Every now and then, a side character becomes so beloved that they steal the spotlight from the protagonist. Uncharted introduced us to Victor “Sully” Sullivan, a cigar-chomping mentor who became one of the most charming characters in AsiaLive Login PlayStation history. Though Nathan Drake is the hero, Sully’s witty banter and unwavering loyalty made him a standout in the franchise. By Uncharted 4, Sully had become a staple, and many fans now associate the series as much with him as with Drake himself.

In The Last of Us, Ellie began as a supporting character, but her role quickly grew into something more. Her sharp intelligence, emotional complexity, and resilience made her a fan favorite. So much so, that in The Last of Us Part II, she took over as the primary protagonist. Her development over the two games was not only compelling, it was groundbreaking in how it redefined expectations for character arcs in gaming.

On the PSP, Daxter — originally Jak’s sidekick in Jak and Daxter — got his own spotlight. The standalone game Daxter was a full-blown platforming adventure filled with humor, solid mechanics, and tons of personality. It proved that sometimes a sidekick has enough charm and charisma to lead their own game. Fans loved seeing Daxter take center stage, and the game’s success cemented his role as more than just comic relief.

These characters show that supporting roles can evolve into icons. When done right, a side character can grow into a figure just as beloved—sometimes even more so—than the main protagonist, adding depth and longevity to a franchise.