It's when it defines, typifies or if the purpose of the character in the narrative. Not one small aspect or a context appropriate moments of dialogue/characterisation. Otherwise by, any joke in any aspect of them or any dialogue = relief, then there's never been a character written who isn't.
For the topic and from your avatar, I kinda of hope there's an underdark origin companion seeing as how that's where the next act can happen. Probably not a drow as while, beloved, we have two elves already so maybe a deep gnome? They get to be gnomes without the wacky intellectual personality and are generally shown as just people who live under hardship so could make a good NG 'I just want for others better than I got' character?
Minthara is the best character and she NEEDS to be recruitable if you side with the grove! Also- I support the important thread in the suggestions: Let everyone in the Party Speak
