Companions (Origins)

Companions are the people who will join The Warden on their journey through Ferelden. They have their own opinions and objectives and may ask for The Warden's help on quests of their own. Only three companions at a time can travel with The Warden, but a full party does not prevent The Warden from recruiting further companions. Once recruited any party members unable to join the party will wait at camp. However, The Warden can make decisions which will result in a companion leaving, or even dying.

In the new DLC 5 new companions will be introduced.

Temporary Companions
These companions typically join you during the beginning while you're in the Origin portion of the game.

Some unnamed temporary companions can also join you during The Tower of Ishal quest (see article for details).

Note: any equipment you give companions during the origin story will show up in your inventory when you're in Ostagar, even the equipment held by Daveth and Jory. Don't be afraid to give them whatever weapons an armor you have that might be better than theirs.

Approval
Companions' approval changes based on plot decisions or gifts. High approval provides combat bonuses, the ability to have longer conversations, and possible romance options, while low approval may lead a companion to desert you.

Secret Companions

 * The can be recruited if you decide to spare his life at Landsmeet. However, doing so will upset Alistair enough to make him leave the party for good.