Is Leonard the Kirk to Sheldon's Spock? The answer is a firm no - firstly because Leonard isn't brave, spontaneous, or a hit with green-skinned ladies. And secondly, because Spock isn't a rampant egomaniac with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. But enough about Sheldon.
Leonard takes an immediate shine to Penny, and subsequently does everything in his power to impress her - but often finds himself overshadowed by other guys. Kind of like how Biggs and Wedge must have felt watching Luke Skywalker swooping in and destroying the Death Star without even bothering to use his guidance computer.
Despite his perhaps over-arching aspirations for Penny, it doesn't stop Leonard doing normal things like shopping - for example he once bought the time machine from the film 'The Time Machine'. And he's not afraid to join in with fancy dress parties, even if Frodo Baggins isn't the manliest of costume choices.
Perhaps most importantly, Leonard is kind-hearted and has an almost inexhaustible well of patience when it comes to Sheldon. Lesser men would have sought vengeance after Sheldon's Night Elf rogue pilfered the Sword of Azeroth, leaving his friends at the mercy of a mighty goblin horde - but Leonard has a forgiving nature, bless him.
