History Main / FiveManBand

* ''Franchise/PowerRangers:'' A longrunning franchise built with this trope at its very core. The TropeCodifier and first exposure to the FiveManBand for many children around the world since the 1990s (or 1970s via Japan's Franchise/SuperSentai). Almost every iteration of the show will at some point feature five main Rangers. By color, the [[RedIsHeroic Red Ranger]] [[LawOfChromaticSuperiority is almost always]] TheHero or TheLeader. [[PinkMeansFeminine Typically the Pink Ranger]] is TheChick. The other rangers (Blue, Green/Black, Yellow etc) rotate roles more frequently depending on the series or continuity. They almost always get a SixthRanger halfway through their run as well.

* ''VideoGame/PokemonXAndY'': A team of friendly rivals as a departure from the PowerTrio the series usually goes for. They even fit the [[ColorCodedCharacters stereotypes color-wise]] with the leader and lancer as red and blue, big as yellow, smart as green, and chick as pink. Consisting of the main duo of RookieRedRanger [[TheHero player character]] and the [[TheLancer veteran]] [[TheRival main rival]] (the player avatar not chosen), [[ThoseTwoGuys best friend duo]] Tierno and Trevor (a [[TheBigGuy dance battler]] and [[TheSmartGuy Pokédex completionist]]) and the [[TheChick cheerfully supportive]] Shauna who can float as the third member of either pair.

* ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'': Aang's Team Avatar of bending masters (plus Sokka) in their usual arrangement [[https://64.media.tumblr.com/409e80949044aa7c7a5cd747db065faf/tumblr_p4mgo4BEaA1rptk5lo2_500.jpg from the end of Season 3]] into the [[https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/avatar/images/8/87/The_Promise_omnibus.png/revision/latest?cb=20210530101537 comics and other material.]] Avatar Aang, the KidHero who must master the elements and defeat the Fire Lord. [[TheHero The last airbender.]] Prince Zuko, Aang's {{foil}} and former rival, redeemed [[TheLancer as the firebending master.]] Katara, Aang's LoveInterest, TheHeart of the team with a strong sense of justice, and [[TheChick prodigy waterbending master.]] Toph, a self sufficient PintSizedPowerhouse {{Ladette}} who prides herself as [[WorldsStrongestMan the greatest]] [[TheBigGuy earthbending master.]] Sokka, [[TheSmartGuy "The Idea Guy"]], field leader, and [[PluckyComicRelief jokester]] who uses [[TeamNormal weapons and gadgets for his lack of bending.]]

* ''WesternAnimation/CodenameKidsNextDoor'': Nigel Uno's unit in Sector V, a parody of secret agents from a kid perspective complete with NumericalThemeNaming. Consists of tactically gifted and dedicated [[TheLeader Numbuh One]], GadgeteerGenius [[TheSmartGuy Numbuh Two]], excitable girly-girl [[TheMedic medic]] [[TheChick Numbuh Three]], DumbMuscle tough guy [[TheBigGuy Numbuh Four]], and former leader current second in command, cool kid [[TheLancer Numbuh Five]]. Numbuh One is also the fifth wheel who dates outside the team with Numbuhs Three and Four as the main couple and Two and Five as the BetaCouple.

* A tendency towards including a [[AlwaysFemale clearly feminine "Pink Ranger"]] among four other roles or TheChick in an [[TheSmurfettePrinciple otherwise all male group]], especially in MerchandiseDriven series.

* TheChick as the [[TwoGuysAndAGirl mediator between]] TheLeader and TheLancer, with two others supporting.

* Franchise/{{Digimon}}: As a longrunner, it's various teams sometimes center around five members.
** Anime/DigimonAdventure02: The team is headed up by the new kids IdiotHero Davis, [[TheQuietOne shy and sensible martial artist]] Cody, and [[GenkiGirl outspoken computer geek]] Yolei, and the grown up {{Tag Along Kid}}s from the previous generation [[HopeBringer TK (who Davis is jealous of)]] and [[MysticalWaif Kari (who Davis has an crush on)]]. After the first major arc, they recruit former BigBad Ken as a SixthRanger and proper {{Lancer}} to Davis' Hero, and he mostly gets over his hang ups with TK and Kari.
** Anime/DigimonFrontier: The spirits of the Legendary Warriors are inherited by five heroic children. The StockShonenHero Takuya, IneffectualLoner and {{Lancer}} Koji, TokenGirl and DudeMagnet Zoey, TagAlongKid Tommy, and BigFun J.P. The show mostly centers around [[RedOniBlueOni Takuya and Koji's rivalry and later partnership]] with the other members either diffusing the tension, or offering [[CantCatchUp support from afar.]] They eventually get a SixthRanger in Koji's long lost twin Koichi, but he gets DemotedToExtra with the rest of the group in favor of the main duo.
* Franchise/{{Gundam}}: Another longrunner that's done it from time to time.

* ''Anime/OutlawStar'': The crew of bounty hunters onboard the XGP, the legendary ship that's the key to finding the Galactic Leyline. Mostly centered around the trio of Gene, TheCaptain of the Outlaw Star, a hotblooded gunslinging lech, his [[BeleagueredAssistant business]] [[SideKick partner]] [[TeenGenius Jim,]] and his LoveInterest the MysticalWaif [[TheChick Melfina.]] They are routinely joined by a ForceAndFinesse duo of bruisers, Aisha Clan Clan, a BoisterousBruiser [[OurWerebeastsAreDifferent Beast Girl]], and Twilight Suzuka, a [[MysteriousMercenaryPursuer stoic]] LadyOfWar with a simple wooden sword.

* Franchise/SailorMoon: An extremely popular MagicalGirl band, consisting of Sailor Moon herself as the StockShojoHeroine, destined to become the BigGood with the Inner Senshi allies becoming her EliteFour in the future. In the present however they start off more or less as equals in a Five Man Band, with Moon and Venus switching roles depending on the adaptation.

** In the 90s anime and adaptations it inspired, Moon is TheHero overall, Mars is her fiery FriendlyRival and TheLancer, Mercury and Jupiter are consistent as TheSmartGuy and TheBigGuy, and Venus takes on some of Moon's flightier traits as TheChick.
* ''Anime/ScienceNinjaTeamGatchaman'': One of the oldest examples, possible the first place where the Five Man Band Classic dynamic and combining mecha intersected. Consisting of [[TheLeader Ken "The Eagle" Washio (G1)]], driven by strong sense of justice, [[TheLancer Joe "The Condor" Asakura (G2)]] the weapons and marksmanship expert, driven by his desire for revenge, [[TheChick Jun "The Swan" (G3)]] the technical and compassionate demolitions expert, [[TheSmartGuy Jinpei "The Swallow" (G4)]] the reconnaissance expert and Jun's adopted [[TagAlongKid younger brother]], and [[TheBigGuy Ryu "The Owl" Nakanishi (G5)]], the GentleGiant pilot of the Godphoenix, the team’s group transport, battle aircraft, and docking bay.

* ''Franchise/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles'': While the turtles themselves are an EliteFour, they're often aided by SecretKeeper and TokenHuman [[TheChick April O'Neil]] who has more than once been called the honorary "fifth turtle." The core dynamic of the turtles has the A-Team of Leo as TheLeader and Raph as both TheLancer and TheBigGuy, the B-Team of Don as TheSmartGuy, Mike as the PluckyComicRelief, and April as a fifth stabilizer with varying roles depending on the adaptation (either an IntrepidReporter, another scientist, TheEmpath, or another BoisterousBruiser). In continuities with a literal fifth turtle (''ComicBook/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtlesIDW'' and ''Series/NinjaTurtlesTheNextMutation'') the fifth also happens to be [[TheSmurfettePrinciple the only girl.]]

* ''Film/TheSuicideSquad'' Bloodsport's original Squad B nearly fit the classic roles. Bloodsport himself is specifically chosen to [[TheLeader lead the team.]] [[TheLancer Peacemaker often clashes with Bloodsport]] over his leadership style. [[TheChick Ratcatcher II,]] is an overall caring member and a MoralityPet for Bloodsport as they form a father/daughter-like relationship. The group is rounded out by [[TheBigGuy King Shark]] a DumbMuscle Beast Man, and the socially awkward Polka-Dot Man.

* ''Literature/WhateleyUniverse'': In Ill Winds, the Grove assembles The Five: Fey as [[TheLeader The Queen]], Razorback as [[TheBigGuy The Champion and Bard]], Jericho as [[TheSmartGuy The Healer]], Chaka as [[TheLancer The Mistress of Chi]] and finally Chou as [[TheChick The Overseer of Balances]].

** ''VideoGame/FireEmblemAwakening'': The core team among the Shepherds, a militia group led by royalty. Led by Chrom the Exalt of Ylisse, his best friend [[TheSmartGuy master tactician]] Robin, his BattleButler powerhouse Frederick, and his [[TheChick younger sister the likable]] {{Medic}} Lissa. [[TheLancer Masked Marth]] rounds out the team as a mysterious stranger who mimics Chrom's fighting style, later revealed to be Lucina his KidFromTheFuture.

* ''WesternAnimation/YoungJustice'' from the end of the pilot to Artemis' introduction, the Team, a black ops-esque unit of teen heroes under the Justice League. [[PowerTrio The core trio]] is made up of the levelheaded {{Leader}} Aqualad, [[TheLancer mischievous ninja]] Robin, and the [[TheSmartGuy scientific speedster]] Kid Flash who were all longtime friends as sidekicks to Justice League members. [[ThreePlusTwo They're next joined by the alien duo]] of [[TheBigGuy the stoic berserker clone]] of Superman, Superboy, and the [[TheChick cheerful]] but [[TheEmpath mysterious empath]] Miss Martian who quickly become a [[OfficialCouple romantic couple.]] Artemis later disrupts this as the SixthRanger and the team continues to grow from there.

* ''Franchise/MyLittlePonyGeneration5'': The Mane Five are working to restore magic and harmony to Equestria. [[TheHero Sunny]] is the one leading the group by inspiring them to act and balancing out their eccentricities. [[ByTheBookCop Hitch]] and [[GenkiGirl Izzy]] are [[{{Foil}} contrasting personalities to Sunny and each other]] while serving as her most active supporters. [[PolarOppositeTwins Zipp and Pipp]] are the groups most intellectual/analytical and socially aware members respectively.* ''WesternAnimation/SonicBoom'': Team Sonic is the main opponent of Doctor Eggman's multiple attacks against the village. Led by famous speedster Sonic the Hedgehog, the team is bolstered by tech genius Tails, dumb muscle Knuckles, voice of reason Amy Rose, and total wildcard Sticks. Multiple episodes showcase the disasters that happen when members of the team go off on their own, ending with the team reuniting and ending Eggman's scheme of the day.

* ''WesternAnimation/SonicBoom'': Team Sonic is the main opponent of Doctor Eggman's multiple attacks against the village. Led by famous speedster Sonic the Hedgehog, the team is bolstered by tech genius Tails, dumb muscle Knuckles, voice of reason Amy Rose, and total wildcard Sticks. Multiple episodes showcase the disasters that happen when members of the team go off on their own, ending with the team reuniting and ending Eggman's scheme of the day.

* ''WesternAnimation/SonicBoom'': Team Sonic is the main opponent of Doctor Eggman's multiple attacks against the village. Led by famous speedster Sonic the Hedgehog, the team is bolstered by tech genius Tails, dumb muscle Knuckles, voice of reason Amy Rose, and total wildcard Sticks. Multiple episodes showcase the distasters that happen when members of the team go off on their own, ending with the team reuniting and ending Eggman's scheme of the day.

* ''Franchise/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles'': While the turtles themselves are an EliteFour, they're often aided by SecretKeeper and TokenHuman [[TheChick April O'Neil]] who has more than once been called the honorary "fifth turtle." The core dynamic of the turtles has the A-Team of Leo as TheLeader and Raph as both TheLancer and TheBigGuy, the B-Team of Don as TheSmartGuy, Mike as TheFunnyGuy, and April as a fifth stabilizer with varying roles depending on the adaptation (either an IntrepidReporter, another scientist, TheEmpath, or another BoisterousBruiser.
** In continuities with a literal fifth turtle (''ComicBook/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtlesIDW'' and ''Series/NinjaTurtlesTheNextMutation'') the fifth also happens to be [[TheSmurfettePrinciple the only girl.]]

* ''WesternAnimation/ChipNDaleRescueRangers'': The Rescue Rangers themselves are headed up by [[RedOnioBlueOni co-founders]] and [[AloofLeaderAffableSubordinate partners Chip and Dale]], their mutual love interest the GadgeteerGenius WrenchWench...[[MeaningfulName Gadget Hackwrench]], and the LittleGuyBigBuddy duo of Zipper and Monty.

* ''WesternAnimation/TheBadGuys'': The Bad Guys are a team of five criminals who specialise in grand heists. Mr. Wolf, a skilled mastermind and pickpocket, leads his four colleagues and close friends in committing several crimes. The crew is filled out by Mr. Snake, Mr. Wolf's close friend and expert safecracker; Mr. Shark, a MasterOfDisguise capable of fooling anyone; Ms. Tarantula, the resident hacker; and Mr. Piranha, who is the best of the group at beating people up.

With the rare exception of having [[TheDividual dividuals]] operating together in the same role, examples should be [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin actual groups of five.]] The SixthRanger is meant to be a new member that shakes up the dynamics of an already existing and established five man band. If they have been there from the start or close to it, then it's a six person team and should be listed under TheTeam.

* ''Series/MythBusters'': The core recurring group putting myths to the test together throughout the shows run. Considering it is a pseudo-reality show you know it was mostly intentional. Jamie and Adam are the [[AloofLeaderAffableSubordinate contrasting co-hosts,]] [[TheLeader the former]] more grumpy and [[TheFace the latter more gregarious]]. They often develop the plan for how a myth will be tackled and keeps everybody on-track in their respective roles within the build. Assisting them are [[AsianAndNerdy electrical engineer]] [[TheSmartGuy Grant]], [[IronButtMonkey stuntman]] [[TheBigGuy Gary]], and FieryRedhead [[TheSmurfettePrinciple Kari]].

* ''Series/MythBusters'': The core recurring group putting myths to the test together throughout the shows run. Considering it is a pseudo-reality show you know it was mostly intentional. Jamie and Adam are the [[AloofLeaderAffableSubordinate contrasting co-hosts,]] [[TheLeader the former]] more grumpy and [[TheFace the latter more gregarious]]. They often develop the plan for how a myth will be tackled and keeps everybody on-track in their respective roles within the build. Assisting them are [[AsianAndNerdy electrical engineer]] [[TheSmartGuy Grant]], [[IronButtMonkey stuntman]] [[TheBigGuy Grant]], and FieryRedhead [[TheSmurfettePrinciple Kari]].

[[folder:FanWorks]]

* ''Franchise/FireEmblem'': Because the each game's army expands into LoadsAndLoadsOfCharacters, there are often five main heroes that get most of the screentime in cutscenes and can't die (getting injuries that prevent them from fighting or causing an instant GameOver where others are subject to PermaDeath.)

* ThunderCats (2011): Shades of it in most iterations, but played particularly straight in this one where they're the surviving cats of a mutant invasion on the kingdom of Thundera. Lion-o is the [[TheLeader Lord of the Thundercats]]. Tygra, Lion-o's [[CainAndAbel jealous adopted]] brother, is [[NumberTwo second in command].] Cheetara, [[ChurchMilitant the cleric]], is both Lion-o's [[TheHeart spiritual mentor]] and in [[SexyMentor the middle of the brothers']] LoveTriangle. The Wily [[TagalonKid Kittens]] are TheDividual sharing a role as StreetUrchin [[ArtfulDodger clever tricksters.]] The last to join the main team is Panthro, a [[FourStarBadass military vet]] and GeniusBruiser.

[[WMG:[[center:[[AC:This trope is [[https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=1629825233000291300 under discussion]] in the Administrivia/TropeRepairShop.]]]]]]

The Five-Man Band is a group of characters whose members fall into archetypes which all complement one another. They are a very specific team with skills that contribute to the group in a way oddly analogous to the members of a rock band. It can sometimes literally be a musical group, but much more often is not.

The group traditionally includes:

%% Don't even think about removing the band instrument analogy.
%% It's an important point.
%% And it's funny.

[[index]]
* TheLeader -- ''(lead singer)'' The leader of the group. Can be a mastermind, charismatic, levelheaded, headstrong, or some combination of the four. Often also TheHero.
* TheLancer -- ''(lead guitar)'' Usually a [[{{Foil}} contrast]] to The Leader. If the Leader is clean-cut and/or uptight, the Lancer is a grizzled AntiHero or DeadpanSnarker; if the Leader is driven and [[AntiHero somewhat amoral]], the Lancer is more relaxed and level-headed.
* TheSmartGuy -- ''(keyboardist)'' The physically weak, but intelligent or clever member. Often nerdy and awkwardly played for comic relief. Sometimes unconventionally young (early- to mid-teens). Sometimes TheTrickster and a buddy of the Big Guy.
* TheBigGuy -- ''(drummer)'' The strongman of the team. May be dumb. Or mute.
* TheChick -- ''(vocal effects, tambourine)'' A peacekeeping role to balance out the other members' aggression, bringing them to a nice or at least manageable medium. The Chick is often considered {{the heart}} of the group. This role is played by a woman or girl. Someone female. Otherwise, it is not a Five-Man Band.

[[/index]]

The five-man rock band phenomenon, [[MaleBandFemaleSinger four guys and a girl singer]], is no longer as current as it once was. It was very hard to escape in the 60's and 70's. However, the group structure, as you will see in the examples, turns up in ''a lot'' of storytelling. Like a ''whole'' lot of storytelling.

Subtrope of TheTeam. See also ThreeAmigos, PowerTrio, and CastCalculus. Fighting ability is usually determined by FixedRelativeStrength. Compare the CommandRoster, for military-esque teams. ThePsychoRangers are the collective EvilCounterpart of a given Five-Man Band. See also FourTemperamentEnsemble.

These are examples of teams that fit '''all five''' of the character tropes. Remember that they form a team dynamic; it's always tempting to match two of the characters in a show, then try to convince yourself and others that the other characters can be squeezed/wedged/stuffed into the description of the other character types, but that's not the point of the Five-Man Band trope. The individual character types exist outside of the band. '''The Five-Man Band only occurs when the team as a whole fits, not just a few characters.'''

As a rule of thumb, if your band example has to justify more than two types, or a single trope with more than two sentences of qualifiers, you're trying to fool yourself. If it isn't a Five-Man Band, it isn't a Five-Man Band.

[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder:Advertising]]

* The Weetabix Gang: In the early '80s, Weetabix cereal showed ads in Great Britain featuring a group of Weetabix who behaved and dressed like skinheads. Initially they just promoted the cereal, but later went on adventures and did several parodies and tie ins to pop music and films.
** TheLeader: Dunk, a tough guy who did the most talking, led the adventures, and set up the first half of the catch-phrase "If you know what's good for you."
** TheLancer: Brian, a simple PluckyComicRelief breakout character that finishes the catchphrase with "OK."
** TheSmartGuy: Brains, wore NerdGlasses, and analyzed the titchy cereals.
** TheBigGuy: Crunch, the largest member, sometimes DumbMuscle, often carrying smaller members like Brains and Bixie.
** TheChick: Bixie, the only girl, often cheering on the other guys.

[[folder:AnimeAndManga]]

* ''Manga/CaseClosed'': The Junior Detective League.
** TheLeader: Conan, who is admired by the rest and leads investigations.
** TheLancer: Haibara, who, like Conan, is a genius adult shrunk to child form but her coldness contrasts his heroics.
** TheSmartGuy: Mitsuhiko, who provides information Conan lacks and ''considers'' himself the smartest due to being LockedOutOfTheLoop.
** TheBigGuy: Genta, who is the biggest, widest, and strongest of the kids.
** TheChick: Ayumi, a cheerful girl whose friends with everyone, even FirstNameBasis with Haibara.

* ''Manga/ChihayaFuru'': The Karuta team.
** TheLeader: Chihaya, the HotBlooded, determined and friendly club leader.
** TheLancer: Taichi, Chihaya's calm, JerkWithAHeartOfGold second.
** TheSmartGuy: Tsutomu, the team's most strategic and book-smart player.
** TheBigGuy: Yusei, a chubby, athletic, and experienced BigFun.
** TheChick: Kanade, a feminine girl who loves poetry and traditional clothing.

* ''Anime/CombattlerV'': The Combattler V team of pilots.
** TheLeader: Hyoma, the [[RedIsHeroic red-wearing]], HotBlooded team leader.
** TheLancer: Juzo, Hyoma's calm, blue-wearing contrast.
** TheSmartGuy: Kosuke, a [[ShorterMeansSmarter short]], [[SmartPeopleWearGlasses glasses-wearing]], ChildProdigy and inventor.
** TheBigGuy: Daisaku, a large GeniusBruiser with a talent for Judo.
** TheChick: Chizuru, the team's [[PinkIsFeminine pink-wearing]] girl who also acts as Hyoma's love interest.

* ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'': The New Team 7 that forms in early Part II after Sasuke defects.
** TheLeader: Naruto, TheHero proper, now able to lead missions after outgrowing his Part I trainee status.
** TheLancer: Sai, a replacement Sasuke who's direct and rude nature foils the friendliness of everyone else.
** TheSmartGuy: Kakashi, versatile with years of experience and knowledge of a variety of techniques.
** TheBigGuy: Yamato, a sever task master brought on because he can use Woodstyle to restrain Naruto when his power gets out of control.
** TheChick: Sakura, Naruto's sometimes LoveInterest, the only girl, and TheMedic.

* ''Anime/OutlawStar'': The crew of bounty hounters onboard the XGP, the legendary ship that's the key to finding the Galactic Leyline.
** TheLeader: Gene — TheCaptain of the Outlaw Star, a hotblooded lech good with guns.
** TheLancer: Suzuka — An [[MysteriousMercenaryPursuer anachronistic stoic assassin]], skilled with swords.
** TheSmartGuy: Jim — Gene's precocious young business partner and [[HollywoodHacking genius hacker]].
** TheBigGuy: Aisha — Aggressive [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy Proud Warrior Race Girl]], gets stronger by [[OurWerebeastsAreDifferent transforming]].
** TheChick: Melfina — The gentle one whose tries to make everyone get along and [[WetwareCPU navigator]].

* ''Manga/PsychoBusters'': The psychic resistance against the Greenhouse.
** TheLeader: Joi Touma, {{clairvoyan|ce}}t SupportingLeader of the fledgling psychic LaResistance.
** TheLancer: Kakeru Hase, the protagonist and fledgling RealityWarper[=/=]TimeMaster.
** TheSmartGuy: Xiao Long Bai, specialist in qigong, a special technique that requires lots of thinking.
** TheBigGuy: Kaito Himuro, the HotBlooded [[PlayingWithFire pyromancer]].
** TheChick: Ayano Fujimura is used to bring Kakeru into the group.


* ''Anime/RevolutionaryGirlUtena'': The Student Council members, who work together to "Revolutionize the World." They start off as antagonists, but become more friendly towards Utena over time.
** TheLeader: Touga, the president of the council, who is a wealthy ManipulativeBastard playboy.
** TheLancer: Saionji, the council's vice-president who is nominally Touga's best friend but is jealous and resentful towards him. While Touga is scheming and coy, Saionji is more direct and up front about what he wants.
** TheSmartGuy: Miki, a TeenGenius and a brilliant fencer.
** TheBigGuy: Juri, an ActionGirl who leads the fencing club, and is the most fearsome in the dueling arena.
** TheChick: Nanami, the feminine AlphaBitch with an incestuous crush on Touga.

* ''Anime/ScienceNinjaTeamGatchaman'' One of the oldest examples, possible the first place where the team dynamic and combining mecha intersected.
** TheLeader: Ken "The Eagle" Washio (G1), the tactical expert with a strong sense of justice. He is the eponymous “Gatchaman” of the show’s title.
** TheLancer: Joe "The Condor" Asakura (G2), the weapons and marksmanship expert, driven by his desire for revenge.
** TheSmartGuy: Jinpei "The Swallow" (G4), the reconnaissance expert. He is Jun's adopted younger brother, clever and resourceful.
** TheBigGuy: Ryu "The Owl" Nakanishi (G5), the pilot of the Godphoenix, the team’s group transport, battle aircraft, and docking bay for the other G machines. He is easy going and friendly, being a gentle soul in nature.
** TheChick: Jun "The Swan" (G3), the technical and demolitions expert, and the sole female. Very kind, compassionate and emphatic towards others (but sometimes temperamental).

* ''Anime/ZoidsChaoticCentury'' By the time of Guardian Force, Van and his closest allies settle into this dynamic.
** TheLeader: Van, the protagonist and leader of the group.
** TheLancer: Irvine, whose cynicism and pragmatism acts as a counterpoint to Van's energetic idealism.
** TheSmartGuy: Thomas, a ByTheBookCop who comes up with the group's tactics when they're more complex than "find bad guys, shoot them".
** TheBigGuy: Moonbay, an [[BoisterousBruiser enthusiastic]] woman who pilots the [[StoneWall incredibly tough but weaponless]] Gustav for most of the series, but really comes into her own when she upgrades to [[spoiler:the Ultrasaurus, a [[BaseOnWheels mobile base]] with [[WaveMotionGun enormous firepower]]]].
** TheChick: Fiona, the most [[TheHeart emotionally aware]] and [[WomenAreWiser wisest]] member of the group. A support member acting as a GuyInBack to Van.

* ''ComicBook/TheAvengers'': The original line up that joined forces to defeat Loki in the first issue. Immediately after the team started [[LoadsAndLoadsOfCharacters its rotating cast and roles]] with Hulk leaving and Captain America joining as the first shakeup.
** TheLeader: Thor, the hero lured into a trap by his brother but lead the team to victory.
** TheLancer: Iron Man, a sardonic hero that relies on techonlogy instead of Thor's brute force and magic.
** TheSmartGuy: Ant-Man, Dr. Pym a world renowned scientist.
** TheBigGuy: The Hulk, the rampaging monster that later cools off and fights on the right side.
** TheChick: The Wasp, Ant-Man's assistant and the only female member.

* ''Franchise/ArchieComics:'' The five teens at the core of the series, revolving around their group dynamics and love triangles.
** TheLeader: Archie, the AllLovingHero and ChickMagnet.
** TheLancer: Reggie, a JerkJock ProudElite that becomes a FriendlyRival for Archie
** TheSmartGuy: Betty, The GirlNextDoor with surprising depths, having won several academic competitions and mainting her top marks in her classes.
** TheBigGuy: Jughead, the wacky BigEater and Archie's longest friend.
** TheChick: Veronica, TheCheerleader archetype, being beautiful, popular and an AlphaBitch.

* ''ComicBook/KnightsOfTheOldRepublic'': Much like the [[Franchise/StarWars films]] that inspired it, this comic also features a FiveManBand off on a heroic quest. The FiveManBand is later joined by SixthRanger Rohlan, a rebellious Mandalorian Crusader gone AWOL.
** TheLeader: Zayne Carrick, the compassionate, heroic Jedi protagonist.
** TheLancer: Gryph Hierogryph: Zayne's criminal [[TheRival rival]] who later teams up with him and becomes his close companion.
** TheSmartGuy: Camper, the CoolOldGuy with great mechanical skills.
** TheBigGuy: Elbee, the giant, but shy and intelligent, robot designed for heavy-lifting work.
** TheChick: Jarael, the beautiful but hotheaded woman who also acts a love interest for Zayne.

[[folder:Film -- Animated]]
* ''WesternAnimation/TheBraveLittleToaster'': The items that make the trek to find their owner after the airconditioning breaks down.
** TheLeader: Toaster, the TitleCharacter and optimistic hero.
** TheLancer: Lampy, curious but irritable foil to Toaster
** TheSmartGuy: Radio, the most cultured, and able to tune into relevant info.
** TheBigGuy: Kirby, a vaccuum cleaner who is the largest, strongest, and carries the most stuff.
** TheChick: Blankie, the innocent {{heart}}.

* ''WesternAnimation/KungFuPanda'': The Furious Five, who are the elite team who aid the Dragon Warrior (TheHero Po)
** TheLeader: Tigress, the stoic one in charge.
** TheLancer: Monkey, the silly one and NumberTwo.
** TheSmartGuy: Crane, the nerd who likes sensible solutions and avoids conflict.
** TheBigGuy: Mantis, the strongest despite his size and the most HotBlooded.
** TheChick: Viper, a sweet and compassionate LadyOfWar.

* ''WesternAnimation/TheLandBeforeTime'': The gang of five that travels together in the first film. Later installments added [[TokenHeroicOrc Chomper]] and [[TheReliableOne Ruby.]]
** The Leader: Littlefoot, the heroic NiceGuy.
** TheLancer: Cera, bossy, egotistical, short-tempered, and she'll always come through for her friends.
** TheSmartGuy: Petrie, the most cautious, and somewhat panic-prone.
** TheBigGuy: Spike, a mute GentleGiant who is directed to handle the most physical tasks.
** TheChick: Ducky, a cheerful GirlyGirl who empathizes the most with her adopted brother Spike.

* ''WesternAnimation/{{Rio}}''
** TheLeader: Blu, the hero who can eventually take charge of situations.
** TheLancer: Rafael, as tritagonist he foils both of the leads. More open than Jewel, and more gut instinct than Blu.
** TheBigGuy: Pedro, the [[BoisterousBruiser biggest of his friends and knows capoeria.]]
** TheSmartGuy: Nico, the [[ShorterMeansSmarter smallest, but quite knowledgeable]] of the people and places around Rio.
** TheChick: Jewel, TheChiefsDaughter, Blu's [[MasculineGirlFeminineBoy feminine counterpart]] and [[DefrostingIceQueen love interest]]. Shr's actually the deuteragonist, and takes the lead when Blu can't.

[[folder:Film -- Live Action]]

* ''Franchise/StarWars'': The Original Trilogy's [[Characters/StarWarsRebelHeroes Rebel Heroes.]] Aside from R2 and 3PO being TheDividual, they are one of the most recognizable Five Man Bands, and the Trope Image for most of them. Lando also becomes this team's SixthRanger, after [[HeelFaceTurn breaking ties with the Empire]] at the end of the second movie.
** TheLeader: Luke, a [[HeroesPreferSwords sword]] wielding idealistic farmboy, [[TheChosenOne strong with The Force.]] '''TheHero.'''
** TheLancer: Han, a cynical, pragmatic, [[GunsVsSwords gun]] toting AcePilot.
** TheSmartGuy: C-3PO, a [[GeekPhysiques tall and skinny]] walking encyclopedia, and his counterpart R2-D2, a [[ShorterMeansSmarter stubby]] GadgeteerGenius. When separated, they also play the {{sidekick}} to other heroes, 3PO to Leia and R2 to Luke.
** TheBigGuy: Chewy, a GeniusBruiser mechanic, and towering furry beast. His bowcaster is also shown to be much stronger than a typical blaster.
** TheChick: Leia, their mediator who can be as tough as Han or as mindful and caring as Luke.

* ''Film/TheATeam:'' The titular A-Team.
** TheLeader: Hannibal, primarily a Mastermind type; he's the man with the plan who organizes the others and is almost perpetually one step ahead of all their adversaries
** TheLancer: Face, the con man. The practical, cynical, and grounded personality to Hannibal's risk-taking, idealistic, and mercurial one.
** TheSmartGuy: Murdock, a SouthernFriedGenius, frequently either reading an eclectic range of books, referencing, quoting from them, giving him traits of TheTrickster and TheWackyGuy.
** TheBigGuy: B.A., an EmotionalBruiser ScaryBlackMan, who despite being the toughest member has a soft spot for kids.
** TheChick: Amy, a news reporter who's important in the pilot, but afterwards she's just more or less the "token girl". She's later PutOnABus and replaced with another token girl reporter Tawnia.

* ''Film/ConanTheDestroyer'': The adventuring party Conan recruits.
** TheLeader: Conan, the titular hero. The famous Cimmerian warrior and BoisterousBruiser.
** TheLancer: Malak, a thief who became Conan's companion. A LovableCoward.
** TheSmartGuy: Akiro, wizard and OldMaster, knowledgeable in magic and literate in the language of the ancient Dagoth worshipers.
** TheBigGuy: Zula, A fierce ProudWarriorRace Girl.
** TheChick: Princess Jehanna, sometimes a RoyalBrat, she does have a compassionate side.

* ''Franchise/DungeonsAndDragons:'' Had two low budget films built off of the general band, but with thin characterizations that came as much from the characters classes as their screen presence.
** Film/DungeonsAndDragons2000: Ridley is TheLeader and main character, Snails is TheLancer and his best friend. They are soon joined by apprentice mage TheSmartGuy Marina, and later gain a dwarf BigGuy, Elwood, and a beautiful elf [[TheChick Chick]] Norda. They all quest for the Rod of Saville together.
** Film/DungeonsAndDragonsWrathOfTheDragonGod: Berek, [[TheLeader the commander leading]] the perilous mission. Nim a rogue instigator {{Lancer}}. Lux, the AmazonianBeauty barbarian BigGuy. A NonActionGuy [[TheSmartGuy smart]] cleric Dorian. And Ormaline TheChick mage who's just around to support the team but doesn't play a major role.

* ''Film/FantasticVoyage'': The science team that shrinks down to enter a human body and remove a blood clot.
** TheLeader: Charles Grant, the hero of the story and leader of the mission.
** TheLancer: Dr. Michaels, [[NumberTwo the navigator]], vocal non-believer and [[spoiler:TheMole]]
** TheSmartGuy: Dr. Peter Duval, an InsufferableGenius surgeon needed to remove the blood clot.
** TheBigGuy: Capt. Bill Owens, the pilot who does the heavy lifting.
** TheChick: Cora Peterson, literally Duval's assistant, and support member.

* ''Film/FlashGordon1980'': The heroes of the film, occasionally aided by HonoraryTrueCompanion Princess Aura after her HighHeelFaceTurn.
** TheLeader: The titular everyman heroic adventurer Flash Gordon.
** TheLancer: The cultured JerkWithAHeartOfGold Prince Barin, a who has a rivalry with Flash over Aura's affections.
** TheSmartGuy: MadScientist Zarkov.
** TheBigGuy: Prince Vultan, a BoisterousBruiser ProudWarriorRaceGUy.
** TheChick: Independant, capable, but warm and trusting adventurer Dale.

* ''Film/Ghostbusters1984'': The group you should call when there's something strange in your neighborhood.
** TheLeader: Venkman, TheCasanova who acts as TheFace for the group, and typically decides what jobs to take.
** TheLancer: Ray Stanz, the idealist who interacts with Venkman the most. Innocent foil to the former's self-centeredness.
** TheSmartGuy: Egon Spengler, a GadgeteerGenius that does everything ForScience
** TheBigGuy: Winston Zeddemore, a former marine, the muscle and firepower in a team otherwise composed of scientists.
** TheChick: Janine Melnitz, the loyal SassySecretary who takes care of the fine details for the team.

* ''Film/{{Inception}}'': Extractions have to be done by a team because there are different roles involved. They're joined by SixthRanger and TheTeam Benefactor Saito, "The Tourist," which actually makes the job more dangerous by having a person that wasn't recruited for an intended role on the mission.
** The Extractor: Dom is TheLeader and [[TheFace does the talking]]. He is the one pulling out information. In this case, the one planting it. TheHero of the story.
** The Point Man: TheLancer. Arthur Dom's longtime partner and pragmatic foil.
** The Chemist: TheSmartGuy. Yusuf mixes the phlebotium that allows The Team to reach the third level. The One True Smart Guy by way of HollywoodScience and never getting to shine in a fight scene.
** The Forger: Eames has the ability to copy someone's appearance in a dream world. [[TheBigGuy He also has a grenade launcher.]]
** The Architect: TheChick. Ariadne was recruited to construct the dreamworld that The Team would use. A newcomer to the extraction business, and an emotional sounding board for Dom's personal problems.


* ''Film/IndianaJonesAndTheKingdomOfTheCrystalSkull''
** TheLeader: Indy, a grizzled older adventurer.
** TheLancer: Mutt, a RecklessSidekick rookie that butts heads with Indy.
** TheSmartGuy: Ox, a MadOracle who recites all the instructions on how to get to where everyone's meant to go..
** TheBigGuy: Mac, a BoisterousBruiser side kick with a shady past.
** TheChick: Marion, the ActionMom, and Indy's on again, off again partner.

* ''Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse:'' The original members of the [[Characters/MCUAvengersAndAllies Avengers Initiative]]. At the end of the first film they are officially joined by SixthRanger Hawkeye [[HeelFaceTurn after getting over being mind-controlled.]] While there are many other {{Similar Squad}}s, they're one of the few in the franchise where roles and ranks match up properly.
** TheLeader: Captain American, a military vet and HopeBringer able to rally the others and give commands.
** TheLancer: Iron Man, an obnoxious [[TheAce Ace]] that doesn't play well with others. In Civil War he becomes at odds with Cap and leads his own rival faction.
** TheSmartGuy: Bruce Banner, recruited for his scientific expertise. The Hulk is his combat SuperMode.
** TheBigGuy: Thor, a PhysicalGod and a BoisterousBruiser who tends to use his brawn over his brains.
** TheChick: Black Widow. The only BadassNormal, already a part of SHIELD. She's levelheaded, encourages thee others to work together, and typically plays backup to Cap or Iron Man. She can even manage The Hulk's emotions.

* ''Literature/TheMazeRunner'' Thomas and his friends in ''The Death Cure''
** TheLeader: Thomas, TheHero of the story who is the unofficial leader of the team.
** TheLancer: Newt, Thomas' best friend and most trusted ally, who's much quieter and less level headed than Thomas.
** TheSmartGuy: Jorge, whose knowledge of WICKED and the outside world are invaluable to the group.
** TheBigGuy: Minho, Thomas' other friend who's much stronger and aggressive than the rest of the group.
** TheChick: Brenda, Thomas' LoveInterest who provides emotional support for him and usually is the one to break up arguments among the group.

* ''Film/RioBravo'': A sheriff and the RagtagBunchOfMisfits that help him defend the county jail.
** TheLeader: Chance, the sheriff of a small Texas town.
** TheLancer: Dude, a washed-up drunk.
** TheSmartGuy: Colorado, a smart YoungGun.
** TheBigGuy: Stumpy, the [[RetiredBadass old, crippled deputy.]]
** TheChick: Feathers, Chance's LoveInterest and the only girl.

* ''Film/WarriorsOfVirtue:'' The five Roo Warriors.
** TheLeader: Yun, Virtue of Benevolence, Warrior of Water - Officially TheLeader but in self imposed exile for breaking his no kill policy.
** TheLancer: Lai, Virtue of Order, Warrior of Wood - the marshal of the Radius of Green who keeps order until Yun returns.
** TheSmartGuy: Chi, Virtue of Wisdom, Warrior of Fire - the most clever of the Rooz. He was a child prodigy with a photographic memory.
** TheBigGuy: Yee, Virtue of Righteousness, Warrior of Metal - the most powerful, and stoic to the point of being mute.
** TheChick: Tsun, Virtue of Loyalty, Warrior of Earth - A tomboy from an old and distinguished family, she left her aristocratic life to become the first female warrior.

[[folder:Literature]]

* ''Literature/{{Animorphs}}'': The five human kids giving the andalite technology to morph to fight the Yeerk invasion together in secret. The are later joined by SixthRanger Ax, an andalite himself but never referred to as a core member of the team. (i.e. "The Animorphs and Ax")
** TheLeader: Jake, described as a natural born leader. Strong but kind, the one the others look to for guidance.
** TheLancer: Marco, Jake's best friend who's always disagreeing with him, a cynical take on PluckyComicRelief. He also plays TheConsigliere or NumberTwo to whoever is [[CommanderContrarian giving orders at the time.]]
** TheSmartGuy: Tobias, a quiet thoughtful loner that got stuck in hawk morph, becoming the teams ArmyScout to gather/relay mission intel before the others go in. As a full time bird he can spend his days with their alien allies and learn more about the lore of the series.
** TheBigGuy: Rachel, despite her model-like looks in human form, Rachel's morphs of choice (elephant and grizzly bear), and her blood lust make her well-suited to this role. As the series goes on, she starts becoming more like a heroic version of TheBrute.
** TheChick: Cassie, Jake's love interest, a young animal lover who helps her parents at their Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic (providing resources for rare morphs) and reminds them how important people and animals are.


* ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'':
** TheLeader: Harry, a reluctant hero, and a wizard who helps the police with cases involving magic.
** TheLancer: Karrin Murphy, a police officer and a skeptic who often seeks out Harry's help with magic cases.
** TheSmartGuy: Bob, a "spirit of intellect" that is bound to a skull Harry owns, and is more than willing to help him on a case.
** TheBigGuy: Michael, a stalwart Knight of the Cross who wields a legendary sword and Molly's protective father.
** TheChick: Molly, with a natural apitude for "sensitive" magic, Harry's love interest and apprentice after he helps her.

* ''Literature/TheFamousFive'': The titular famous five, four kids and their dog who go on adventures together.
** TheLeader: Julian, the eldest, he's clever, strong, and responsible.
** TheLancer: George, the headstrong, and courageous tomboy.
** TheSmartGuy: Dick, cheeky, but dependable. Relies on his wits to help the team.
** TheBigGuy: Timmy, also the TeamPet, a loyal dog that provides physical protection for the children.
** TheChick: Anne, the youngest, brave and resourceful and also handles the domestic duties.

* ''Literature/GuardiansOfGaHoole'': {{Lampshaded}} in [[WesternAnimation/LegendOfTheGuardiansTheOwlsOfGaHoole the movie]] by the Echidna, this is the band.
** TheLeader: Soren, the main protagonist of most of the books, the unofficial leader of the band, and the eventual king of Ga'Hoole.
** TheLancer: Gylfie, Soren's closest companion and the smallest member of the team, who is skilled in navigation.
** TheSmartGuy: Digger, the burrowing owl who has a penchant for getting philosophical.
** TheBigGuy: Twilight, a large great gray owl who is the most skilled in terms of combat.
** TheChick: Mrs. P, the band's female house-snake who provides a soft, motherly, and emotional touch.

* E. W. Hidick's ''Literature/TheMcGurkMysteries'' was a series about a group of pre-teen detectives called the [=McGurk=] Detective Agency. Starting from the sixth book in the series, they were also a five man band. They added a Sixth Ranger in Book 16.
** TheLeader: Jack P. [=McGurk=], the JerkWithAHeartOfGold leader of the group, also the main detective whose "hunches" usually saved the day.
** The Lancer: Joey Rockaway, who served as the FirstPersonPeripheralNarrator of the series. He was intelligent but more along the lines of a librarian/archivist type, and rational where [=McGurk=] was intuitive.
** TheSmartGuy: Brains Bellingham, real name [[OnlyKnownByTheirNickname Gerald]]. He was the inventor and GadgeteerGenius, but skeptical, sometimes too much so for his own good. Also an InsufferableGenius. At first an enemy of the group he joined at the end of Book 5 after the group collectively outsmarted him.
** TheBigGuy: Willie Sandowsky, who was very much the GentleGiant[=/=]LovableCoward type Big Guy, but intimidating the one or two times he did actually lose his temper. His main contribution to the group was actually his abnormally powerful sense of smell.
** TheChick: Wanda Grieg, a {{tomboy}} who was usually the ''first'' to get aggressive, but was also the mediator to any fights she didn't start, knowledgeable about etiquette and other 'chick' things, and the one who was good with both younger kids and adults.

* ''Literature/TheRailwaySeries'' (WesternAnimation/ThomasAndFriends): The original Ffarquhar Line.
** TheLeader: Thomas, the cheeky hero.
** TheLancer: Percy, the bratty prankster and Thomas' best friend.
** TheSmartGuy:Toby, the wisest one.
** TheBigGuy: Mavis, the tomboy who can lift the heaviest loads.
** TheChick: Daisy, the somewhat elitist passenger car who later mellows out.

[[folder:LiveActionTV]]

* ''Series/CaptainPowerAndTheSoldiersOfTheFuture''.
** TheHero: [[StevenUlyssesPerhero Captain Jonathan Power]]. A good strategist and a fine soldier, but impetuous, immature, and still learning what it means to be a leader.
** TheLancer: Major Matthew "[[TheAce Hawk]]" Masterson. A [[CoolOldGuy war veteran]] and friend of Jonathan's father, Stuart.
** TheSmartGuy: Sergeant Robert "[[MasterOfDisguise Scout]]" Baker. Good with infiltration of both enemy bases as well as their computer networks.
** TheBigGuy: Lieutenant Michael "Tank" Ellis. The team's heavy weapon and StoneWall, short on character development.
** TheChick: Corporal Jennifer "[[ImprobablePilotingSkills Pilot]]" Chase. In addition to being the only female, she was rescued from the [[DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything Dread Youth]] and quite TheStoic; ironically, becomes the heart and soul of the team.

* ''Series/HawaiiFive0:'' The Core 5 members of the 5-0 Task Force.
** TheLeader: Steve, a gung-ho former Navy SEAL. The head of the Task Force who formed the team to find out the truth about his father's murder.
** TheLancer: Danno, the de-facto NumberTwo, a seasoned detective to counter balance Steve, and being from the mainland gives him an outsiders perspective on island life.
** TheSmartGuy: Dr. Max, an eccentric medical examiner.
** TheBigGuy: Chin-ho, a hard boiled disgraced detective, very protective of his family and good in a fight.
** TheChick: Kono, the youngest member of 5-0, she starts off as the most pacifistic of the team, and is able to deal with suspects in such a manner.


* ''Series/HouseOfAnubis'': The Sibuna members, who team up in each season to uncover the mysteries of the house and stop the antagonists in their evil plans. The team was nearly a FMB barring gender restrictions in seasons 1-2, but roster changed a bit in season 3, with two members leaving and two new members joining in their place making it a traditional band.
** Season 3:
*** TheLeader: Eddie, the season 3 protagonist and another one of TheChosenOne, who was given the leader title after Nina left. He's compassionate and loyal, though also rebellious and impulsive as a leader.
*** TheLancer: Patricia, who once again takes up the role due to being Eddie's BelligerentSexualTension love-interest. She's jealous over his friendship with KT, and ends up being the first Sibuna member to pull a FaceHeelTurn and become a [[TheSoulless sinner.]]
*** TheBigGuy: Alfie, who remains the largest and strongest member of Sibuna. He takes his role much more seriously than in later seasons, and even gets physically forceful against the evil team threatening to harm his girlfriend.
*** TheSmartGuy: Fabian, who continues making the plans and solving the puzzles to allow Sibuna to advance.
*** TheChick: KT, taking the role in Amber's absence, is the emotional core of Sibuna. She is sweet, respectful, and is actively opposed to causing drama within the group.


* ''Series/{{Lost}}'':
** The five original A-Team members. While they are part of a greater ensemble cast, these five are held in higher esteem and typically deployed together on important missions, make the big decisions that affect the community together, or are the leaders of smaller units whenever they split up. [[https://lostpedia.fandom.com/wiki/A-Missionsas They are]]:
*** TheLeader: Jack, the doctor who lead the most missions and became the overall leader for the survivors.
*** TheLancer: Sawyer, a rebellious crook, and hoarding willing to go to lengths most others won't. Jack's rival, but he eventually softens.
*** TheSmartGuy: Sayid, specialized diplomacy, intelligence gathering (torture), and fixing technical equipment.
*** TheBigGuy: Locke, a WarriorPoet, hunter, and man of faith who bullheadedly fought for his beliefs.
*** TheChick: Kate, resourceful, quick witted, and always eager to help on both big missions and domestic matters to hide her mysterious past.
** The Science Team that traveled to the Island together consisting of a black ops soldier guarding a group of civilians, however the team quickly loses its leader on arrival:
*** TheLeader: Naomi, a kind black ops soldier, hired to lead and defend the civilian science team (though she is killed early on)
*** TheLancer: Miles, a snarky punk and spiritualist who specializes in the recently deceased.
*** TheSmartGuy: Daniel, a HollywoodNerd physicist, who became TheHero after Naomi's passing.
*** TheBigGuy: Lapidus, a veteran military pilot, and rugged CoolOldGuy.
*** TheChick: Charlotte, a cultural anthropologist looking for her home, and Daniel's love interest.

* ''Series/MythBusters'': The core recurring group putting myths to the test together throughout the shows run. Considering it is a pseudo-reality show you know it was mostly intentional.
** TheLeader: Jamie. He owns M-5 and was responsible for the initial concept of the show, alongside Peter Rees. He often develops the plan for how a myth will be tackled and keeps everybody on-track in their respective roles within the build, although a lot of his leadership is cut out because he can come off as very gruff when telling people what to do.
** TheLancer: Adam. He was chosen by Jamie as co-host because he considers himself [[TheComicallySerious too dull]]. Also TheFace as he is the most gregarious and outgoing of the team, and gives the most public presentations. While Jamie is the most iconic person on the show, Adam is the one most responsible for presenting the show to the audience.
** TheSmartGuy: Grant. Makes the robots. Grant is not necessarily smarter than anyone else, but is the only member of the team with a degree related to what they do (electrical engineering), giving him a larger base of knowledge to tackle certain builds.
** TheBigGuy: Tory. Reasonably athletic, he is the one who usually tests the more physically challenging myths, like test driving cars or actually using Grant's other inventions. Also has the most jokes at his expense, often involving slapstick.
** TheChick: Kari. The only (permanent) girl of the group. Known mostly for her artistry skills, but she's more than willing to get her hands dirty when the situation calls for it. [[WomenAreWiser Usually more reasonable]] than the others but is [[NotSoAboveItAll just as fond of explosives as everyone else on the show.]]

* ''Franchise/PowerRangers:'' A longrunning franchise built with this trope at its very core. The TropeCodifier and first exposure to the FiveManBand for many children around the world. Several teams have played it straight and some have subverted roles here and there over the series history since the 1990s (or 1970s via Japan's Franchise/SuperSentai). The Red Ranger is almost always TheLeader unless shown up by a SixthRanger. Typically the Pink Ranger is TheChick, though it sometimes goes to a female Yellow, or light Blue Ranger. The other usual rangers (Blue, Green/Black, Yellow etc) rotate roles more frequently depending on the series or continuity.
** ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers'' Zordon and Alpha had to RecruitTeenagersWithAttitude to stop the return of Rita Repusla. The original line up, later joined by BreakoutCharacter SixthRanger and TheRival Tommy, the Green Dragon Ranger. He would later upgrade and lead the team as the White Tiger Ranger.
*** TheLeader: Red Tyrannosaurus Ranger Jason. [[HotBlooded Bold and powerful.]] He started the tradition for the Power Rangers. His greatest fear is failing them as a leader.
*** TheLancer: Black Mastodon Ranger Zack. [[PluckyComicRelief Clever and brave.]] Jason's best friend, playful foil, and just as dedicated to the cause.
*** TheSmartGuy: Blue Triceratops Ranger Billy. [[TheQuietOne Patient and wise.]] A stereotypical HollywoodNerd and GadgeteerGenius who built the communicators, the flying car, fixed Alpha, repaired the Command Center etc.
*** TheBigGuy: Yellow Sabertooth Tiger Ranger Trini. [[GeniusBruiser Fearless and agile.]] She's the most technical fighter, and an AcademicAthlete shown playing a variety of sports, but also being able to translate Billy's Technobabble.
*** TheChick: Pink Pterodactyl Ranger Kimberly. [[SheFu Graceful and smart.]] A graceful gymnast, musician, and ValleyGirl. Snarky but with a heightened awareness for her friends.
** ''Series/PowerRangersSPD'': The B-Squad Rangers
*** TheLeader: Red Ranger Jack. A former delinquent turned hero who proves himself a capable commander.
*** TheLancer: Blue Ranger Sky. A ByTheBookCop that clashes with Jack's JustLikeRobinHood mentality. Graduated the academy with top marks but passed over for leadership due to his ego.
*** TheSmartGuy: Green Ranger Bridge. A BunnyEarsLawyer that tracks enemies using psychic powers, and stands on his head to think through complex issues.
*** TheBigGuy: Yellow Ranger Z. A tomboy and fellow delinquent with Jack. She's tough, courageous, and can become a one man army with her duplication ability.
*** TheChick: Pink Ranger Sydney. The LovableAlphaBitch IdolSinger from a rich family. Initially vain, she later learns the value of friendship and becomes the one to inspire the other rangers to be better.
** ''Series/PowerRangersMysticForce'': the teens that become wizards destined to SaveBothWorlds.
*** TheLeader: Red Fire Ranger Nick. A loner that finds he's the only one who can bring together the other rangers.
*** TheLancer: Green Earth Ranger Xander. TheCharmer and the team's supervisor, leading to clashes with Nick as the leader.
*** TheSmartGuy: Yellow Thunder Ranger Charlie. A self proclaimed [[GenreSavvy super hero expert,]] and the most eager to learn magic to solve riddles and unlock secrets.
*** TheBigGuy: Pink Wind Ranger Vida. The most aggressive of the team, eager to fight, and hates being assigned the color pink. A subversion of usual ranger dynamics by being the most butch girl where pink rangers tend to be overtly femme.
*** TheChick: Blue Water Ranger Madison. The demure counterpart to her aggressive sister Vida. She cheers the others up, or talks them down when they go off the deep end.

* ''Series/{{Torchwood}}'': The Torchwood Three team investigating paranormal activity together.
** TheLeader: Captain Jack Harness, the captain of Torchwood.
** TheLancer: Owen, a DrJerk troubled hedon that often offers Jack field support.
** TheSmartGuy: Tosh, MrExposition with an answer for just about everything.
** TheBigGuy: Ianto, the AlmightyJanitor that does whatever needs doing including combat, tactical, and tech roles, alien/dinosaur care, and one brief stint as a wedding fairy.
** TheChick: Gwen, both AudienceSurrogate, and the feminine heart that keeps the team together.

[[folder:Theatre]]
* ''Theatre/AVeryPotterMusical'': Towards the climax, five characters come together in the song "Not Alone" and pledge themselves to fight Voldemort together.
** TheLeader: Harry, who's TheChosenOne, an inspiring, cool, guitar-playing guy, and the leader of the team.
** TheLancer: Draco, Harry's very uncool rival and EleventhHourRanger who joins the team after a HeelFaceTurn.
** TheSmartGuy: Hermione, the OnlySaneMan and smartest character, who frequently uses her brains to fix Harry's problems.
** TheBigGuy: Ron, Harry's BigEater best friend who spends most of the climax running around with a sword instead of a wand and whose plans mostly involve punching people.
** TheChick: Ginny, Harry's love interest, who genuinely cares for everyone (even Draco, whom the others can't stand) and inspires Harry when no one else can.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:VideoGames]]

* ''VideoGame/BlueDragon'': The team of the first two games (and the anime)
** TheLeader: Shu, TheHero, who makes up for his lack of intelligence with sheer determination.
** TheLancer: Zola, an tough BadassNormal who secretly acts as TheMole (before going through a HeelFaceTurn).
** TheSmartGuy: Jiro, who is skilled at both coming up with detailed plans and with machinery work.
** TheBigGuy: Marumaro, a large bat-like creature whose shadow acts a powerful Monk-class and who fights as a MightyGlacier.
** TheChick: Kluke, the feminine medic who acts as a love interest to both Shu and Jiro.

* ''VideoGame/BreathOfFireIII'':
** TheLeader: Ryu, The protagonist (later SupportingProtagonist) and ChosenOne, weilds a [[HeroesPreferSwords sword]].
** TheLancer: Rei, a thief as a child who becomes a vengeful killer as an adult and [[KnifeNut uses knives as his primary weapon]].
** TheSmartGuy: Momo, a GeniusDitz who specializes in working on machinery.
** TheBigGuy: Garr, a powerful, but slow, ReligiousBruiser.
** TheChick: Nina, an escaped RebelliousPrincess who occasionally played DamselInDistress as a child.

* ''VideoGame/DisgaeaHourOfDarkness'': The main heroes introduced in this game.
** TheLeader: Laharl, the protagonist who sets upon claiming the throne for himself. Cocky, spoiled, and quick-tempered.
** TheLancer: Etna, highly ambitious and has the tendency to transparently plot Laharl's overthrow, if only to keep him in line.
** TheSmartGuy: Jennifer, Captain Gordon's sidekick who obtained every PHD by the age of ten.
** TheBigGuy: Captain Gordon, Defender of Earth, a HotBlooded LargeHam with a complete inability to keep quiet. Racks up heavy damage with axes.
** TheChick: Flonne, "Love Freak" and self-appointed guardian angel of Laharl.

* ''VideoGame/EternalSonata'': The core team for the first two chapters.
** TheLeader: Allegretto, the protagonist that primarly uses swords. The other characters defer to him for some reason, even getting lampshaded by Viola.
** TheLancer: Beat, Retto's [[BashBrothers longtime friend]] and strikes a contrast with him; childish, naive, long distance attacker, etc.
** TheSmartGuy: Chopin, a composer, a pianist, and a bit of a romanticist born in a village in Warsaw. Tge only one with a formal education.
** TheBigGuy: Viola, a goat herder living on the outskirts who can deal major damage due to her physical upbringing.
** TheChick: Polka, the deuteragonist, InnocentFlowerGirl and moral compass of the team.

* ''VideoGame/Fallout3'' Your RagtagBandOfMisfits in Mothership Zeta for most of the story. Kago also pulls a BigDamnHeroes moment in the final battle become sixth, or EleventhHourRanger.
** TheLeader: You, as the one who leads the group through the ship.
** TheLancer: Somah, your first ally and the only one from the same timeframe as you.
** TheSmartGuy: Elliot, the Combat Medic who adapts some of the alien technology you find into workable items
** TheBigGuy: Paulson, a cowboy sheriff and general tough guy.
** TheChick: Sally, the child who brings the group together and acts as adviser and MissionControl.

* ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyV'': The main heroes on a quest to save the world.
** TheLeader: Bartz, chosen by the Wind Crystal, symbolizing passion. It turns out that his father Dorgann was one of the Warriors of Dawn, further linking his destiny to saving the world. He often speaks on the party's behalf even when he's not the overworld leader.
** TheLancer: Faris, a PirateGirl chosen by the Fire Crystal, symbolizing courage. She's more on the ball than Bartz.
** TheSmartGuy: Krile, Galuf's granddaughter, who takes up his Crystal. Her psychic powers give her a variety of unique skills to help the team.
** TheBigGuy: Galuf is an amnesiac but gutsy old man, chosen by the Earth Crystal symbolizing hope. A MightyGlacier LargeHam that rescuses the others singlehandedly more than once.
** TheChick: Lenna, the princess and heir to the throne of Tycoon, chosen by the Water Crystal symbolizing devotion. A caring young woman who puts the lives of others before hers.

* ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIII'': The main heroes on a quest to save the world. They are later joined by Fang, the SixthRanger whose allegiances were ambiguous for part of the story.
** TheLeader: Lightning, a former Sergeant of Cocoon's Guardian Corps who resigned so she could be free to rescue her beloved sister Serah from the clutches of the Pulse fal'Cie. A KnightInSourArmor, who later becomes BigGood and TheChosenOne.
** TheLancer: Hope, the KidSidekick foil to the old veteran Lightning, and holds a grudge against Snow, but eventually matures into a hero in his own right.
** TheSmartGuy: Sazh, a professional airship pilot from Cocoon and the OnlySaneMan.
** TheBigGuy: Snow, A FearlessFool BoisterousBruiser that thinks of himself as a [[ActionHero hero.]]
** TheChick: Vanille, a mysterious girl with red hair tied up in pigtails who, despite facing hardships, is an upbeat and caring person.

* ''VideoGame/FireEmblemPathOfRadiance''
** Ike's inner circle among that remain cutscene relevant. The heads of the Greil Mercenaries, and their Laguz {{Ambadassador}}.
*** TheLeader: Ike, the stoic company leader who commands the respect of everyone he meets.
*** TheLancer: Ranulf, particularly during the march on Crimea in ''Path of Radiance'' and the Laguz-Begnion War in ''Radiant Dawn.'' And HonoraryTrueCompanion that Ike trusts him as much as one of their own. His wit and upbeat pluckiness contrast Ike's pragmatism and unfazed personality. As a laguz he also provides the greatest visual and cultural contrast, and some chapters require him to work together with Ike.
*** TheSmartGuy: Soren, he's TheStrategist, book keeper, and delivers daily reports. Cynical and cold but totally devoted to Ike.
*** TheBigGuy: Titania, the strongest mercencary (pre-promoted unit in ''Path of Radiance'' and the highest-leveled on rejoining in ''Radiant Dawn''.) Though an intimidating training partner (and potentially enforcer), she's big-hearted and kind. Her warmth makes her TheMcCoy to Soren's Spock.
*** TheChick: Mist, Ike's younger sister, she's allowed into more important meetings than experience as a mercenary would suggest, and is integral to keeping the Medallion safe because her emotions are in balance.
** Elincia's inner circle comprised of her personal retainers and native Crimean Royal Knights.
*** TheLeader: Elicina, the hidden princess and later idealistic Queen of Crimea
*** TheLancer:Geoffrey, leader of the Royal Knights, Elincia's champion, renowned for being a strait-laced and honest figure.
*** TheSmartGuy: Bastian, a LargeHam that belies his role as The SpyMaster and ChessMaster.
*** TheBigGuy: Kieran, A LargeHam that embodies his role as Geoffrey's over zealous NumberTwo among the Royal Knights.
*** TheChick: Lucia, Geoffrey's sister, and Elincia's personal bodyguard, but as her "adopted" sister, she's also her best friend and confidant.

* ''VideoGame/FireEmblemAwakening'': Chrom's core team among the Shepherds, a militia group led by royalty.
** TheLeader: Chrom, the Exalt of Ylisse and commander of the Shepherds.
** TheLancer: Masked Marth, a mysterious stranger who mimics Chrom's fighting style and weapon. Later revealed to be Lucina his KidFromTheFuture who is willing to risk everything to [[BadFuture change fate.]]
** TheSmartGuy: Robin, Chrom's best friend and master tactician, who has a love of books and a variety of latent powers.
** TheBigGuy: Frederick, the [[CrutchCharacter pre-promoted]], dutiful, refined cornerstone of the Shepherds' army. A VeteranInstructor and BattleButler.
** TheChick: Lissa, Chrom's younger sister, and TheMedic. She's an upbeat GenkiGirl, among the most likeable and approachable of the Shepherds.

* ''VideoGame/FireEmblemFates'': The Nohrian siblings in general but especialy on the ''Conquest'' path.
** TheLeader: Xander is the direct and honest first born, heir, and commander of their of armies. Wields a magic sword.
** TheLancer: Corrin, beloved by the siblings and takes command in Xander's absence. In contrast to Xander's direct nature and sense of duty to Garon, Corrin is conflicted and more caring towards the enemy.
** TheSmartGuy: Leo, a genius that attacks with spell books.
** TheBigGuy: Camilla an Amazonian GentleGiant, who smothers the people she likes, but revels in killing and bringing pain to people she doesn't. Wields an axe.
** TheChick: Elise, the youngest, innocent and joyful member with a SimpleStaff.

* ''VideoGame/GoldenSunDarkDawn'': The adventuring party for most of the early game.
** TheLeader: The HeroicMime protagonist, and son of TheHero of the previous two games.
** TheLancer: Amiti, a mysterious and snarky prince who is secretly the son of the previous, and potentially current, BigBad.
** TheSmartGuy: The local academic on the team and sometimes MrExposition.
** TheBigGuy: Tyrell, the FieryRedhead and DumbMuscle of the team.
** TheChick: Karis, the strong-willed, reliable, and clever childhood friend of Matthew and Tyrell.

* ''VideoGame/GuildWars2'':
** Destiny's Edge was once a guild formed to fight the Elder Dragons together, until they split up due to differences. Most of the plot of the main game involves PuttingTheBandBackTogether to fight the dragon Zhaitan.
*** TheLeader: Eir Steagalkin, who is the member most devoted to fighting the Elder Dragons and sparks the initial push to reconcile.
*** TheLancer: Logan Thackary, who is distrusted by the other members for his conflicting loyalties which caused him to abandon the group in the past. Wields a sword in contrast to Eir's bow, and is short and stocky while Eir is tall. Logan is more conflicted and angsty in contrast to Eir and Rytlock's straightforward personalities.
*** TheSmartGuy: Zojja, the SquishyWizard of the team who like most Asura is adept with inventions.
*** TheBigGuy: Rytlock Brimstone, a BloodKnight who excels at melee combat. As a Charr he has tremendous strength and towers over the other members of the guild.
*** TheChick: Caithe. As a Thief her combat skills are more evasive than the other members, and she is the most waiflike in appearance. Caithe focuses more on keeping Destiny's Edge together than any other member, and repeatedly brings members together to try to reconcile their differences.
** There's also Dragon's Watch. Initially there were more people involved, but several characters leave at the end of the ''Heart of Thorns'' story. During the ''Path of Fire'' main story, the remainder work together as a team of five to fight the new threat [[spoiler: Balthazar]].
*** TheLeader: The Commander (player character), who makes the main decisions and carries the group in combat.
*** TheLancer: Canach, who takes a much less serious attitude to the fight than the Commander, and seems to be in it just for fun (he even places a bet on the outcome of the final battle).
*** TheSmartGuy: Taimi, who's TheVoice for nearly the entire storyline, delivering intel from behind the scenes and directing strategy.
*** TheBigGuy: Rytlock again, who's still a huge, beefy BloodKnight, now with additional MagicKnight capabilities. He's calm, direct, and mostly in the fight in order to kick ass.
*** TheChick: Kasmeer, a feminine beauty who specializes in support magic. She's even pink-and-white themed in her appearance and dress. As TheHeart, she usually has the strongest emotional response to any horror that occurs, and often reminds the group of the human side of things.

* ''VideoGame/HalfMinuteHero'': Parodied, to the extent that everyone in the party's name name pretty much sums up their role.
** TheLeader: Hero, a kind and noble traveler on a quest to save the world in thirty seconds.
** TheLancer: Evil Lord, a narcissistic DarkIsNotEvil {{Bishonen}}.
** TheSmartGuy: Sage, a SquishyWizard who purifies the monsters they come in contact with.
** TheBigGuy: Knight, a DumbMuscle who will do anything to protect the Sage.
** TheChick: Princess, the lone female member of the team who acts a PrincessClassic ...until she [[CuteAndPsycho gets a weapon.]]

* ''Franchise/KingdomHearts''
** The Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee
*** TheLeader: Leon, the stoic one who puts the team together.
*** TheLancer: Yuffie, the GenkiGirl and Leon's longtime partner in the endeavor.
*** TheSmartGuy: Merlin, '''the''' WizardClassic and mentor in magic arts.
*** TheBigGuy: Cid, a tough and grizzled engineer.
*** TheChick: Aerith, TheHeart of the group.
** The Protectors of the Light work together for the first time in the endgame of ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsII'', with guidance from SixthRanger / TheMentor King Mickey Mouse.
*** TheLeader: Sora, the AllLovingHero and the Keyblade's chosen.
*** TheLancer: Riku, Sora's best friend who operates from the shadows, after being corrupted by and then learning to harness Darkness.
*** TheSmartGuy: Donald, the king's short tempered court mage.
*** TheBigGuy: Goofy, the friendly dopey captain of the Royal Knights
*** TheChick: Kairi, Sora and Riku's childhood friend, and object of affections who unlocks her keyblade for the first time.

* ''VideoGame/Kirby64TheCrystalShards'': The adventuring crew that Kirby purifies and puts together in the first world.
** TheLeader: Kirby the main hero
** TheLancer: Waddle Dee, the first companion to aid in the quest, complimentary Kirby's classic platforming with onrails MinecartMadness style gameplay.
** TheSmartGuy: Adelaine, the most versatile by bringing drawings to life. In levels she has puzzle rooms that can only be solved if Kirby has the right Copy Ability.
** TheBigGuy: Dedede, the largest and toughest member of the crew. His sections are mazes where he breaks down walls with his hammer.
** TheChick: Ribbon, the PursuedProtagonist, and ImpliedLoveInterest to Kirby in this game. Their bond allows her to power him up for the final boss fight.

* ''VideoGame/TheLastRemnant'': Lord David of Athlum and his EliteFour Generals
** TheLeader: David, the lord of Athlum.
** TheLancer: Torgal, the internal leader of the four generals, and David's NumberTwo. Slightly conniving and emotionally detached.
** TheSmartGuy: Pagus, a history buff and intelligence gatherer.
** TheBigGuy: Blocter, the biggest and strongest. He's passionate but a GentleGiant at heart.
** TheChick: Emma, the courageous matriarch of the Honeywell who strives for justice. The TeamMom who is later succeeded by her daughter Emmy.

* ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaMajorasMask'': The Indigo-gos, who are also literally a band.
** TheLeader: Mikau, Lead Guitar and ostensibly [[TheHero the Zoras' best warrior.]]
** TheLancer: Japas, Bass Guitar, Mikau's laidback best friend.
** TheSmartGuy: Evan, Keyboardist, composer, and scheduler.
** TheBigGuy: Tijo, Drummer, physically the largest.
** TheChick: Lulu, Lead vocals, in a relationship with TheHero, and a BarrierMaiden for the Zoras' well-being to boot.

* ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess'': The Resistance Group investigating the temples together (and aiding Link by storming Hyrule Castle with him).
** TheLeader: Rusl, a retired master swordsman and leader of the group.
** TheLancer: Ashei, the stoic tough girl.
** TheSmartGuy: Shad, the only member of the resistance group without any combat experience. But, should you need intel about "the Sky People" and ancient texts, he's your man.
** TheBigGuy: Auru, judging from his size and muscularity.
** TheChick: Telma, TeamMom who lets the others meet in secret in her bar.

* ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeed'': The player character's crew in the 2015 reboot can be laid down as follows.
** TheLeader: The PlayerCharacter.
** TheLancer: Spike, a SpoiledBrat on his father's trust fund, he follows the Speed career path.
** TheSmartGirl: Amy, the crew mechanic. She follows the Build career path.
** TheBigGuy: Manu, of the GentleGiant type, he mostly tunes his cars for drifting. He follows the Style career path.
** TheChick: Robyn, the crew's social butterfly. She follows the Crew career path.

* ''VideoGame/{{Persona 1}}'':
** TheLeader: The PlayerCharacter who is the stable [[TheReliableOne Reliable One]].
** TheLancer: Reiji, a NewTransferStudent with no stake in your group or its mission. Reiji is focused only on taking down Kandori.
** TheSmartGirl: Kei, the most logical member of the group.
** TheBigGuy: Masao, one of the best fighters in the party.
** TheChick: Maki, TheMedic and a plucky but IllGirl.

* ''VideoGame/PokemonXAndY'': With a 2:3 female to male ratio with the opposite gendered player characters and the 3 friendly rivals as a departure from the usual PowerTrio of the only having one rival. They even fit the [[ColorCodedCharacters stereotypes color-wise]] with the leader and lancer as red and blue, big as yellow, smart as green, and chick as pink.
** TheLeader: The Player (Calem/Serena) the RookieRedRanger who is welcomed into the team, quickly becoming their strongest trainer and forming deep bonds with starter, mega, and legendary Pokemon.
** TheLancer: TheRival (Serena/Calem) the protagonist not chosen, who is the team's veteran and closest counterpart to the player. Initially showing them the ropes, later becoming jealous of being upstaged, and finally accepting a FriendlyRivalry and NumberTwo status.
** TheSmartGuy: Trevor, who is more focused on finishing the Pokédex and learning about new types of Pokémon.
** TheBigGuy: Tierno for both his large size, and his focus on dancing moves that all either boost offensive ability, or are strong attacking moves.
** TheChick: Shauna, as the most supportive, and girly member, who rounds out the core PowerTrio with Calem and Serena by getting the last starter.

* ''Franchise/SuperMarioBros'': The most often recurring heroes, though there are sometimes other set ups in the role playing and party games.
** TheLeader: Mario, the courageous, cheerful, and competitive main hero.
** TheLancer: Luigi, Mario's brother, partner, and CowardlyLion.
** TheSmartGuy: Toad, the advisor, hint giver, and item manager.
** TheBigGuy: Yoshi, a friend and PowerUpMount whose abilities outclass the other heroes.
** TheChick: Peach, the pure hearted princess, and Mario's sometimes LoveInterest.

* ''VideoGame/TalesOfPhantasia'': The main RPG traveling party.
** TheLeader: Cress, a StockShonenHero, HotBlooded, courageous, BookDumb, and country boy with a sword who gets sucked into an adventure.
** TheLancer: Chester, Cress' childhood friend, an orphan who lost his only family when their DoomedHometown was destroyed. He's the best archer in town.
** TheSmartGuy: Klarth, a researcher who is trying to find a way for humans to use magic. Part MadScientist, part WitchDoctor, part MrExposition, and all CoolOldGuy,
** TheBigGuy: A GenkiGirl half-elf from the past, she joins the party because they need [[PintSizedPowerhouse someone who can use magic to defeat Dhaos.]]
** TheChick: Mint, a MysteriousWaif Cress meets. An orphan from a long line of [[TheMedic healers]] with a deep connection to the legendary Unicorn.

* ''VideoGame/TalesOfSymphonia'' the initial guard and first five party members.
** TheLeader: Lloyd, a StockShonenHero that matures into a capable and grounded leader.
** TheLancer: Genis, Lloyd's childhood friend who is usually the one that figure out how to make his insane schemes work.
** TheSmartGuy: Raine, an extremely well-read and quick, logical thinker. Also a schoolteacher.
** TheBigGuy: Kratos, A stoic mercenary who just happens to be passing through the vicinity to save the Chosen's life and be offered the job of protecting her during her journey.
** TheChick: Collette, a MysticalWaif CuteClumsyGirl with a martyr complex.

* ''VideoGame/TraumaCenter'' The Trauma Team protagonists.
** TheLeader: CR-S01, for Surgery mode. A skilled surgeon sentenced to 250 years in cryogenic prison for his involvement in a biological terror attack at Cumberland College.
** TheLancer: Maria, for First Response mode. A hot-blooded paramedic who has quick reflexes and a desire to be a hero. However, she lacks patience with others and dislikes teamwork.
** TheSmartGuy: Gabe, for Diagnosis mode. An intelligent diagnostician with great powers of deduction. After years of work, he became desensitized to human life.
** TheBigGuy: Hank for Orthopedics mode. Lampshaded in that his chapter is called "The Big Guy." A former soldier in the US Special Forces with a strong sense of justice.
** TheChick: Tomoe, for Endoscopy mode. [[TheOjou The heiress to a wealthy Japanese family]]. She [[RebelliousPrincess rebelled against her status]] by studying abroad in America.

* ''VideoGame/ValkyriaChronicles'': Squad 7.
** TheLeader: Welkin, leader of Squad 7 of the 3rd Regiment. Using his scientific knowledge, he quickly becomes a strategist rivaling his legendary father.
** TheLancer: Rosie, A JerkWithAHeartOfGold Shock Trooper who preferes to be in the thick of battle, unlike Welkin who commands from the back.
** TheSmartGuy: Isara, a sweet and gentle genius engineer.
** TheBigGuy: Largo, the largest and most imposing. at first hesitant of Welkin's leadership, but he quickly becomes one of Welkin's most trusted and supportive soldiers. An OldSoldier and sort of father figure.
** TheChick: Alicia, born and [[FeminineWomenCanCook bread as a baker,]] Alicia was reluctant to go to war, but [[BadassPacifist joined the militia to protect her hometown of Bruhl.]] Officially NumberTwo and Welkin's LoveInterest.

* ''VideoGame/TheWorldEndsWithYou'': The kid heroes who have to work in rotating pairs to survive a purgatory like game.
** TheLeader: Neku, the [[AntiHero anti-heroic]] main protagonist.
** TheLancer: Joshua, a highly-intelligent, cheery enigmatic foil to Neku's brooding blunt personality. A {{jerkass}} player who eventually warms up.
** TheSmartGuy: Rhyme, the brains to Beat's brawn who drops proverbs and other nuggets of wisdom to help the others.
** TheBigGuy: Beat, the strongest and largest of the group, and the one who relies on physical combat.
** TheChick: Shiki, the energetic and friendly GenkiGirl who first tries to bring Neku out of his shell.


[[/folder]]

[[folder:Webcomics]]

* ''Webcomic/DailyGrind'': The employees of the Daily Grind, who solve problems together.
** TheLeader: Howlett, the founder and leader of Daily Grind who acts a strategist and a negotiator.
** TheLancer: Tharka, Daily Grind's unofficial NumberTwo who once worked for Satan before pulling a HeelFaceTurn.
** TheSmartGuy: Dr. Chalko, the OmnidisciplinaryScientist.
** TheBigGuy: Jolene, a powerful, fast, and neurotic ActionGirl, stronger than anyone else in the group.
** TheChick: DefrostingIceQueen Teasdale, recovering from the loss of her husband.

[[/folder]]


[[folder:WesternAnimation]]

* ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'': Team Avatar formed when Sokka and Katara found the reincarnated Avatar and vowed to escort him around the world to learn the elements. The final lineup in Season 3 includes the founding friends and the masters they found to help train Aang. (With unexpected help from EleventhHourRanger [[HonoraryTrueCompanion Suki]].)
** TheLeader: Avatar Aang, the KidHero who must master the elements and defeat the Fire Lord. The last airbender.
** TheLancer: Prince Zuko, Aang's longtime rival and son of the BigBad who is slow [[GrumpyBear to understand the rest of the team's positive attitude.]] The firebending master.
** TheSmartGuy: Sokka, [[TheStrategist "The Idea Guy"]] who who was with Katara when she discovered Aang and remained for the whole journey. Uses weapons, gadgets, and tech to make up for his lack of bending,
** TheBigGuy: Toph, a PintSizedPowerhouse {{Ladette}} who prides herself of being tough and self sufficient. The earthbending master.
** TheChick: Katara, Aang's LoveInterest, TheHeart of the team, and a strong-willed champion of the rights of others. She discovered Aang, and after finding a master for herself, became the waterbending master.


* ''WesternAnimation/Ben10AlienForce:'' The Amalgam Kids.
** TheLeader: Pierce - The most logical member who holds the rest of the team together.
** TheLancer: Alan - Had a distinct contrast with the rest of his team and was as an outcast early on.
** TheSmartGuy: Cooper - Being a TechnoWizard, he is one of the smartest characters on the show.
** TheBigGuy: Manny - Physically the strongest member, and loves to act before thinking.
** TheChick: Helen - She is the only female, and is the kindest, most compassionate member, serving as the TeamMom.

* ''WesternAnimation/CodenameKidsNextDoor'': Nigel Uno's unit in Sector V, a parody of secret agents from a kid perspective.
** TheLeader: Nigel Uno / Numbuh One, who is not only the literal leader of Sector V but also tactically gifted and dedicated to his job
** TheLancer: Abby Lincoln / Numbuh Five, a DeadpanSnarker who was once the leader of Sector V and stands out as the cool and laid-back member of the team, contrasting Nigel's paranoid and work-oriented nature.
** TheSmartGuy: Hoagie Gilligan / Numbuh Two, who makes the gadgets used by Sector V and is seen as one of the smartest KND operatives in general.
** TheBigGuy: Wally Beetles / Numbuh Four, who is the [[DumbMuscle least intelligent member]] of Sector V but the most skilled at hand-to-hand-combat, and prefers to just beat down all obstacles in his way.
** TheChick: Kuki Suban / Numbuh Three, the sector's excitable girly-girl who cares for the hamsters and focuses on medical work rather than combat or tech.

* ''WesternAnimation/DarkwingDuck'': Darkwing's Troop:
** TheLeader: Darkwing Duck / Drake Mallard, The crime-fighting hero with a lot of pride. This being his troop, they follow his orders (or don't, in Gosalyn's case). Launchpad actually works for him.
** TheLancer: Gosalyn Mallard, Drake's spirited daughter who joins him on missions against his will.
** TheSmartGuy: Gosalyn's shy, hyper-intelligent and [[SmartPeopleWearGlasses glasses-wearing]] companion who joins her and Drake in crime-fighting antics.
** TheBigGuy: Launchpad [=McQuack=], the tallest and strongest member of the team who is nonetheless a NiceGuy.
** TheChick: Morgana Macawber. Feminine, magical, and seductive, pulled a HeelFaceTurn after falling for Darkwing and eventually became his girlfriend.

* ''WesternAnimation/JellyJamm'': These five friends live on the planet of Jammbo, the planet where all music in the universe originates.
** TheLeader: Bello, an insatiable curiosity and boundless energy make the scrappy Bello a driving force among his friends.
** TheLancer: Ongo, the most mysterious character of them all and the one that is most connected to the planet.
** TheSmartGuy: Mina, science and invention are her world of play. Like any good scientist Mina wants to see “what will happen next!”.
** TheBigGuy: Goomo, A BigFun GentleGiant.
** TheChick: Rita, a CuteAndPsycho girl who loves tea parties and playing with her doll princess.


* ''WesternAnimation/{{Robotboy}}'': Professor Moshimo entrusts Robotboy to 10-year-old Tommy Turnbull, his biggest fan. While being protected by Tommy and his two friends, Lola and Gus, or "G-man" as he calls himself, Robotboy learns how to behave and act as if he were a real boy.
** TheLeader: Robotboy does not really ''lead'' since everyone is teaching/guiding him on becoming like a real boy, but since his development as such guides activities, [[PlayingWithATrope it still fits, kind of]].
** TheLancer: Tommy, a GenericGuy meant to teach Robotboy how to be a normal person.
** TheSmartGuy: Prof. Moshimo, The scientist who invented Robotboy, he keeps in touch with the kids to send upgrades for Robotboy or help them fix the problem of the day.
** TheBigGuy: Gus, a LargeHam FatBestFriend to Tommy.
** TheChick: Lola, the girly {{Tsundere}}.

* ''Franchise/ScoobyDoo:'' The teen detectives of Mystery Inc.
** TheLeader: Fred, the brave detective who makes the plans, designs the traps, and decides when to split up.
** TheLancer: Shaggy, the CowardlyLion, when the gang does split up, Shaggy leads one half. Shaggy (along with Scooby) often notices creepy things that Fred had missed.
** TheSmartGuy: Velma, the girl who examines the clues. When Fred unmasks the monster, expect Velma to explain today's ScoobyDooHoax.
** TheBigGuy: Scooby, though he may require a Scooby snack — he's a loyal member of the team that often has to do the most physical tasks like luring villains into traps, or even taking them on directly in certain iterations.
** TheChick: Daphne, the fashionable GirlyGirl who comes from a well-to-do family. She's often the [[TheFace team's talker.]]

* ''WesternAnimation/SilverHawks'': The [=SilverHawks=], a team of heroic Space Police who defend the Limbo Galaxy from Mon*Star and his mob.
** TheLeader: Quicksilver, the field leader {{Determinator}}.
** TheLancer: Bluegrass, laidback and easygoing sharpshooter compared to Quicksilver's by-the-book nature
** TheSmartGuy: The Copper Kidd, a genius alien trickster.
** TheBigGuy: Steelwill, the GeniusBruiser.
** TheChick: Steelheart, TokenGirl, part of a BrotherSisterTeam with Steelwill.

* ''WesternAnimation/ThunderCats2011'': Shades of it in most iterations, but played particular straight in this one where they're the surviving cats of a mutant invasion on the kingdom of Thundera.
** TheLeader: Lion-o the Lord of the Thundercats.
** TheLancer: Tygra, second in command, Lion-o's jealous adopted brother.
** TheSmartGuy: The [[BrotherSisterTeam Wily Kittens]], street urchin trickster variety.
** TheBigGuy: Panthro, a military vet and GeniusBruiser.
** TheChick: Cheetara, the spiritual female peacekeeper, and in the middle of the brothers' LoveTriangle.

* ''WesternAnimation/VoltronLegendaryDefender'': The paladins that form Voltron take up this dynamic for some time beginning in Season 3 as a shoutout to the formation in previous continuities in the franchise.
** TheLeader: Keith, the reluctant Leader taking over after the disappearance of former leader, TeamDad Shiro.
** TheLancer: Lance, burying the hatchet to become Keith's right hand man.
** TheSmartGuy: Pidge, the technological genius.
** TheBigGuy: Hunk, a GentleGiant who pilots the most physically powerful lion.
** TheChick: Allura, the newest paladin and feminine center of the team. Formerly the BigGood MissionControl before finally getting out in the field.

* ''WesternAnimation/YoungJustice'' from the end of the pilot to Artemis' introduction, the Team, a black ops-esque unit of teen heroes under the Justice League, fit perfectly. They're even shown in the first season's theme song in this exact order.
** TheLeader: Aqualad. He was voted into the position during the team's first away mission, as he was the oldest and the most level-headed of the bunch.
** TheLancer: Robin. While he has the most crimefighting experience on the Team, he's also the youngest. Though he tried to lead the Team, he eventually realized he had no experience leading others and lacked the maturity to do so.
** TheSmartGuy: Kid Flash. He gained his powers by successfully recreating the Freak Lab Accident that gave the original Flash his powers. He's also a endless source of scientific knowledge.
** TheBigGuy: Superboy. As Superman's clone, he's a stoic rage monster with invulnerability and Super Strength.
** TheChick: Miss Martian. She is the only girl on the team until Artemis shows up and is very traditionally feminine. She has patterned her Earth appearance, clothes, and mannerisms after her favorite character from Earth television.

[[/folder]]

* ''Manga/DetectiveConan'': The Junior Detective League.
** TheLeader: Conan, who is admired by the rest and leads investigations.
** TheLancer: Haibara, who, like Conan, is a genius adult shrunk to child form but her coldness contrasts his heroics.
** TheSmartGuy: Mitsuhiko, who provides information Conan lacks and ''considers'' himself the smartest due to being LockedOutOfTheLoop.
** TheBigGuy: Genta, who is the biggest, widest, and strongest of the kids.
** TheChick: Ayumi, a cheerful girl whose friends with everyone, even FirstNameBasis with Haibara.

** Film/DungeonsAndDragons: Ridley is TheLeader and main character, Snails is TheLancer and his best friend. They are soon joined by apprentice mage TheSmartGuy Marina, and later gain a dwarf BigGuy, Elwood, and a beautiful elf [[TheChick Chick]] Norda. They all quest for the Rod of Saville together.

* ''Literature/TheRailwaySeries'' (WesternAnimation/ThomasTheTankEngine): The original Ffarquhar Line.

* ''WesternAnimation/StormHawks'': The main squadron of Sky Knights.
** TheLeader: Aerrow, the Sky Knight who never fails to stand up to evil.
** TheLancer: Finn, the team's self-absorbed sharp shooter. A CasanovaWannabe JerkWithAHeartOfGold.
** TheSmartGuy: Stork, MrFixIt pilot of the ship who has knowledge about many obscure threats.
** TheBigGuy: Junko, the muscle of the team, a mechanic, weapons expert and a major softie.
** TheChick: Piper, team's only girl and a perfectionist crystal specialist. Skilled, practical, and generally the closest to earth, making her the most qualified NumberTwo.

[[folder: Film -- Animated]]

See also ThreeAmigos, PowerTrio, and CastCalculus. Fighting ability is usually determined by FixedRelativeStrength. Compare the CommandRoster, for military-esque teams. ThePsychoRangers are the collective EvilCounterpart of a given Five-Man Band. See also FourTemperamentEnsemble.

[[folder: Film- Animated]]

[[folder:Film- Live Action]]

*** TheSmartGuy: Blue Triceratops Ranger Billy. [[TheQuietOne Patient and wise.]] A sterotypical HollywoodNerd and GadgeteerGenius who built the communicators, the flying car, fixed Alpha, repaired the Command Center etc.

[[folder: Theatre]]