Julie's Web Journal

That, in turn, led to a long think about Bunter, Lugg, and Dot, three literary companions who do much to carry their respective author's tales. Also, I'm trying to flesh out a companion in a WIP, so consider this part of my thought process.

Who are they? And why are they so valuable to the story?

Mervyn Bunter is valet to Dorothy L. Sayers' Lord Peter Wimsey, whom he worked with during the Great War. (The books in the series were published in the inter-war era.) Like Jeeves, Bunter always seems to read his employer's mind. He knows when to bring refreshment, when to pack, and often accompanies Wimsey on his cases. Bunter, you see, has a secret weapon: His camera. An accomplished photographer, Bunter is often found snapping away at crime scenes - generally with the permission of the police. Bunter is also a close confidant of Lord Peter, having shepherded Wimsey through the worst of shell shock. Today we would call it PTSD. 

Bunter is nothing if not correct in all things, save once when he lost his temper when a maid mishandled some evidence. However, he's also good at inveigling information out of servants, even when it means he has to moan and complain about his employer. (He always apologizes to Wimsey afterward.) 

Lord Peter considers Bunter a dear friend.

Magersfontein Lugg (amazingly, I spelled it right on the first try!) is valet to Margery Allingham's Albert Campion. Lugg is a former burglar, and it's safe to say he has much to learn about social manners - if he cared to learn them. He's not afraid to butt in and speak plainly, which isn't always the best approach when Campion is trying to prise information out of someone. On the other hand, he's a great help due to his extensive contacts in the underworld. Lugg does try very hard to be correct at times. Still, what would Campion is fond of him as often as he gets exasperated with his behavior.

Dorothy (Dot) Williams is maid and confidential companion to Kerry Greenwood's The Hon. Phryne Fisher. She found Dot as she was contemplating killing the son of her former employer. The young man had lied to his parents about Dot coming on to him. Dot was at rock bottom, but Miss Fisher saw something in her and brought her in as a maid. Dot has grown over the years. She was definitely unpolished, but quickly settled into her position and went from being a "mere" servant to Miss Fisher's confidant and friend. Like Bunter, she's often found packing a suitcase for a trip before her employer knows she's going somewhere. With both of them, things just get done. Unlike Lugg, who sometimes has to be prodded to do his job.

The three all share common traits which are essential to telling the story. Of course, they play the role of sidekick, meaning the sleuth can provide some exposition to the reader. The sidekicks are trusted to take part in the investigation, meaning each sleuth can divide and conquer. Socially, they're all in lower classes than the sleuth, which allows them to gather information in places and from people where the detective is unable to work. Sherlock Holmes was great with disguise. Phryne Fisher grew up poor and could fake it in a pinch. All three have no problem interacting with more "average" people without being condescending, but think if it from the other end. The mere presence of an aristocrat can be intimidating, no matter how hard they work to put people at ease. Even Holmes had his Baker Street Irregulars.

Finally, one sleuth working on their own all the time can get boring. This is why Holmes has his Watson. (I left Watson out because he's not a servant. Also, the tales are told from his POV. Now Mrs. Hudson... She's not a servant, either, but I have this idea for a story where she's the investigator.)

Each of these characters has their own rich background and the author allows them to be an active and vital part of the story. Indeed, most readers love the companions just as much as the sleuth.

Oh, and who couldn't use a Dot or Bunter in their lives to organize the chaos? (Raises hand.)

Apologies if this is a tad disjointed. It did help get a few things straight in my head, though.

(Also, comments are still broken. You can easily find me in BlueSky or Facebook.)