Dragon Age 2 has nine possible companions and players have the joy of watching them develop over the three acts within the walls of Kirkwall. Like any Dragon Age game, the companions have their own opinions and motivations which sometimes clash with Hawke's choices. This can result in rivalry, which, ironically, is something fans should prefer to neutrality. It turns out that when these companions are neither friends nor rivals, they tend to meet their worst fates.
There are also certain choices Hawke can make that can ultimately betray these characters be it through death or slavery. Of course, the biggest choice is presented at the end of the game when Hawke has to pick a side between mages or templars. Depending on their relationships with the companions, some may break up their loyalty from Hawke and choose the opposing side.
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Anders is a companion that is the catalyst for the final battle and quest. He blows up the Chantry, causing a Right of Annulment to occur and forcing Hawke to choose a side to protect. Hawke can make the choice to kill him, and he accepts. There is also a hint that Anders may end his own life after the battle if Hawke has a complete rivalry with him and convinces him to side with the templars.
Aveline is one of the first companions in the game and is very close to the Hawke family. She is one of the few companions Hawke cannot kill no matter their choices or friendship/rivalry rank. The most negative end is if Aveline's quest, Questioning Beliefs, was never completed and Hawke sides with the mages. Unless Hawke manages to convince her otherwise, Aveline abandons Hawke, saying she wants nothing to do with them anymore but will
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