Judy Greer to Vivian Vance: A field guide to female sidekicks

Realist

Vickie in “Reality Bites” (Janeane Garofalo)

On the edge of adulthood and drowning in 1990s angst, Lelaina (Winona Ryder) needs a reality check. Enter Vickie, sidekick with an edge, a dark side and an employee discount at The Gap. She’s the friend willing to tell it to you straight: Get over the guy and get a job.  (Chris Pizzello / AP)