The recurring characters from The Complete Adventures of Lucky Starr.
David "Lucky" Starr
The titular character for each book, and member of the Council of Science. David was born on Earth, the child of Lawrence Starr and his wife Barbara. He grew up with four loving adults, because Lawrence, Conway, and Henree were all friends who had joined the Council of Science. David called all the men “Uncle” (sometimes even his father), and it was only natural that Henree and Conway adopt him when the Venus-bound ship his family was on was attacked by Space Pirates and David had to be ejected in an Escape Pod.
David has grown up amazingly, and after his initial assignments becomes known as "Lucky". He’s partnered with John Bigman Jones, and the two of them canvass the solar system to protect its citizens from dangers both internal and external. Lucky Starr's calm and decisive reactions contrast against Bigman's rash but resourceful responses, making the two a devastating duo facing any opponent.
- Foil: Bigman's Napoleon complex causes him to be eager to prove himself the match of any man. This boisterousness serves as comedic contrast to the much more level-headed Lucky Starr. Also Foil in height; Bigman is barely more than five feet and Lucky is over six feet tall.
- Go-to Alias: Lucky usually tells people his name is "William Williams", unless there's a reason why he has to use his identity as a member of the Council of Science.
- Punny Name: David Starr is nicknamed "Lucky", which means people call him "lucky star".
- Space Cadet: David "Lucky" Starr is a young member of Earth's Council of Science, and is in his early twenties. Rather than being a sidekick, he has one in the form of John Bigman Jones, his unofficial buddy in their quest to keep the solar system safe for the average citizen and foil the plots from the Sirian colony.
- Stellar Name: David's family name, "Starr", is remarked upon In-Universe during David Starr, Space Ranger. He claims that the parity is purely unintentional, so the Martian speaking with him says he should call himself "Space Ranger".
- Universal Driver's License: No matter where Lucky Starr goes, there's probably an unusual vehicle that he hasn't driven before, yet he handles it remarkably competently (even when someone sabotages it). If he needs to be a great pilot, then some reference will be made about handling one before (like his personal spaceship or the Venusian Hopper)."I think I can handle any moving vehicle with a little practice." —David Starr, David Starr, Space Ranger (of The Complete Adventures of Lucky Starr)"There isn't anything that moves that Lucky and I can't handle." —Bigman, Lucky Starr and the Oceans of Venus (of The Complete Adventures of Lucky Starr)
John Bigman Jones
Lucky's shorter Sidekick, he's willing to go to great lengths to prove that he's the equal in size to any other man, irrespective of what a measuring stick might say.
- Fiery Redhead: John Bigman Jones has pale red hair, a short temper, and a generally emotional nature. He is quite unafraid of going toe to toe with people much taller than him, especially if he's been insulted by being called terms like "shorty". Lucky, on the other hand, is calm and brown-haired.
- Foil: Bigman's Napoleon complex causes him to be eager to prove himself the match of any man. This boisterousness serves as comedic contrast to the much more level-headed Lucky Starr. Also Foil in height; Bigman is barely more than five feet and Lucky is over six feet tall.
- Hair-Trigger Temper: Bigman is easily insulted by references to his short height, but he's also quick to defend his Martian heritage and his best friend, Lucky. Lucky is occasionally allowed a couple of subtle jokes, but anyone else should hope Lucky is around to hold Bigman back. Of course, most people just find his anger comical (unless Lucky lets him fight).
- Insistent Terminology: Lucky's sidekick, "John Bigman Jones, who allowed no one to call him anything but Bigman, and who was five feet two inches tall if he stretched a little." He often won't even put up with being addressed as "Mr. Jones", insisting on Bigman instead.
- Ironic Name: John Bigman Jones; he's 5'2", and sensitive about height jokes. (Bigman seems to be his legal middle name, but he insists on using it due to his obsession that people not overlook him.)
- The Napoleon: Bigman's forceful personality is well-established throughout the series, and his constant reference to his capabilities and emphasis on his middle name, "Bigman", all contribute to his status as Plucky Comic Relief.
- Plucky Comic Relief: Bigman is usually serious, but his Hair-Trigger Temper and eagerness to chase after or accuse people on flimsy information helps to keep the audience entertained. Even characters In-Universe find his temper amusing, since they don't believe he can back up his claims in combat (he can).
- Pintsized Powerhouse: John Bigman Jones is only five-two and one hundred and twenty pounds, but routinely wins fistfights against men who are foolish enough to underestimate him. He's frequently compared to a bantam fighter, and is implied to be the equal or better to Lucky in strength.
- Reckless Sidekick: Bigman; Lucky occasionally has to remind him he can't go haring off based on suspicion alone with only the flimsiest of plans. Lucky helps keep Bigman in check instead of fighting the people who provoke him with short jokes and insults. In Lucky Starr and the Big Sun of Mercury, while the two are separated, Bigman arranges a one-on-one duel with someone (twice his size) who had been picking on him. While his death was accidental, it's also clear that Bigman is that good of a fighter.
