Bandana Waddle Dee

“I'm Bandana Waddle Dee, everyone's favorite! Sure, I may be small, but I've got a BIG HEART...and a big spear that packs a wallop!”
― Bandana Waddle Dee • Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe

Bandana Waddle Dee is a main character in the Kirby franchise, who made his first appearance in Kirby Super Star's Megaton Punch sub-game as the first opponent, before becoming a character of his own in Kirby Super Star Ultra's Revenge of the King, where he was King Dedede's most loyal subject, until finally being promoted to a fully playable character and member of the core cast in Kirby's Return to Dream Land. Since then, he's been Kirby's best friend and Player 2 in games such as Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, Kirby Battle Royale, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land. He acts as a representative of his species, the Waddle Dees, which are considered secondary mascots of the franchise, as they are often seen alongside Kirby or on their own in countless merchandise and promotional material.

Characteristics

Personality

Initially, in Revenge of the King, Bandana Waddle Dee was characterized as being timid yet extremely loyal, such as when he tried his best to fight Kirby, in spite of his fear and awareness that he doesn't stand a chance, out of pure respect for his King. By Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Bandana Dee has become a skilled spear-wielding warrior who earned his place among the heroes of Dream Land through sheer hard work and determination, and has seemed to picked up some more courage as well.

“I've been worried this whole time that I've held you back, Kirby. But thanks for letting me join you in battle anyway! Because we made it to the final league! Now, let's claim the championship and pig out on tasty cake!”
― Bandana Waddle Dee • Kirby Battle Royale

“I'm glad I can keep up with you out there, Kirby. Kinda makes me feel like a real hero, y'know?”
― Bandana Waddle Dee • Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Still though, being the Luigi to Kirby's Mario, Bandana Dee, while more adventurous and daring than your average Waddle Dee, doesn't have a lot of confidence in himself, considering himself inferior to his friends, worrying that he may be unworthy to adventure alongside them and that he may hold them back, as implied by some of his dialogue. He may "feels like a real hero" when he's keeping up with Kirby and his friends on adventures, but he doesn't normally see himself as one.

Playing with everyone, in serious battles
With training, I have changed somewhat
The secrets to victory, are something I know well
Skill and power, and experience I gain in combat
And now, if I win against that kid
I'll grow mature too
Ahh, someday I want to become
Popular too
― Unofficially translated lyrics to "The Apple Juice Song," implied to be sung from Bandana Waddle Dee's perspective • Kirby Memorial Arrangements

Additionally, Bandana Dee is implied to be the singer of "The Apple Juice Song" from the Kirby Memorial Arrangements album, and the lyrics offers some more insight to his personality, showing that he wishes to one day become even stronger than Kirby and beat him one day in a friendly battle, which may tie into his insecurities of feeling like he needs to prove his worth. For your enjoyment, here's an adorable fan-made animated music video!