History Main / ServileSnarker

** Spike often veers into this when having to deal with Twilight Sparkle, on top of his usual snarkiness.

* ''Franchise/BlazBlue'' brings us [[BodyguardingABadass Hibiki]] [[BattleButler Kohaku]], who simply LOVES taking shots at his master [[HandsomeLech Kagura]] [[ChivalrousPervert Mutsuki]]. Then again, given his [[CastingAShadow abilities]], it only makes sense that he has a tendency to [[IncrediblyLamePun throw some shade]].

** [[OnlySaneMan Haskill]] from ''The Shivering Isles'' ExpansionPack for ''[[VideoGame/TheElderScrollsIVOblivion Oblivion]]'' is the Chamberlain of Sheogorath (the [[MadGod Daedric Prince of Madness]]) and a DeadpanSnarker without peer. Partway through the questline, you get the ability to summon him for sass (and questline advice) on demand.[[spoiler: He'll even snark at you while giving you Sheogorath's shrine quest, if you decide to do it after you've ''become'' Sheogorath, lampshading how you're just praying to yourself like a jackass.]]

* Jourdon Anderson, a former slave, [[http://civilliberty.about.com/od/raceequalopportunity/a/jourdonanderson.htm dictated this letter to his former master.]] Although arguably that was a subversion -- the letter was to show his master that the two men were equals. Presumably, he didn't talk like that to his master when he was a slave.

* Sir Hiss to Prince John in ''WesternAnimation/{{Robin Hood|1973}}''. "I knew it, I just knew this would happen, I tried to warn you but oh no, you wouldn't listen" is practically his {{Catchphrase}}. He gets more abuse for it than most, however.

See SassySecretary for another variation of this character. Also see SarcasticDevotee, If the servant is a robot or computer it overlaps with SiliconSnarker. NoHeroToHisValet, HonestAdvisor, CourtJester, HaughtyHelp, FrenchMaid.

-->'''Prince George:''' What can I do to a woman that I can't do to you?\\

* Eve Sisulu, the Black maid in the South-African strip ''[[http://www.madamandeve.co.za/ Madam & Eve.]]''

* Ozvaldo von Hrafnavines from ''VideoGame/GenshinImpact'' is a raven familiar who is staunchly loyal to [[{{Chuunibyou}} Fischl]], Prinzessin der Verurteilung, and is willing to go along with her antics, even acting as her TranslatorBuddy by simplifying her quasi-Elizabethan speech. This, however, does not mean he hesitates to sass back at her every now and then. To cite one example, when it snows, this exchange occurs:
-->'''Fischl:''' Hm-hm. A wonderful sight indeed. Why, it reminds me of my home world, where at the sight of the Prinzessin der Verurteilung, the very blood and tears of sinners turn to ice! ...Atchoo! Atchoo!\\
'''Oz:''' Not only their blood and tears, but also their saliva and mucus, mein Fräulein.\\
'''Fischl:''' Oz— Ahh—Atchoo!!!

See SassySecretary for another variation of this character. Also see SarcasticDevotee, If the servant is a robot or computer it overlaps with SiliconSnarker. NoHeroToHisValet, HonestAdvisor, CourtJester, HaughtyHelp and FrenchMaid.

You wouldn't like taking orders from some pompous, rich [[UpperClassTwit higher-up]] for a living, would you? Well, neither does the Servile Snarker. Often, the only way to express that resentment or question your employer's decisions is to snark at them for all it's worth--after all, [[UltimateJobSecurity what are they going to do, fire you?]] Some employers may genuinely enjoy the banter or value the valet's second opinion (even if they end up disregarding it.). Some might even consider them [[TrueCompanions a member of the family]] and know that there's genuine love behind the mocking.

*** For example, when the team leaves Wayne Manor after defeating some Hawkmen, leaving one out front, and Alfred walks up:

* ''Radio/TheHitchhikersGuideToTheGalaxy'': Marvin the Paranoid Android can be this sometimes, in his cynical and depressed way.

* ''VideoGame/{{Fable}} III'':

* In the recent ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog'' games, Dr. Eggman got himself Orbot. In his first appearance, Orbot snarked at Eggman to no end, but recently, he still snarked at him, but it was toned down a bit.

** Haruka has this as part of her job description. Inaho hired her for both maid duties and her constant BokeAndTsukkomiRouthine, with her the tsukkomi. This means that she needs to offer snarky remarks on cue and smack Inaho with a paper fan, on top of serving as her maid, something she is all too happy to do.

* Theremin in ''Radio/{{Ectoplasm}}'' is one, in his more polite moments. The rest of the time he's outright abusive.
* Marvin the Paranoid Android from ''Radio/TheHitchhikersGuideToTheGalaxy'' can be this sometimes, in his cynical and depressed way.
* Humphrey Lyttelton has twice played a butler in ''Radio/ImSorryIHaventAClue'' specials: the Laird's butler in ''Radio/HamishAndDougal's Hogmanay Folic'' and Barry Cryer's butler in ''In Search of Mornington Crescent''. In both, he continued to be [[GentlemanSnarker Humphrey Lyttelton]].

%%* Julius the grocery boy in ''Radio/ThePhilHarrisAliceFayeShow''.

%%* Sebastian Michaelis from ''Manga/BlackButler'', oh so very much.

* In ''LightNovel/{{Durarara}}'', towards Izaya, it's [[spoiler:[[SassySecretary Namie]]]] of all people. Sure, she'll take any opportunity to insult him, but that doesn't mean she doesn't do everything she's told with style, and it doesn't mean Izaya can't [[VolleyingInsults return]] [[SnarkToSnarkCombat the favor]], either.

* Kyon from ''LightNovel/HaruhiSuzumiya'' fits this to the T, being snarky in general, especially towards SOS-Brigade-leader Haruhi Suzumiya, who treats him as essentially nothing more than a slave and toy for her amusement.

* ''LightNovel/SagaOfTanyaTheEvil'': The only person in the world Tanya will put up with talking back to her even slightly is her adjutant, Victoria Serebryakov. It's a downplayed example, as Victoria is still scared stiff of Tanya and will often shut up quickly at the first sign of anger, but she has on several occasions questioned Tanya's orders and not been punished for it, which is unique in the series. As a result, she's probably the closest thing to a friend Tanya has.

* Katarina's personal maid Anne in ''LightNovel/MyNextLifeAsAVillainessAllRoutesLeadToDoom'' doesn't hesitate to snark at her or facepalm at her antics, which is hard to resist doing because of how nutty Katarina is. Anne is secretly glad that her charge isn't just nice but also crazy and unpredictable though because it means she doesn't know how to suck up to her, leaving her free to be herself and stop considering herself a tool like she was raised to believe.

** [[OnlySaneMan Haskill]] from ''The Shivering Isles'' ExpansionPack for ''[[VideoGame/TheElderScrollsIVOblivion Oblivion]]'' is the Chamberlain of Sheogorath (the [[MadGod Daedric Prince of Madness]]) and a DeadpanSnarker without peer.
** ''[[VideoGame/TheElderScrollsVSkyrim Skyrim]]'': Lydia the Housecarl is sworn to carry your burdens...though technically at first, that was the only snark she would deliver to you in the original game (granted, being said from opening her inventory that players are bound to do a bunch with followers made it so certain players would hear that a lot). The ''Dragonborn'' DLC [[AscendedMeme upped the ante for snark degree among her lines]].

You wouldn't like taking orders from some pompous, rich [[UpperClassTwit higher-up]] for a living, would you? Well, neither does the Servile Snarker. Often the only way to express that resentment or question your employer's decisions is to snark at them for all it's worth--after all, [[UltimateJobSecurity what are they going to do, fire you?]] Some employers may genuinely enjoy the banter or value the valet's second opinion (even if they end up disregarding it.). Some might even consider them [[TrueCompanions a member of the family]] and know that there's genuine love behind the mocking.

* Season 3 of ''Series/JessicaJones'' briefly includes a secretary for Alias Investigations named Gillian, who responds to every request with a complaint or a sarcastic comment.

* The title character from ''Series/{{Merlin|2008}}'' has this in spades. He and Arthur have a very VitriolicBestBuds relationship [[{{Understatement}} to say the least]]. It's shown that after a while, Arthur actually comes to (mostly) appreciate someone who won't be a YesMan, but will always give him thoughtful, non-obsequious advice. As with Alfred in the Batman mythos, it's clear that they are much more than master and servant (YMMV on whether it's SlapSlapKiss or HeterosexualLifePartners).

"Do you think," he said to him after a pause, "you scurvy clown, that you are to be always interfering with me, and that you are to be always offending and I always pardoning? Don't fancy it, impious scoundrel,...

%%* Angharad the maid is this for Myth/KingArthur in ''Series/{{Kaamelott}}''.

'''Dr. Nefarious:''' That moron [Captain Quark] could never hope to beat the likes of me!\\

-->'''Salluste:''' ''[in the bath]'' There's not enough foam.\\
'''Blaze:''' ''[shampooing him]'' There's not enough hair, either.

%% Administrivia/ZeroContextExample entries are not allowed on wiki pages. All such entries have been commented out. Add context to the entries before uncommenting them.

* Matsurika from ''Manga/MariaHolic'' is a particularly harsh example: she's beyond snarky with her master, she's flat-out ''abrasive'' with everyone.
%%* Robert, Prince Wilfred's valet and bodyguard from ''Manga/PrivatePrince''.
* Linith from ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanoha''. She has ''very'' little respect for her creator Precia, and is not above talking back or using sarcasm even during her last words ("my never kind master, Precia"). Has a better relationship with Fate, but is not above teasing her a little over her being sleepy in her LotusEaterMachine dream.
* Kyon from ''LightNovel/HaruhiSuzumiya'' fits this to the T, being snarky in general, especially towards SOS-Brigade-leader Haruhi Suzumiya, who treats him as essentially nothing more than a slave and toy for her amusement.
* Riza Hawkeye, in ''Manga/FullmetalAlchemist'', is [[ColonelBadass Roy Mustang's]] adjutant. Her job duties have her mixing this up with SassySecretary, but whichever way you look at it, she's the only person who gets away with sassing him -- sometimes full-stop ''yelling'' at him. The fact that she does get away with it is partly due to his understanding that she's completely loyal to him and only has his best interests at heart, and partly due to ShipTease.
* In ''Anime/{{K}}'', the Blue King gets this from both his second-in-command, Awashima, and his third, Fushimi - more so from the latter. He seems to prefer it this way since he keeps Fushimi around despite the fact that Fushimi was previously a member of the Red Clan.

* Tomoe from ''Manga/KamisamaKiss'' is sarcastic in the extreme. He continues to be sarcastic to his master Nanami even after he develops a BodyguardCrush on her.
* Watase of ''Manga/PoorPoorLips'', Ren's maid who has a sarcastic remark ready for all of her mistress' antics. We later meet more of the maid staff in Ren's household, whereupon we get to see that this is a trait shared by all of them.
* In ''LightNovel/{{Durarara}}'', towards Izaya, it's [[spoiler:[[SassySecretary Namie]]]] of all people. Sure, she'll take any opportunity to insult him, but that doesn't mean she doesn't do everything she's told with style, and it doesn't mean Izaya can't [[VolleyingInsults return]] [[SnarkToSnarkCombat the favor]], either.

* Leo from ''Manga/PandoraHearts'' is like this to his master and [[VitriolicBestBuds best friend]] Elliot mercilessly, although his intentions are honest (to keep Elliot from acting like a spoiled BlueBlood, essentially).
-->'''Elliot:''' Who's side are you on, Leo?! Isn't a servant supposed to help his master?!\\
'''Leo:''' A servant's duty is to correct his master's wrongdoing, too. But I see. You want a servant who blindly approves of his master's thinking, right? [[DeadpanSnarker I actually wanted to do a good job. Real pity.]]

* Haru Jigokumeru's butler in ''Manga/{{Ojojojo}}'' likes to make sarcastic comments at the least opportune times, but serves faithfully nonetheless.
* ''LightNovel/SagaOfTanyaTheEvil'': The only person in the world Tanya will put up with talking back to her even slightly is her adjutant, Victoria Serebryakov. It's a downplayed example, as Victoria is still scared stiff of Tanya and will often shut up quickly at the first sign of anger, but she has on several occasions questioned Tanya's orders and not been punished for it, which is unique in the series. As a result, she's probably the closest thing to a friend Tanya has.

* Katarina's personal maid Anne in ''LightNovel/MyNextLifeAsAVillainessAllRoutesLeadToDoom'' doesn't hesitate to snark at her or facepalm at her antics, which is hard to resist doing because of how nutty Katarina is. Anne is secretly glad that her charge isn't just nice but also crazy and unpredictable though because it means she doesn't know how to suck up to her, leaving her free to be herself and stop considering herself a tool like she was raised to believe.

-->Your legs and spirit seem awfully dead for an immortal.

* ''Franchise/{{Batman}}'''s butler Alfred Pennyworth was considered as a candidate for the TropeNamer. It takes an extraordinary man to snark at someone who regularly makes others wet their pants in fear. He's also somewhat unique among examples of this trope in that his snarkiness, at heart, [[NoBadassToHisValet comes out of love for the man he snarks against]]. It's made abundantly clear that, despite his support, he really would rather Bruce Wayne ''not'' be Batman, and he's not shy about taking advantage of the fact that he's one of the only people who can dress Batman down and actually be listened to.

* Wong, faithful manservant and friend to ComicBook/DoctorStrange, is normally a straitlaced and serious character, but in the issues of ''[[ComicBook/NewAvengers The New Avengers]]'' when he's had to serve the title characters he gets very... ''snippy'' with them.
-->'''Wong:''' ''[entering the mansion, loaded down with luggage]'' When I dedicated my life in service to you as Sorcerer Supreme, I remember I closed my eyes and prayed that one day I would grow up to be a second-rate Jarvis for a second-rate pile of Avengers.
* In ''ComicBook/{{Plasmer}}'', the Doorman is apparently an artificial intelligence with a holographic projection, left to guard the technology used for British doomsday weapons from previous wars. After the villains take control, he gets increasingly snarky in his “how can I help” speeches, although they don’t really listen. [[{{Foreshadowing}} They should have listened]].
* In ''ComicBook/{{Silverblade}}'', former child star Bobby Milestone is the major domo for Jonathan Lord: the only servant looking after the aging movie star's massive estate. Milestone has a line in snark that would do [[Franchise/{{Batman}} Afred Pennyworth]] proud, and gets away with it, possibly because he knows that he is the only one who will put up with Lord's crap. Every time he threatens to quit, Lord gives him a rise.

* ''Fanfic/ChildOfTheStorm'' has JARVIS, as usual, usually to Tony. Additionally, there is the example of Uhtred, after he develops UndyingLoyalty to Harry (Harry saved his life) and becomes his Sworn Sword. While this is nominally a bodyguard/warrior-retainer position, Uhtred's mainly a friend, a counsellor, and a loyal right hand. He also sometimes likes to play up the servility of his role, despite Harry finding it irritating. Harry sourly remarks that he thinks that Uhtred does this ''because'' he knows it annoys him - and all the evidence indicates that yes, this is in fact the case.
* Shizune in ''Fanfic/SonOfTheSannin'', unlike in canon, has no problem in sassing Tsunade. It's implied that Naruto's rebellious nature rubbed off on her.
* Ash's Pokédex in ''Fanfic/PokemonResetBloodlines''. He even says at one point that one of his functions is to "provide helpful advice and witty commentary".

** Mercy is Lexi Luthor's chauffeur, bodyguard, and best friend. Despite being on the payroll of [[BadBoss a Luthor]], Mercy frequently snarks at her employer's [[ForeignCultureFetish fascination with Japanese culture.]]

* In ''Fanfic/AmazingFantasy'', Aleksei cheekily ribs his boss Melissa over her love life and says she provides all the teen drama he could ever want to watch without paying the cable bill.
* [[Literature/HarryPotter Dobby]] is this to Harry in ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12562072/ Harry Potter and the Daft Morons]]'', usually over their competition to get to the kitchen first. Harry uses [[InsistentTerminology cheffing]] as stress relief, Dobby does it as his duty to his beloved master, leading to [[InsultOfEndearment insults]] from Harry and this trope from the house elf.

* This is popular with Disney sidekicks.
** Zazu in ''WesternAnimation/{{The Lion King|1994}}'' regularly snarks at or about Mufasa and his son Simba. It gets him in trouble with [[TheCaligula Scar]] who treats him as a court jester and makes him sing, with Zazu pressing Scar's BerserkButton by mentioning his brother's name, saying "But no I would have never have had to do this with Mufasa." Even his excuse sounds vaguely snarky: "Yes sire, you are the king, I was merely noting the difference in your royal, managerial approaches." In the stage version it gets to the point that you find yourself wondering how he's still alive by the time the curtain goes down. When Scar asks "What's wrong with this picture?" Zazu replies under his breath "You're in it." Scar goes on to say "I need bucking up" prompting Zazu to reply "You are bucked up ... royally" earning a DeathGlare from Scar.
** Downplayed with the servants in ''WesternAnimation/BeautyAndTheBeast''. They’re snarky towards each other, but they’re very tactful towards the Beast, especially at the beginning.
** Sir. Hiss to Prince John in ''WesternAnimation/RobinHood1973''. "I knew it, I just knew this would happen, I tried to warn you but oh no, you wouldn't listen" is practically his {{Catchphrase}}. He gets more abuse for it than most, however.
** Iago in ''{{WesternAnimation/Aladdin}}'' to his boss Jafar, the Sultan and pretty much the entire cast.
--->'''Iago:''' Okay, he's cracked. Jafar! ''Jafar''! Get a grip! ''[[NeckLift Good grip]]''.

* {{Mammy}} from ''Film/GoneWithTheWind''. Creator/HattieMcDaniel's performance, in particular, is thought to have inspired the characteristics of the SassyBlackWoman. Particularly when Scarlett is trying to fast before the Wilkes' barbecue, Mammy makes a sly comment about Ashley not proposing to her. An enraged Scarlett starts stuffing her face.
-->'''Mammy:''' Now don't eat too fast. I don't need you to have it come back up again.
* ''Film/BlackNarcissus'': Angu Aya is the native Indian who has been a servant at the house [[OldRetainer since it was for the general's harem]]. Now when it's being used as a convent by some incompetent nuns, she stands by snarking at every mistake they make. Even when one of the nuns has run off and the others chase after her [[SayMyName screaming her name in a panic]], Aya mimics them.
* Killick in ''Film/MasterAndCommander'', in SPADES. He regularly snarks the Captain "Lucky Jack" when things don't go his way. The Captain is no pushover but seems to have a secret reserve of tolerance for Killick.

* ''Film/IronMan'': Some of the same guys from the Comics section get bonus points for their movie versions. For instance, we have the A.I. version of Jarvis. Interestingly, in what is either FridgeLogic or FridgeBrilliance depending on how you look at it since Jarvis is an A.I. invented by Tony, Tony must have designed him that way. The FridgeBrilliance occurs if the behavior originated as confirmation responses and error checking for Jarvis' voice recognition, as most of Jarvis' snark occurs when agreeing with Tony. Tony probably added the sarcastic tone to make Jarvis sound less like an insincere yes man, then liked it so much he [[ThrowItIn threw it in]].
-->'''Tony:''' ''[seeing the rendering of the Mk III armor]'' ... A little ostentatious, don't you think?\\
'''Jarvis:''' What was I thinking? You're usually so discreet.\\
'''Tony:''' Tell you what. Throw a little hot rod red in there.\\
'''Jarvis:''' Yes, that should help you keep a low profile.
* Tucker from ''Film/TheRulingClass'', who makes sarcastic (though not particularly witty) and derogatory comments behind his employers' backs.
* Riff-Raff from ''Film/TheRockyHorrorPictureShow'' displays barely concealed contempt for his master throughout the film in their interactions.
* Vincenzo from the Olsen Twins film, ''Film/{{It Takes Two|1995}}''. However, due to his relationship with the Calloways, he does it all in good humor. Everyone knows this and seems to be willing to verbally spar with him in good fun. However, he very subtly voices his displeasure for [[RichBitch Clarice]].

* [[NoCelebritiesWereHarmed Alfons Hatler]] from the German crime parody ''Film/DerWixxer'', though he's certainly not subtle. Has a habit of saying "Arschloch" the minute whoever he was attending to turns their back.
%%* Yukio towards [[{{Jerkass}} Shingen]] [[CorruptCorporateExecutive Yashida]] in ''Film/TheWolverine''.

* The maid in ''Film/MyManGodfrey'' is very deadpan, especially to the cops.

* In ''Film/LaughterInParadise'', Simon's butler Benson is under no illusions about what kind of man his employer is, and has a fine line in subtle putdowns. With his wages several months in arrears, he has cause for his low opinion of Simon and he ultimately decides to run a con on his boss.
* Maume Maria of ''Film/ReapTheWildWind'' doesn't hesitate to take a leaf out of [[Film/GoneWithTheWind Mammy's]] book of snarking - and to be fair, Loxie gives her plenty of reasons.

* In ''Film/TheManWhoChangedHisMind'', Clayton is TheIgor to Dr. Laurience, but knowing that he could die at moment, combined with the fact that no one else will work for the eccentric Laurience, allows him to be extremely sarcastic to his employer (and everyone else).
* In ''Film/DelusionsOfGrandeur'', Blaze is Don Salluste's valet... but even when he isn't outright sabotaging Salluste's money-grubbing plans, he's serving him by making a few snarky quips there and there, or with lots of eye rolls when silent.
-->'''Salluste:''' ''[in the bath]'' There's not enough foam.\\
'''Blaze:''' ''[shampooing him]'' There's not enough hair, either.

* Creator/PGWodehouse's Jeeves of ''Literature/JeevesAndWooster''. He does enjoy working for Bertie and genuinely cares about him, but will make it known when he does not care for his master's taste in clothes or music.
* Many of the servants in Wodehouse, in fact. Beach from the ''Literature/BlandingsCastle'' series is another good example.
* Lewis's valet George from ''Literature/DarknessVisible'' is genuinely fond of his employer, but that doesn't stop him putting in the odd dig:
-->'''George:''' Would sir like his customary black, or would he perhaps like to be adventurous and try something in a dark grey?\\\
'''George:''' Mr. Marsh is not to be foolish without your supervision. I understand, sir.
* Lynn Belvedere, in Gwen Davenport's ''Belvedere''. Later portrayed by Clifton Webb in a series of films, and by Christopher Hewett in the TV sitcom ''Series/MrBelvedere''.

* In John Zakour's series ''Literature/ZacharyNixonJohnson'', the last freelance P.I. on Earth, HARV the super A.I. assistant is made of this trope.
* Magnus in the ''Literature/CodexAlera'' is like this all the time.
-->'''Magnus:''' And Your Highness expected me to ''listen''?
* ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'': Bob the Skull does a lot of this whenever he's lecturing Harry on some obscure bit of lore, otherwise he tends toward being a shameless pervert. Notably Bob's personality shifts depending on his owner, so it's ''Harry's'' fault he's like this - though in Harry's defence, he was [[HormoneAddledTeenager 16]] when he first picked up Bob, and the first impression matters (which is why there's only a subtle difference when Butters, who already knew Bob as Harry's servant, owned him). [[spoiler: Bob as owned by someone with fewer scruples and no sense of humor is ''utterly terrifying''.]]
* In ''Literature/DragonBones'', Axiel and Oreg snark lots. Justified in that Axiel was the valet of Ward's late father, and is much older than Ward, who, in turn, respects him a lot. When Ward and his brother Tosten fight each other with their eyes closed, to show off, Axiel reprimands them, using a foreign word. When he is asked what it means, he explains it means "stupid boys". When Oreg calls Axiel a "grumpy old dwarf" in return, ''Tosten'' reprimands Oreg for showing too little respect to his elders. Hilarious, as Oreg is Really700YearsOld, or, possibly, even older, as he was MadeASlave by the [[EvilSorcerer ancestor]] who founded the Hurog family line, of which Ward and his siblings are descended. Both Axiel and Oreg get away with the snarking because Ward knows they're fiercely loyal to him where it counts.
* Sebastian from ''Literature/{{Heidi}}'', especially in regards to Mrs. Rottenmeier. At one instance, Heidi reminds Rottenmeier that she didn't say "please" when she asked for something. Sebastian quips in "you know, you ''didn't''" - and Rottenmeier excuses herself to [[INeedToGoIronMyDog have a sudden word with the cook]].
* This character has been a staple of GothicLiterature since its inception, whose purpose is to provide a comic relief breather in the midst of all the darkness, angst, and tragedy in the rest of the plot:
** Bianca in ''Literature/TheCastleOfOtranto'' -- Horace Walpole admitted he was imitating his idol Creator/WilliamShakespeare.
** Peter in ''The Romance of the Forest''.
** Annette in ''Literature/TheMysteriesOfUdolpho''.
** Literature/JaneEyre the snarky governess, who is also the heroine.
** Nellie Dean of ''Literature/WutheringHeights'' (who [[AlternateCharacterInterpretation some interpret as the heroine]]).

* ''Literature/LandOfOz'':
** Kaliko, Chief Steward to the Nome King in the ''Oz'' books, is quite willing to let his monarch know when he's being an idiot. The Nome King, despite being a BadBoss and quite willing to kill off his generals when they annoyed him, kept him alive -- probably because Kaliko was also a HypercompetentSidekick and the King didn't want to have to replace him. (Kaliko ends up departing this trope to become the new Nome King, to the great relief of his subjects.)
** Jellia Jamb, head of the Palace maids in the Emerald City, also displays traces of this from time to time, having a mischievous sense of humor that occasionally raises its head -- most notably in the famous "translation scene" from ''Literature/TheMarvelousLandOfOz.''
* ''Literature/InDeath'': Summerset, who regularly trades insults with Eve.
* Higgins in the ''Literature/BloodyJack'' series sometimes resorts to sarcasm to show what he thinks of Jacky and her ways.
* ''Literature/DonQuixote'':
** {{Deconstructed|Trope}} Sancho Panza: What happens in RealLife to the employee that cannot say anything about his master without being sarcastic? Why, Sancho is beaten by Don Quixote at chapters XX and XXX of Part I, and gives him a hurricane of insults at chapter XLVI:
--->Don Quixote, when he heard such blasphemies uttered against his lady Dulcinea, could not endure it, and lifting his pike, without saying anything to Sancho or uttering a word, he gave him two such thwacks that he brought him to the ground; and had it not been that Dorothea cried out to him to spare him he would have no doubt taken his life on the spot.\\
"Do you think," he said to him after a pause, "you scurvy clown, that you are to be always interfering with me, and that you are to be always offending and I always pardoning? Don't fancy it, impious scoundrel,...
** And the only murder that is explicitly shown in this novel is the [[TooDumbToLive bandit who dared to snark to his leader]].
--->One of the squires observed in his mixture of Gascon and Catalan, [[GentlemanThief "This captain of ours would make a better friar than highwayman]]; [[JustLikeRobinHood if he wants to be so generous another time, let it be with his own property and not ours.]]"\\
The unlucky wight did not speak so low but that [[NotSoHarmlessVillain Roque overheard him, and drawing his sword almost split his head in two]], saying, "That is the way I punish impudent saucy fellows." They were all taken aback, and not one of them dared to utter a word, such deference did they pay him.
* Cloak from ''Literature/TheSupervillainySaga'' can only barely hide his exasperation and affectionate contempt for the BunnyEarsLawyer and CardCarryingVillain star of the series. [[spoiler:The fact he's the ghost of an {{Expy}} of Batman makes it even funnier.]] Later, Diabloman takes over this role from Cloak and, to an extent, [[Literature/AgentG Agent G]] and [[Literature/TheBrightFallsMysteries Jane Doe]] who end up employees of Merciless despite being the heroes of their own books.
* The later ''Literature/HarryPotter'' books have Sirius Black's house-elf Kreacher - although in this case, the snark is only the tip of the iceberg of animosity as he's outright vile to all of Sirius' guests and [[spoiler: betrays Sirius to his death in ''Literature/HarryPotterAndTheOrderOfThePhoenix'']].

* In ''[[Literature/AmarathineSaga Tsumiko and the Enslaved Fox]]'', Argent, who unwillingly serves as a butler for a large magical estate excels at this, although he prefers non-verbal expressions of snark, such a raised eyebrows, tsk-ing sounds, and condescending tones of voice, since, as his internal narration points out, "he couldn't be held accountable for words left unsaid."

* ''Series/GameOfThrones'':
** Bronn is not afraid to speak his mind to Tyrion, which is one reason Tyrion keeps him around since he knows Bronn will tell him the truth.
--->'''Tyrion:''' Stannis has more infantry, more ships, more horses. What do we have?\\
'''Bronn:''' There's that mind of yours you keep going on about.\\
'''Tyrion:''' Well, I've never actually been able to kill people with it.\\
'''Bronn:''' Good thing. I'd be out of a job.
** Likewise, when Tyrion first goes to work with Daenerys he is not afraid to speak his mind to her. At first she listens to him and is receptive to changing her plans if he thinks a plan won't work, and even names Tyrion as her hand. This changes as she loses her grip on her sanity in the seventh season.
* ''Series/HogansHeroes'': In one episode, as [[SoldiersAtTheRear Klink]] talks about the symbolic meaning of "The Flight of the Valkyries," Helga says "As a warrior, you must feel it deeply." with a very insincere look on her face. Klink is facing away from her, so he doesn't pick up on the sarcasm.
* Florence Johnston from ''Series/TheJeffersons''. She's the Jeffersons' live-in housekeeper whose quips and insults became famous, especially against her employer, George.
* ''Film/TheChristmasThatAlmostWasnt'': Blossom is Prune's butler, who helps him out in his various schemes but never fails to put his own opinion forth.

%%* Florence from ''Series/TheJeffersons''.

* ''Series/{{Rome}}'':
** Posca, Julius Caesar's personal secretary/slave. Posca is property -- he can be killed for speaking out of turn -- but he owns ''everybody''. When Caesar dies, everyone else politics. Posca weeps.
--->'''Mark Antony:''' Cheer up, Posca, you're not dead yet.\\
'''Posca:''' I sincerely hope not, because if this is the afterlife it is very disappointing!
** Cleopatra's maid has some aspects of this as well, chewing her mistress out for smoking opium and other bad habits, even though the queen beats her for her sass and can certainly have her killed at a whim. When Cleopatra commits suicide she follows suit, and not just because it's expected of her.
* ''Series/TwoAndAHalfMen'' has Berta (Conchata Ferrell), the housekeeper.
-->'''Charlie:''' I don't pay you to mock me.\\
'''Berta:''' Charlie, you'd have to pay me ''not'' to.\\\
'''Berta:''' ''[to Evelyn, who has just gotten her lips plumped]'' Man, the last time I saw a mouth like that, it was trying to eat Creator/JacquesCousteau.
* Holly, the ship's computer, is like this in early episodes of ''Series/RedDwarf'', when he's more servile and less of a full-fledged crew member.
-->'''Lister:''' ''[after discovering his actions gave rise to the Cat's religion]'' Holly!\\
'''Holly:''' Yes, God?
* Ianto from ''Series/{{Torchwood}}''.
-->'''Jack:''' It's just a mind probe.\\
'''Ianto:''' Remember what happened last time you used it?\\
'''Jack:''' That was different. And that species has extremely high blood pressure.\\
'''Ianto:''' Oh, right, their heads must explode all the time.
* ''Series/DoctorWho'': Jenny Flint can be pretty snarky towards Madame Vastra... which makes a lot of sense, since she's actually ''[[SubordinateExcuse married to her]]'' and only playing the maid role because they live in Victorian London.
* Rosario, Karen's maid on ''Series/WillAndGrace''.
* Stephanie on ''Series/{{Newhart}}'' is an unlikely combination of this and RichBitch.
* Laura from ''Series/TheBrittasEmpire'' is the HypercompetentSidekick of Gordon Brittas, a phenomenal case of the PointyHairedBoss. Unlike most of the staff, she actually ''likes'' Gordon, but she still needs to dish out some serious snark to cope with working for him.
* Lurcio, the wisecracking Roman slave in ''Series/UpPompeii''.
* ''Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine'':
** Darok, General Martok's aide.
** Mila, Enabran Tain's aide. At one point, she is secretly hiding the rebelling leader of Cardassia, one of the most dangerous spymasters in the Alpha Quadrant and one of the best Bajoran terrorist-turned-colonels. It doesn't stop her from putting them all in their place when they need it and if they need a snarky kick up the rear end, she's there to provide one.
%%* Occasionally, Daphne on ''Series/{{Frasier}}''.
* Charlie Young, personal aide to the President, on ''Series/TheWestWing''. Actually... make that the entire West Wing staff. But especially Donna, who snarks it up practically every moment she has onscreen (which, thanks to Janel Maloney's rather lovely chemistry with Bradley Whitford, is quite a few).
%%* Angharad the maid is this for Myth/KingArthur in ''Series/{{Kaamelott}}''.
%%* The title character from ''Series/MrBelvedere''.
* The title character from ''Series/{{Merlin|2008}}'' has this in spades. He and Arthur have a very VitriolicBestBuds relationship [[{{Understatement}} to say the least]]. It's shown that after a while, Arthur actually comes to (mostly) appreciate someone who won't be a YesMan, but will always give him thoughtful, non-obsequious advice. As with Alfred in the Batman mythos, it's clear that they are much more than master and servant (YMMV on whether it's SlapSlapKiss or HeterosexualLifePartners).
-->'''Merlin:''' How long have you been training to be a prat?\\
'''Arthur:''' You can't address me like that.\\
'''Merlin:''' I'm sorry. How long have you been training to be a prat... my lord?
* ''Series/WKRPInCincinnati'' had Hirsch, Mrs. Carlson's butler. She rings for him and he shows up in mere seconds:
-->'''Mrs. C:''' Well? Where have ''you'' been?\\
'''Hirsch:''' Mardi Gras, ma'am.
* ''Series/{{Farscape}}'':
** Lieutenant, later Captain, Miklo Braca sometimes functions as this for Scorpius and Grayza. Of course, with Grayza, in particular, it's wise to be heavier on the servile than the snark, but he lets it out full-strength in one wonderful speech at the end of the "We're So Screwed" trilogy...
** Also, Pilot. It's the only way the poor guy stays sane. He's sworn to obey any order that doesn't put [[LivingShip Moya]] in harm's way, but that doesn't mean he can't make fun of those giving the orders if they're particularly stupid or pissing him off.
* ''Series/PowerRangersOperationOverdrive'' has Spencer, the Hartford family's butler.
* Gunnery Sergeant Victor Galindez from ''Series/{{JAG}}''.
** Since this is a show where deference to authority is paramount, practically all the characters are prone to this at some point towards a superior.
* Several junior characters get this in on their superiors on ''Series/BabylonFive'', to varying degrees of subtlety:
** Ivanova would snark often at Sheridan, usually with just enough subtlety to be on her way out the door before Sheridan could retort. In this case, the two officers had a healthy rapport from years of working together previously on Mars.
--->'''Ivanova:''' Good luck, Captain. [[ShoutOut I think you're]] [[Franchise/StarTrek about to go where]][[FascinatingEyebrow ...]] [[ReallyGetsAround everyone has gone before.]]
** In turn, Ivanova has Lt. Corwin's dry wit to deal with:
--->'''Ivanova:''' If I live through this job... without completely losing my mind, it'll be a miracle of biblical proportions.\\
'''Corwin:''' Well, there goes ''my'' faith in the almighty!
** And Londo Mollari gets one in on [[TheCaligula Emperor Cartagia]], who he met twice previously, as a drooling infant and as a teenager trying to peek up girls' skirts:
--->'''Cartagia:''' Ah, Mollari. It's wonderful to see you again.\\
'''Londo:''' And you, Majesty. [[StealthInsult I could swear you have not changed since the last few times I saw you.]]\\
'''Cartagia:''' Oh, you are of course too generous.
* Zoila from ''Series/DeviousMaids'', especially since her employer, Genevieve, is a high-maintenance and co-dependent DramaQueen. Genevieve usually misses the point, anyway.
* ''Series/{{Taboo}}'':
** Brace does what he's told, but he reserves the right to snark while he's at it.
** This exchange between Coop and one of the Prince Regent's footmen:
--->'''Coop:''' How is he this morning? \\
'''Footman:''' Toe and arse this morning, sir.\\
'''Coop:''' Oh, God. I know about his toe. What happened to his arse?\\
'''Footman:''' One can only imagine.
* Bertram in ''Series/{{Jessie}}'', who usually responds to any misadventures the kids and the title character have (or anything, really) with snarky commentary.
* Season 3 of ''Series/{{Jessica Jones}}'' briefly includes a secretary for Alias Investigations named Gillian, who responds to every request with a complaint or a sarcastic comment.

%%* Julius the grocery boy in ''Radio/ThePhilHarrisAliceFayeShow''.
* Humphrey Lyttelton has twice played a butler in ''Radio/ImSorryIHaventAClue'' specials: the Laird's butler in ''Radio/HamishAndDougal's Hogmanay Folic'' and Barry Cryer's butler in ''In Search of Mornington Crescent''. In both, he continued to be [[GentlemanSnarker Humphrey Lyttelton]].
* Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, as valet to [[Radio/TheJackBennyProgram Jack Benny]], (also on television, movies, and cartoons), was quick with a comeback to Benny's own deadpan snark.

* Creator/WilliamShakespeare loved this. His fools almost always had clever lines to knock people off their horses.

* Almost all the servants in Creator/{{Moliere}}'s comedies are like this, heavily snarky and sassy to their rich and stupid or naive employers. Which makes it a sad thing when one modern translation of ''Don Juan'' adds a line not found in the original text, the inclusion of which makes it ''impossible'' to play the servant Sganarelle as anything but a buffoon.
* Nicola from George Bernard Shaw's ''Theatre/ArmsAndTheMan'', although very fawning around his master, has no small amount of wit and sarcasm to fling around otherwise.
* The original Zanni (especially Colombina who was usually the only sensible person on stage) from CommediaDellArte, who made a regular habit of popping their masters' egos with panache.
%%* Lane from Creator/OscarWilde's ''Theatre/TheImportanceOfBeingEarnest''.
* Liza from ''Theatre/{{Peter Pan|1954}}''. She doesn't necessarily start out like this, but once Mr. Darling starts living in a dog kennel and riding it to work, well...
* Mozart and Lorenzo Da Ponte seemed to like this archetype, Leporello in ''Theatre/DonGiovanni'' and Despina in ''Theatre/CosiFanTutte'' are the standard supporting-role variety, while Figaro and Susanna in ''Theatre/LeNozzeDiFigaro'' are rare examples of Servile Snarker protagonists.

* ''VideoGame/RatchetAndClankUpYourArsenal'' has Dr. Nefarious' dry-witted manservant Lawrence.
-->'''Lawrence:''' You put the "wit" in "twit", sir.\\
'''Dr. Nefarious:''' Yes, I do, don't I...\\\
'''Lawrence:''' Even drooling imbeciles can achieve success in certain fields, sir. [[MadScientist Mad Science]], for example.\\\
'''Dr. Nefarious:''' That moron [Captain Quark] could never hope to beat the likes of me!\\
'''Lawrence:''' If anyone can beat a moron at his own game, it's you, sir.
* ''VideoGame/ManaKhemia2FallOfAlchemy'':
** Whim; she is often punished for the remarks, though.
** Raze and Yun share the same traits but are smart enough to keep it to themselves.
* [[EveryoneCallsHimBarkeep The butler]] in ''VideoGame/DiscworldNoir''. Although his snark is directed at Lewton, not his employer. (He doesn't actually have any ''scenes'' with his employer.) He's a lot less polite about it as a result. He'd raise obstruction to an art form if not for the fact that you have business with both his bosses, neither of whom appreciate being kept waiting.
* Alfred, of course. For example, this little gem from the ''Film/BatmanBegins'' video game:
-->'''Batman:''' Alfred, I need a way inside the asylum.\\
'''Alfred:''' Might I suggest donning a pair of tights and pretending you're a bat, sir?\\
'''Batman:''' ''Cute''.

* In ''VideoGame/TalesFromTheBorderlands'', [[TheBigGuy Loader Bot]] is quite prone to this, especially if you made him self-destruct in Episode 1. While he's always there to save your hide from the bad guys, he'll usually snark about your incompetence if he doesn't shun you. Hell, even when you're on ''good'' terms with him, he starts delving into this later on!
-->'''Loader Bot:''' [[spoiler:''[having just pried a door open out of [[SpaceStation Helios']] thruster room]'']] We really should stop meeting like this.\\
'''Rhys:''' I am SO happy to see you, buddy!\\
'''Loader Bot:''' You are very needy.
* In the recent ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog'' games, Dr. Eggman got himself Orbot. In his first appearance, Orbot snarked at Eggman to no end, but recently, he still snarked at him, but it was toned down a bit.
* ''Franchise/BlazBlue'' brings us [[BodyguardingABadass Hibiki]] [[BattleButler Kohaku]], who simply LOVES taking shots at his master [[HandsomeLech Kagura]] [[ChivalrousPervert Mutsuki]]. Then again, given his [[CastingAShadow abilities]], it only makes sense that he has a tendency to [[IncrediblyLamePun throw some shade]].

--> '''Fischl:''' Hm-hm. A wonderful sight indeed. Why, it reminds me of my home world, where at the sight of the Prinzessin der Verurteilung, the very blood and tears of sinners turn to ice! ...Atchoo! Atchoo!\\

* In ''{{VideoGame/Disgaea 4|A Promise Unforgotten}}'', while Fenrich may be [[UndyingLoyalty obsessively loyal]] to his master Valvatorez, he isn't afraid to admit that he can at times be a total moron, and usually expresses these opinions through underhanded compliments.
* Cherche is both this and a NinjaMaid to Virion in ''VideoGame/FireEmblemAwakening''. [[spoiler: And she can actually ''[[BodyguardCrush marry]]'' [[BodyguardCrush him]], if the player so desires.]]

* [[ArtificialIntelligence Kaliban]] of ''VideoGame/CryingSuns'' can be quite snide at times, commenting on the player’s tendency to ask lots of questions and making the occasional remark when you start a new run after a death.
-->'''Idaho:''' I am ready, machine.\\
'''Kaliban:''' That's what you said last time.

* ''VisualNovel/UminekoWhenTheyCry'': Beatrice's butler Ronove keeps his job because he keeps his mistress from getting bored.

'''Evangelyne:''' You mean, the chamberlain of the kingdom that's some ten thousand leagues from here? No problem. I'll go, I'll explain how you ran away, and I'm back in two months with the royal guard.