Followers are close companions to the protagonist in Metaphor: ReFantazio. They will teach their class Archetype and associated skills by getting to know them. Followers also have their own professions and duties aboard the Gauntlet Runner. They might serve as trainers, merchants, cooks, or other useful mechanics. You can also turn the combat party members into Followers, giving them more prowess while in a dungeon. With deep enough connections, they might even teach their abilities to the rest of the party.
https://screenrant.com/metaphor-refantazio-unlock-all-followers/