Main characters were the heroes of our childhood cartoons, but sometimes it was the quirky sidekicks and supporting roles that made us laugh the most.
These characters weren’t always in the spotlight, but they left a lasting impression — sometimes even more than the stars of the show.
1. Scrappy-Doo (*Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo*, 1979)
Though controversial among fans, Scrappy brought a new energy to the Scooby-Doo gang. His fearless attitude and catchphrase “Puppy Power!”
turned him into a memorable figure — for better or worse.
2. Pinky (*Pinky and the Brain*, 1995)
While Brain schemed to take over the world, Pinky’s goofy remarks often stole the scene. His nonsensical “Narf!” became a cultural catchphrase and
made him one of the funniest sidekicks in cartoon history.
3. Patrick Star (*SpongeBob SquarePants*, 1999)
Although SpongeBob was the star, Patrick’s clueless yet lovable personality created some of the show’s best comedy moments.
He proved that sometimes the “dumb friend” archetype can be comedy gold.
4. Stimpy (*The Ren & Stimpy Show*, 1991)
Stimpy’s silly, naive behavior contrasted perfectly with Ren’s constant anger. Together they made one of the most chaotic cartoon duos of the 90s,
but Stimpy often won viewers’ hearts with his innocence.
5. Toad (*Super Mario Bros. Super Show!*, 1989)
In a show dominated by Mario and Luigi, Toad added comic relief with his high-pitched voice and clumsy antics.
Though not the main hero, he became a fan favorite.
Why Side Characters Matter
Supporting characters remind us that cartoons are more than just their stars. They add humor, unpredictability, and heart to the stories.
Looking back, many of these sidekicks became icons in their own right, shaping our nostalgia as much as the main heroes did.
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