The Foil for a hero of the closely allied variety.
In general, the Lancer will often form one half of a Red Oni, Blue Oni contrasting duo with the main character. While they may butt heads with The Leader, they're usually the Best Friend by the end of it all.
Traits common to the Lancer include:
Being The Hero's primary foil. Typically in some form of Red Oni, Blue Oni. Their force of personality makes them a partner or Friendly Rival of relatively equal footing when paired up with The Leader, rather than a Sidekick who is more of a helpful assistant.
If they're also Number Two, they fill in the gaps in the hero's leadership style. If the hero is charismatic, they may be a mastermind. If the hero is levelheaded, they may be headstrong. If the hero is rash, they may be a calming influence.
Having a different mindset in terms of goals, training, or culture. If the team works from a place of passion, the Lancer may be more diligent and thoughtful and vice versa.
In a military setting, if the Captain is smooth, the Lancer will be Sergeant Rough. Since they're the hero's counterpoint, they may be more willing to employ dirty tricks or venture into moral gray areas. See: Token Evil Teammate. To that end, former bad guys or bad boys in general will become the Lancer on the good guys' side. This might also apply to their true Evil Counterpart (which is The Dragon).
If The Big Guy doesn't kick in the door, this guy will.
If there's a potential traitor in the group that manages to fool the hero, expect the Lancer to sniff him even before he knows the guy's true colors.
Due to most heroes being cheerful and passionate types, Lancers are often surly or analytical, but when the chips are down, Lancers are true as steel and will lay down their lives for the cause. If the rest of the members turn their backs on The Hero for some reason, the Lancer may be the only one who sticks by his side. In the event that The Leader of The Team is unable to lead, The Lancer usually steps up. This plot is used to contrast the leader's leadership style against what The Lancer's would be. A frequent ending for this plot is for The Lancer to gladly give up the reins of power while the Leader often notes that the team will be in excellent hands should he be absent after that.
On the other side of the coin, if the Lancer's dissent gets too out of hand, they're likely to go off on their own to do what they think is right.
Powers and skills common to the Lancer include:
A contrast to the hero's abilities in a meaningful way. Super Power Lottery vs. Bad Ass Normal, physical strength vs mechanical or spiritual strength, Bare-Fisted Monk vs Hyperspace Arsenal, direct attacks vs sneak attacks and so on.
Where the hero gets up close with a sword, the Lancer picks opponents off at range with with projectiles and guns, or pole weapons making for a literal lancer. See Short Range Guy, Long Range Guy and Guns vs. Swords. If everyone is a ranged fighter then expect the Lancer to be the best shot, or an Ace Pilot.
If The Hero and the Lancer have Elemental Powers, they will be complementary, like fire vs. ice (or water), light vs. darkness, or something else that makes sense in context.
However, if the Lancer isn't the opposite of The Hero, they get a similar toolkit but in a contrasting style making a Force and Finesse or Technician vs. Performer duo.
This trope is named for the man-at-arms of The Middle Ages, the term for a professional soldier. While the term also encompasses the members of the knightly class, a man-at-arms was not necessarily a knight. They were also men of lesser financial and social status than knights, but were equally trained and equipped to fight on horseback in full armour and with sword and lance, just like their social superiors. In this regard, he is most recognizable as King Arthur's greatest warrior and right-hand man, Sir Kay, according to the source Welsh legends (and who was later Demoted to Comic Relief).
On that note, if you were looking for a trope on the actual appearances and usage of lances, that's the Jousting Lance trope.
The Heart is usually the mediator between The Hero and the Lancer, making for a Power Trio (as well as a set-up for a Love Triangle). If it's a Love Triangle, the Lancer can either be the Hero's romantic rival or a potential love interest to contrast The Heart.
If given enough individual focus, the Lancer may become the Deuteragonist.
Not to be confused with the recurring character title of the Fate Series, nor Lancer in Deltarune, or the RPG of the same name.
