleeing the Goblin Tyranny]]" tried to stay afloat [[IDidWhatIHadToDo by hook or crook]]. Back in Azure City, ChaoticGood LoveableRogue Haley had to put up with ChaoticEvil Belkar stabbing everything.

* In ''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.
* Theo from [[http://www.shapequest.net Shape Quest]], who is also The Spock.

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[[folder: Web Original ]]

*Wyn from the web fiction serial DimensionHeroes.

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[[folder: Western Animation ]]

* Ironically, despite being the title character, [[Series/SonicTheHedgehog Sonic the Hedgehog]] was actually his team's Lancer.
* Abby Lincoln/Numbuh 5 from ''[[CodenameKidsNextDoor Codename:Kids Next Door]]''.
* Brooklyn in ''{{Gargoyles}}'', especially when Goliath promoted him to be his NumberTwo. He differs that while Goliath is very physical and direct in his methods with a knack for inspiring his clan, Brooklyn is quieter and more calculating at work as a superb tactician who can organize assaults that seemingly can whup ''anybody''. His only major weakness is that he hates Demona with a fury strong enough to attack her on sight, to the frustration of the clan. Brooklyn is the second type of lancer in hat he holds Goliath in high esteem and has no desire to challenge his authority, much less replace him. Still, during the extended time that Goliath was absent, Brooklyn was in charge and even old veteran Hudson defered to his authority.
* In ''{{Transformers}}: BeastWars'', when the Maximals find themselves short one [[TheCaptain Optimus Primal]], it comes to a vote to determine which of the Lancers will lead in his absence - Dinobot, or Rattrap. Dinobot was the big, straightforward warrior type, and Rattrap was the [[TheSmartGuy small, underhanded saboteur type.]] On another occasion, [[GentleGiant Rhinox]] started to give the orders, as he was in a [[BewareTheNiceOnes Very Bad Mood.]]
**Cheetor fits the either the lancer or the chick depending on the episode, but is most often the chick. Dinobot is definitely a SixthRanger Lancer.
***Cheetor's clearly The Kid, not the Lancer - at least in Beast Wars where he was always hoping to impress "Big Bot." Beast Machines is another story. Rattrap and Dinobot share Lancer duties.
* In the followup ''Beast Machines'', while Primal was absent Cheetor had stepped up to fill the leadership gap, causing him to become TheLancer when Primal returned. This time, it was more the "chafes under his authority, wants to usurp and lead" variety, possibly due to the fact that [[CharacterDerailment Optimus had become a damn dirty hippie]].
* Raphael from ''TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles'' is one of the most perfect examples of the Lancer.
* In ''{{Thundercats}}'', Tygra doubled as Lion-O's Lancer and [[TheSmartGuy SmartGuy]]. The latter is relative since the team's [[TheBigGuy Big Guy]], Panthro, was a GeniusBruiser.
* Katara of ''AvatarTheLastAirbender'' merges the roles of TheLancer and TheChick, being both the romantic interest of TheHero and one of his most reliable combat partners.
*Kevin Levin of ''{{Ben 10 Alien Force}}''.
** Something of a contrast to [[PsychoForHire how]] [[AxCrazy he]] [[ForTheEvulz was]] [[TheyChangedItNowItSucks before]]...
* Sparky from BeethovenTheAnimatedSeries is the funny, sarcastic, energetic sidekick of Beethoven, the serious and clean cut TheHero.
* Digeri Dingo from Taz-Mania could count as a lancer for Taz.
* Duke L'Orange in ''TheMightyDucks'', a former GentlemanThief [[HeelFaceTurn turned]] [[LaResistance freedom fighter]], contrasts nicely to not only [[TheHero Wildwing]] but the rest of the team, especially since he's the only one who regularly uses a melee weapon. (a [[LaserBlade laser sword]])
* Shao Lin in ''{{Captain Simian and the Space Monkeys}}'' is both TheLancer and the ActionGirl. She is as cautious as [[{{TheCaptain}} Charlie Simian]] is not; her TheStoic attitude balances his boisterous, cheerful personality.
* Raven in ''TeenTitans'' fits the trope closest, being a DarkIsNotEvil AntiHero, and having very subdued emotions to contrast HotBlooded [[TheHero Robin]].
** Honestly, Cyborg would be more of a lancer, seeing as how he's taken the reins when Robin is absent and it's just the four of them, and how Titans East nommed him as their leader.
* Prowl of ''TransformersAnimated''. A quiet, stoic {{ninja}} who is NotGoodWithPeople, he contrasts TheCape, Optimus Prime.
* Ramus, and later Nash qualify as the Lancer to Alex's {{Standardized Leader}} in the original Lunar.
* Simon Belmont of CaptainNTheGameMaster is how NOT to do the Lancer.
* In TitanMaximum, Gibbs is a {{Deconstruction}} of the type of lancer who has issues with the hero's authority. The stress of being the OnlySaneMan to a JerkJock hero on the previous team elevated [[RedOniBlueOni his own]], [[DeadpanSnarker quieter]] {{Jerkass}} tendencies, causing him to massively HeelFaceTurn and making him the BigBad in the present.

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