History Main / ChessmasterSidekick

* Since they were inherently anarchic with "the situation is in charge" as a mantra, everyone in the Music/GratefulDead was this TO THE BAND ITSELF, extending into the crew and fanbase since they "kept the lights on" and were all seen as the same entity by anyone involved at that level. Slightly subverted when most people just started assuming Jerry Garcia was the leader, this mass cognitive dissonance eventually lead to his (and the band's) demise.
* UsefulNotes/ReinhardHeydrich, the head of the infamous Wannsee Conference planning UsefulNotes/TheHolocaust, was the right hand of Reichsfuehrer-SS Heinrich Himmler who would've been barely able to survive inter-Nazi rivalry without his loyal Reinhard. There was even a joke in Nazi Germany exemplifying this: ''"Himmlers Hirn heisst Heydrich"'' (''"Himmler's brain is called Heydrich"''). [[JustifiedTrope Justified]] as Heydrich was a very poor public speaker, had no talent to win sympathy from the common people and was feared and hated by everyone, Himmler included. Even if he gained political power, he was not going to survive long enough to enjoy it.

* William I of UsefulNotes/ImperialGermany had this relationship with both Bismarck and Von Moltke. They were more competent than he, being {{Consummate Professional}}s at the crafts of scheming and slaying respectively. However, William was reasonably competent himself, sensible enough to use their talents effectively and a skillful enough leader to keep them working together instead of at cross-purposes. William II's failure to listen to Bismarck - or at least keep his alliance with Russia - would have disastrous consequences for Germany in the decades to come.

* Surprisingly, Joseph Stalin was that in the Soviet Government. While no one would ever dare questioning his authority, he never assumed the role of the head of the state officially. The reason was quite pragmatic: it let him get away with whatever crime and/or mistake he would commit.

** Cao Cao could be considered this to Emperor Xian of Han, if not TheManBehindTheMan. His highest rank was Imperial Chancellor, and while miles more accomplished than his nominal liege (partially because Emperor Xian spent most of his life [[DistressedDude being held prisoner by various warlords claiming to protect him]]), he was very careful to make sure he was at least ''seen'' to defer to the Emperor. Some of his subordinates actually suggested he take the imperial throne himself, but his response can be summed up as, "I already have power, what need to I have for the imperial title? But if someone wanted to make me an emperor posthumously... well, that's out of my hands." Sure enough, after Cao's passing, his son Cao Pi forced Emperor Xian to abdicate and took the imperial throne for himself, formally declaring the Wei Empire as successor to the Han Empire.

** Zigzagged with Zhuge Liang. While ''Literature/RomanceOfTheThreeKingdoms'' portrays him as equally at home on the battlefield as he is governing, the historical Zhuge Liang wasn't a particularly successful military commander (especially compared to his liege lord Liu Bei)[[note]]The novel often took battles led by other people attributed them to Zhuge instead, two examples being the battle of Bowangpo (his first battle in the novel, which was historically planned and executed by Liu Bei himself) and the battle of Chibi (historically it was led by Zhou Yu and his colleagues from Wu, but the novel instead makes Zhuge the driving force) [[/note]]. He was a genuine genius at statecraft (for example, he almost single-handedly wrote the legal code for Liu Bei's state of Shu and also spearheaded economic reforms that turned the Shu heartland of Yi Province into enough of a powerhouse to fund further campaigns), but he did not command anywhere near as much personal respect as Liu Bei did [[note]] Liu Bei had pulled off multiple BackFromTheBrink recoveries over the course of his career while somehow maintaining the loyalty of his followers no matter how bleak things became [[/note]]. Played straight with Liu Bei's successor Liu Shan, who was nowhere near as accomplished as his father was.

* ''[[Creator/MatthewReilly Troll Mountain]]'': RetiredBadass Ko accompanies Raf, TheHero, for most of his adventure. While Raf is quite clever in his own right, Ko is the one to educate him on troll customs and how to look past generalizations, and comes up with a TrojanPrisoner ploy to bring a bunch of explosives into the mountain and rescue Raf after his young friend is captured.

* ''VideoGame/MegaManX'': The main protagonists of the franchise are this. X and Zero are more than capable of taking down some of the most ungodly-powerful foes on earth ''alone,'' and because of it are [[AssKickingEqualsAuthority very well established in the chain of command.]] However, they still answer and take orders from the Maverick Hunters' supreme commander, Signas, who is said to be as good in combat as his predecessor, [[BigBad Sigma]].

%%* Askeladd to Canute in ''Manga/VinlandSaga''. (Zero-Context: Entry is just a name)
%%* ''Manga/FullmetalAlchemist'' features Maes Hughes filling this role to Roy Mustang's badass [[TheStrategist Strategist]]. Roy Mustang even lampshades this in the aftermath of [[spoiler:Hughes's funeral]]. (Zero-Context: Entry is mostly just 'Trope is here')
%%* In ''Manga/YuYuHakusho'', [[TheChessmaster Kurama]] is much more cunning and ruthless than the other members of the Tantei (even [[TokenEvilTeammate Hiei]] balks at the idea of facing off against him), but remains fiercely loyal to the team. (Zero-Context: Entry is mostly just 'Trope is here')

* General Blue of ''Manga/DragonBall'' is shown to be this to the Red Ribbon Army and Commander Red. Blue possessed superhuman endurance, superhuman strength, possibly superhuman speed, and PsychicPowers. Because of this, he could easily take over the Red Ribbon Army and dispose of Commander Red and Staff Officer Black if he so desired. Instead, he follows their orders to the letter.[[note]]Of course, had he lived long enough to learn about Commander Red planning to use the dragon balls to make himself taller, he probably wouldn't mind partaking in a big TheDogBitesBack moment.[[/note]]

%%* In ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'', Armin grows into this role as a result of his CharacterDevelopment. He's easily one of the most ruthless and brilliant characters, but fiercely loyal to his friends and respectful of his equally ruthless commanders. (Low-Context: Could probably use a specific example of his ruthlessness)
* Ronnie Schiatto serves this role for [[TheMafia the Martillo Family]] in ''LightNovel/{{Baccano}}''. Everyone is completely baffled as to ''why'' he bothers to stay with such a small camorra organization when he could probably take over the entire criminal underworld single-handedly [[spoiler:being an ungodly powerful HumanoidAbomination and all]], and is terrified of the day he decides to turn on them.
* In ''Manga/{{Beelzebub}}'' Natsume is ''clearly'' much tougher and smarter than his boss Kanzaki. However, Natusme claims that he really follows Kanzaki because it always leads to interesting and fun situations, and so he's happy.
* During the TournamentArc, the protagonist Tatsuya Shiba from ''LightNovel/TheIrregularAtMagicHighSchool'' is this trope to those who were participating, specifically the women's division as he is the CAD engineer assigned. Let's just say a lot of his strategies, plus him being AlwaysSomeoneBetter than any engineer in that building gave the women's division a winning landslide.
%%* In ''LightNovel/KyoKaraMaoh'', [[spoiler:Ken Murata]] winds up being this for Yuuri. [[spoiler:And his [[PastLifeMemories first incarnation]] was the Great Sage, who played this role for Shinou.]] (Zero-Context: Entry is just names)
* Ibushi Arima in ''Anime/CuteHighEarthDefenseClubLove'', for Kinshiro. While he doesn't do much in the anime, in the manga and the game, he's the one who comes up with all the plans that don't suck.

* The Lord Master Tactician Narsus from ''Literature/TheHeroicLegendOfArslan'' has destroyed an alliance without sending a single soldier by spreading rumors, forced a group of soldiers led by [[BigBad Silver Mask]] to flee while he was alone and forced a 1000-men army to flee while he and his companions were only six in total (the enemy thought they were surrounded by at least a few hundred men). He is also very loyal to Prince Arslan.
* An interesting example with Demiurge from ''LightNovel/Overlord2012''. He is much smarter and ''much'' more cruel than his master [[VillainProtagonist Ainz Ooal Gown]] in almost every conceivable way. He comes up with most of the plans that advance Ainz's eventual goal of world domination, and it is extremely rare that something happens outside of his predictions. Yet due to his earnest belief that Ainz is an infallible mastermind operating on a level of thought beyond comprehension he's completely in the dark about this fact. This in turn leaves Demiurge under the delusion that even Ainz's most innocuous actions have some hidden meaning behind them when in reality his motivations and reasonings were ''far'' less complex than what Demiurge is imagining. A RunningGag is that, whenever Ainz is asked to explain whatever [[ThePlan plan]] the Floor Guardians think he has hatched, he "allows" Demiurge to explain it in his place; once Demiurge has explained what he believes to be Ainz's plan, [[SureLetsGoWithThat Ainz ends up taking the credit.]]
* ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'': Joining the Akatsuki and ObfuscatingStupidity as Tobi, Obito Uchiha managed to manipulate events from behind the scenes, though he eventually dropped the act to instead impersonate Madara Uchiha.

* In the ''Franchise/XMen'' Mr. Sinister was this to Apocalypse when they used to work together. Apocalypse was stronger, tougher, faster, more skilled, and had far more connections at his beck and call. Mr. Sinister on the other hand was smarter, more cunning, patient, and was much better at manipulating than his boss behind the scenes.
* In Creator/MarvelComics, the [[GuardianOfTheMultiverse Omniversal Guardian]] was originally the Otherworlder [[TheArchmage master wizard and former Sorcer Supreme,]] Merlyn/Merlin who created the ComicBook/BlackKnight's sword Ebony Blade and made Brian Braddock into ComicBook/CaptainBritain and later Merlyn's PhysicalGod daughter Roma would inherit the Omniversal Guardian position. Acting as the Guardian's lieutenant is the Omniversal Majestrix and this position has always been filled by Opal Luna Saturnyne who commands the Captain Britain Corps. Despite originally being a "mundane human" from an alternate Earth that worships Mitra, Opal got her position through her ruthlessness, cunning, and organizational brilliance.

* ''Fanfic/TheMountainAndTheWolf'': The Wolf's sorcerer is a Tzeentchian, meaning he's always planning something that may not be in his master's best interest. The Wolf, however, is perfectly aware that he has a likely traitor work for him and freely abuses him (claiming that if he's going to be betrayed, he wants to be sure he's earned it), having some experience with backstabbing wizards.

* ''Fanfic/ThisBites'': Jeremiah Cross, being a [[SelfInsertFic Self-Insert]], has knowledge of the past, present, and future of the world of ''Manga/OnePiece.'' And while that's his biggest asset, he's quite cunning in his own right, which leads Luffy to appoint him as the crew's tactician. Yet amidst all the plans and connections he makes, he remains as loyal to Luffy as any of the Straw Hats, with everything he does being to help his captain reach the throne.

* ''Franchise/{{Tron}}'': Alan Bradley in the ExpandedUniverse material. He doesn't have Flynn's raw talent or charisma, and he withered when forced into the spotlight as CEO after Flynn vanished, but he is ''very'' sneaky, good with planning, and aware of contingencies. He spends much of the ''Betrayal'' comic being the one who actually puts Flynn's brilliant ideas into practical use, running interference between Flynn and the corporate board, running Flynn Lives as "[=ISOlated Thinker=]" under everyone's nose, and "The Next Day" shows that [[spoiler:he's going to be the ''real'' power behind Encom's revival with Sam as a figurehead.]]

* Thomas the cat in Creator/MercedesLackey's novel ''Literature/ReservedForTheCat'', which is based on the fairy tale.
* ''Literature/{{Discworld}}''
** The "Puss In Boots"-inspired Maurice of ''Literature/TheAmazingMauriceAndHisEducatedRodents'' combines this with JerkWithAHeartOfGold.
** Appears in ''Literature/{{Pyramids}}'', in which the BigBad may or may not be stuck in a StableTimeLoop and has been "advisor" to the ''entire'' royal family. As in, since it was founded millennia ago.
** Nanny Ogg is this to Granny Weatherwax. While Granny is acknowledged as the smarter and more powerful of the two, Nanny (who may be smarter and stronger still, but doesn't advertise) steers Granny in the right direction, usually [[ReversePsychology by implying she shouldn't]] because Granny's such a contrarian she'd run over broken glass to go somewhere she was told she can't go.
* Capt. Dudley Smith from James Ellroy's ''L.A. Quartet'', and, of course, the motion picture ''Film/LAConfidential'', is both a MagnificentBastard and a Chessmaster Sidekick. He may not be the Chief of Police but he is both clever and manipulative, making the Los Angeles Police Department serve his ends.
* Before the ''Franchise/StarWars'' prequels revealed the utter depth and breadth of Palpatine's EvilPlan, [[Literature/TheThrawnTrilogy Grand Admiral Thrawn]] was often seen this way by fans. Thrawn was loyal to the Emperor and seemed to be a much better plotter.
** With the complete story of Palpatine's rise on the table, it was more like they were equals, but in different areas -- Palpatine was the master of political and personal manipulations, while Thrawn was the master of military strategy.
** Palaptine had this sort of relationship with his own master Darth Plagueis, who had the public persona of a ruthless but powerful banker named Hego Daamsk but in reality was the Dark Lord of the Sith plotting to [[GalacticConqueror conquer the galaxy]] as well as [[ImmortalitySeeker death itself]]. Plagueis liked and respected Palpatine so much that he decided to forgo the Rule of Two and wanted Palaptine to rule by his side forever, and to that end the two schemed to get Palaptine [[PresidentEvil elected as Supreme Chancellor of the Republic]], but unfortunately for Plagueis, [[BastardUnderstudy Palaptine had]] [[YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness different ideas]]. While both Sith Lords are Chessmasters ''par excellence'', Palpatine proves EvilerThanThou and ultimately tells his master that [[ManipulativeBastard he had been manipulating him from the beginning]] and was simply waiting patiently to kill him for decades until the opportune moment.

** Rana Sanga is this to Damodara

* ''Literature/VorkosiganSaga'':
** Admiral Count Aral Vorkosigan is this to Emperor Gregor Vorbarra, having served variously as His Regent, Prime Minister, and Viceroy of one-third of the Empire of Barrayar since Gregor was six years old. Indeed, the case could be made that Aral had just as strong (if not a stronger) claim to the throne than the Vorbarras, and many urged him to declare himself Emperor and murder/execute young Gregor while he was Regent. [[{{Cincinnatus}} He declined]].
** A similar state of affairs can be said of Aral's son Miles to Gregor (although Miles would have far greater trouble holding the throne, considering his... deformities), Miles to Illyan, Illyan to Gregor, Illyan to Aral, Tung to Miles and Negri to Ezar.
* The Marquis de Carabas -- aptly named for the alias Puss In Boots comes up with for his master in the fairy tale -- serves as a [[spoiler:heroic]] version of this in ''Literature/{{Neverwhere}}''.

* When the elf-emperor's fourth son unexpectedly ascends the throne in ''Literature/TheGoblinEmperor'', his secretary acts as this. He excels in BotheringByTheBook methods and gets the most acceptable empress approved by the court due to presenting her name along with two others who will siphon support from each other and make Csethiro get the majority of the votes.

* Barney from ''Series/HowIMetYourMother'', though his schemes mainly involve getting Ted (and himself) laid. It's explained as Barney ''already having'' everything he wants; he's wealthy, good-looking, and has to expend little-to-no effort in everyday life. Helping a little guy like Ted gives Barney a challenge and makes him feel like he's doing something charitable.
-->[[RunningGag "Haaave you met Ted?"]]
* ''Franchise/PowerRangers'':
** ''Series/PowerRangersTurbo'': General Havoc; brother of the series' main antagonist, Divatox; is leagues smarter than his boss and is a legitimately competent and intelligent villain. Yet he displays no interest in overthrowing her and is fully loyal to her cause.
** ''Series/PowerRangersLostGalaxy'': Impostra spends her one episode faithfully serving Trakeena, and the plan to trick Destructo into attacking the Rangers, frame Treacheron for treason, and steal the Lights of Orion (all but the last of which goes off perfectly) is entirely hers.
** ''Series/PowerRangersWildForce'': The Duke Org Onikage is the one who allowed [[spoiler:Viktor Adler/Master Org to get his revenge on both Mandilok and Toxica and almost Jindrax as well, all while keeping the Rangers in a stalemate they could not win before being defeated by a stroke of luck on Jindrax's part. Even though he ultimately fell, his manipulations nearly led to Master Org's victory in the finale.]]

* Interestingly, Moses serves as this in Literature/TheBible. When God first manifests in the burning bush, Moses protests that he cannot speak before Pharaoh because he is "slow of speech, and slow of tongue"--most scholars believe this is a reference to some kind of speech impediment. As such, it is actually Aaron, Moses's brother, who does all of the talking and bargaining with Pharaoh, while Moses serves as something of a sidekick (albeit one who is infused with God's power). As the story of the Golden Calf proves, Aaron was a ''terrible'' leader to the Israelites once they were free (largely because he was something of an ExtremeDoormat who repeatedly bent to their will), and Moses ended up having to clean up a good deal of his messes. Most adaptations of the Exodus story ignore the "slow of speech" element, though, and simply have Moses do all of the talking as well.

* In every ''VideoGame/{{Suikoden}}'' game, [[TheStrategist the tactician]] is the Chessmaster Sidekick of the Tenkai Star. In all games except the third, the hero leads the field operations while the Strategist devises the plans. In ''VideoGame/SuikodenV'', if the player gives the good answers in some [[DialogueTree discussions]], the Tactician will even claim that she is impressed by the intelligence and insight of the hero, which puts more emphasis on the fact that the Prince is not merely a figurehead.
%%* ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'':
%%** In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXII'', [[spoiler:Cid is the sidekick of Vayne, while Venat is the sidekick of Cid]]. On the other side, we have an aversion in [[spoiler:Vossler, who wants to be Ashe's sidekick, but end up betraying her and loses his life for it]] and a subversion in [[spoiler:Larsa, who does not ''serve'' Ashe, but helps her regain her throne because he feels that an independent Dalmasca serves the interests of Archadia]]. (Zero-Context: Long as the entry is, it's really only just a list of names)
%%** In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI'', Kefka reveals himself to be this to Emperor Gestahl. [[TheStarscream Or so it would seem.]] (Zero-Context: Entry is just a name and a pothole)

* ''VideoGame/FalloutNewVegas'' has Yes Man, an A.I who is programmed to follow the orders of anyone who gives him orders and has masterminded a plan involving the usurping of [[TheChessmaster Mr. House]] and taking over Vegas in his place, free from the influences of the [[TheFederation NCR]] or [[TheHorde Caesar's Legion]]. While he starts off as [[SmugSnake Benny's]] henchman, he can be found by the Courier, at which point he'll gladly shift alliances once Benny's out of the picture for good. At no point in the game does Yes Man actively conspires against the player and will even force himself to accept counter-productive actions that he personally thinks is detrimental to his overall plans. [[spoiler:Even in the ending when he states that he found an upgrade that allows him to be more "assertive", it's only meant to make sure that he can monitor Vegas by himself without someone else stumbling upon him and pulling the same thing on you]].
* ''VideoGame/MegaManX'': The main protagonists of the franchise are this. X and Zero are more than capable of taking down some of the most ungodly-powerful foes on earth ''alone,'' and because of it are [[AssKickingEqualsAuthority very well established in the chain of command.]] However, they still answer and take orders from the Maverick Hunters' supreme commander, Signas, who is said to be as good in combat as his predecessor, [[BigBad Sigma]].
* Fenrich from ''VideoGame/{{Disgaea 4|A Promise Unforgotten}}'' is an unrepentant, scheming ManipulativeBastard -- it's just that all his plots and ambitions are not for himself but for his lord Valvatorez, to whom he is [[UndyingLoyalty impossibly loyal to]].
-->'''Hugo:''' Werewolf, what about you? I assume ''you're'' the man behind this conspiracy.
-->'''Fenrich:''' My scheming is only made valid by my master's presence. I cannot claim credit for it.

* ''VideoGame/FireEmblem'':
** ''VideoGame/FireEmblemTheBlazingBlade'' has the player represented as a non-combatant tactician who serves as the brains behind the heroes.
** Soren from ''VideoGame/FireEmblemPathOfRadiance'' and ''VideoGame/FireEmblemRadiantDawn'' is the strategist in Ike's army, and is fiercely loyal to him (and him alone).
** The player characters of ''VideoGame/FireEmblemMysteryOfTheEmblem''[='s=] remake and ''VideoGame/FireEmblemAwakening'' serve as the strategists for their respective armies and are fiercely loyal to their Lords.
* [[WhiteHairBlackHeart Takenaka]] [[IncurableCoughOfDeath Hanbe]] from ''VideoGame/SengokuBasara'' is this to [[MightMakesRight Toyotomi]] [[MightyGlacier Hideyoshi]]. On his own, his tactical prowess could be an even match for any number of the rival warlords. But, with his lifespan dwindling due to tuberculosis, he devotes it all to Hideyoshi.
** [[EvilChancellor Otani]] [[MisanthropeSupreme Yoshitsugu]] has this same purpose to [[RevengeBeforeReason Ishida]] [[UnstoppableRage Mitsunari]] in ''3/Samurai Heroes''. Basically his job is to direct Mitsunari's destructive anger at the right targets.
* In ''Videogame/SaintsRowGatOutOfHell'', Dane Vogel states that after getting killed in ''Videogame/SaintsRow2'' he came to realize that he was better off as a kingmaker who sets up others for success rather than taking power himself (which led to said-mentioned death). As such, he's been preparing for the Saints' inevitable arrival in hell so that he can back them in a war against Satan.
* The newer ''VideoGame/CrashBandicoot'' games tend to play off Coco as this, given she has all her IdiotHero brother's abilities but with the benefit of a much bigger IQ and sense of lucidity, plus the ability to talk allowing her to strategise and negotiate with teammates. ''Crash on the Run's'' bio for her even states she could take over from Crash at any time if she wanted to. This was downplayed in earlier titles. While Coco was certainly still more intellectual than Crash, she wasn't as physically apt and role reversals where she only ''thought'' she was the sensible one were more common.
* ''VideoGame/EternalDarkness'': Pious Augustus becomes one in the timeline where Chattur'gha is the BigBad. The latter, a millennia-old eldritch being who exists outside of space and time, definitely isn't dumb by human standards, but, being a god of physical strength and matter, isn't the schemer that the other Ancients are and prefers to just use his powers to brute force through any opposition, since, by his belief, that's all he ''should'' need to win a battle. Pious, a trained soldier and skilled commander, knows differently, so while Chattur'gha empowers Pious to do his bidding, Pious handles most of the planning and strategy. The only reason Pious is still a minion is because Chattur'gha and the Black Guardian boss him around regardless.

Sometimes a PoisonousFriend's chief weapons are plans. Sometimes there's a [[TheManBehindTheMan Man Behind the]] ManipulativeBastard. In those cases, the result is a Chessmaster Sidekick.

* Ronnie Schiatto serves this role for [[TheMafia the Martillo Family]] in ''LightNovel/{{Baccano}}''. Everyone is completely baffled as to ''why'' he bothers to stay with such a small camorra organization when he could probably take over the entire criminal underworld single-handedly ([[spoiler:being an ungodly powerful HumanoidAbomination and all]]), and is terrified of the day he decides to turn on them.

* ''Fanfic/TheEndOfTheWorld'' series by [[https://www.fanfiction.net/u/5615/FernWithy]] put Haymitch Abernathy in this role. He's not the senior member of the rebellion, or the most respected, but he's good at thinking out long-term strategies that play on the actions and reactions of people, such as the idea of using emotional attachment to the tributes to force the Capitol to change the rules. The fact that he often plays chess adds to this.

* Spock fits better still with the ''Film/StarTrek2009'' reboot, as Kirk has yet to develop his legendary leadership abilities (or for that matter, much basic competence) while Spock is easily the most competent officer all around aboard the ''Enterprise''.

* [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Atwater Lee Atwater]], a Republican consultant who worked for UsefulNotes/RonaldReagan and UsefulNotes/GeorgeHWBush's presidential campaigns and is widely regarded as one of the most brilliant (albeit controversial) political strategists in American history. In his own words, Atwater stated that he never had any ambitions of running for office himself and rather enjoyed being in the behind-the-scenes role.

* An interesting example with Demiurge from ''Anime/Overlord2012''. He is much smarter and ''much'' more cruel than his master [[VillainProtagonist Momonga]] in almost every conceivable way. He comes up with most of the plans that advance Momonga's eventual goal of world domination, and it is extremely rare that something happens outside of his predictions. Yet due to his earnest belief that Momonga is an infallible mastermind operating on a level of thought beyond comprehension he's completely in the dark about this fact. This in turn leaves Demiurge under the delusion that even Momonga's most innocuous actions have some hidden meaning behind them when in reality Momonga's motivations and reasonings were ''far'' less complex than what he's imagining.

->''"It doesn't matter who's on the throne...I govern."''

* In Heretics of Dune, most people think Patrin is merely Miles Teg's assistant or aide. Later, Teg reveals that Patrin was a "tactical magician" who was "fully capable of taking over command of an entire multi-planet force". His low rank was a personal choice that allowed him to retain an awareness of the feelings and needs of common soldiers and civilians.

* Barney from ''Series/HowIMetYourMother'', though his schemes mainly involve getting Ted (and himself) laid.

* ''Anime/LegendOfGalacticHeroes'':

* ''Franchise/{{Transformers}}

* ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformers'': In the 80s "post Movie 2005 era cartoon" Cyclonus was easily this to Galvatron. Galvatron at least could lead by example as he had the unrestrained gung-ho and toughness needed in a fighter. And he certainly wasn't afraid of rushing headfirst into the thick of battle with no regard for his own safety. Cyclonus, however, was more intelligent, careful, calmer, saner, less violent, and wasn't prone to beating his subordinates around. Cyclonus also knew how to plan strategically and act in purely diplomatic situations. In most of the situations where the Autobots and Decepticons were required to join forces and work together, the involved Decepticons were under the command of Cyclonus. However, throughout the entire cartoon, Cyclonus remained devotedly loyal to "Mighty Galvatron", refusing to usurp him even when pressured by the other Decepticons losing patience with their current insane leader.
* ''WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime'' gives us Soundwave, who was essentially TheDragon to Megatron (until [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy Dreadwing]] showed up). Soundwave not only keeps an eye on ''[[SinisterSurveillance everything]]'', he's also feared by almost everyone (with Airachnid learning '' why'' [[CurbStompBattle you shouldn't pick a fight with him]]), to the point where [[TheStarscream Starscream]] kept trying to tiptoe around him/gain his approval whilst attempting to usurp Megatron. Also, according to one of the background novels, Soundwave ''almost'' bested '''[[AuthorityEqualsAsskicking Megatron]]''' in gladiatorial combat, and would have outright ''won'' if not for the fact that their duel was [[VictoryByFirstBlood to first wound]] and not to the death.

* ''WesternAnimation/{{Gargoyles}}'': Even Xanatos himself has one. Towards the end of the series, it is revealed that [[spoiler:his assistant Owen Burnett is actually the powerful fairy Puck.]] Oddly enough, he remains a loyal servant and even friend all the way. His official explanation is that [[ItAmusedMe "Xanatos is many things, but never boring."]]

* ''Torture Garden'' featured a variation on the theme. The twist? The cat was a demon that needed to be [[HumanResources fed human heads]] to make his master rich.

* In the ''Literature/HarryPotter'' series, Snape is this for Dumbledore -- and he'd be the HypercompetentSidekick, if not for the fact that Dumbledore is the most ridiculously powerful and cunning wizard alive. Of course, Dumbledore {{manipulat|iveBastard}}es Snape rather shamelessly, and Snape has his [[TheLostLenore own]] [[TheAtoner reasons]] for working for him, but they nonetheless seem to be friends.

* Surprusingly, Joseph Stalin was that in the Soviet Government. While noone would ever dare questioning his authority, he never assumed the role of the head of the state officially. The reason was quite pragmatic: it let him get away with whatever crime and/or mistake he would commit.

* ''WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime'' gives us Soundwave, who was essentially TheDragon to Megatron (until [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy Dreadwing]] showed up). Soundwave not only keeps an eye on ''[[SinisterSurveillance everything]]'', he's also feared by almost everyone (with Airachnid learning '' why'' [[CurbStompBattle you shouldn't pick a fight with him]]), to the point where [[TheStarscream Starscream]] kept trying to tiptoe around him/gain his approval whilst attempting to usurp Megatron. Also, according to one of the background novels, Soundwave ''almost'' bested '''[[AuthorityEqualsAsskicking Megatron]]''' in gladiatorial combat.

* ''WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime'' gives us Soundwave, who was essentially TheDragon to Megatron (until [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy Dreadwing]] showed up). Soundwave not only [[SinisterSurveillance keeps an eye on]] ''[[ParanoiaFuel everything]]'', he's also feared by almost everyone (with Airachnid learning [[CurbStompBattle exactly]]'' [[CurbStompBattle why]]'' [[CurbStompBattle you shouldn't pick a fight with him]]), to the point where [[TheStarscream Starscream]] kept trying to tiptoe around him/gain his approval whilst attempting to usurp Megatron. Also, according to one of the background novels, Soundwave ''almost'' bested Megatron in gladiatorial combat. '''[[AuthorityEqualsAsskicking Megatron.]]'''

* He becomes one in the timeline where Chattur'gha is the Big Bad. The latter, a millennia-old eldritch being who exists outside of space and time, definitely isn't dumb by human standards, but, being a god of physical strength and matter, isn't the schemer that the other Ancients are and prefers to just use his powers to brute force through any opposition, since, by his belief, that's all he should need to win a battle. Pious, a trained soldier and skilled commander, knows differently, so while Chattur'gha empowers Pious to do his bidding, Pious handles most of the planning and strategy. The only reason Pious is still a minion is because Chattur'gha and the Black Guardian boss him around regardless.