----------------------- The first fighter to appear in Master Hand's vision --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bandana Waddle Dee,[1][2][3][4][5] sometimes abbreviated as B.W. Dee[6] or nicknamed Bandana Dee,[1] otherwise known simply as Waddle Dee,[7][8][9] is a character in the Kirby series, debuting in Kirby Super Star. He is a Waddle Dee who wears a blue bandana. He has gone from being an insignificant, minor character in his first appearances to being a prominent figure who has appeared in almost every Kirby game to date since Kirby Mass Attack.

In his debut, he only made a brief appearance in Megaton Punch, though the remake extends this appearance to Revenge of the King and takes over the role of Arena Waddle Dee. Initially acting as King Dedede's sidekick, as seen in The Revenge and in Kirby's Return to Dream Land’s intro, Bandana Waddle Dee has come to be a common ally of Kirby, sometimes even opposing King Dedede himself. He wields a spear as his most common weapon, although he also displays skill with a parasol. When properly equipped, he is one of the few known Waddle Dees depicted to be on par with Kirby, in terms of skill and strength.

In his first major role in Kirby Super Star Ultra’s Revenge of the King sub-game, Bandana Waddle Dee is shown to be fiercely loyal to King Dedede, serving as his closest follower. He is always willing to follow the monarch's orders, and even fights Kirby despite not yet having any skills in combat.

Since Kirby's Return to Dream Land, however, Bandana Waddle Dee has become one of Kirby's closest friends, as well as a skilled spear wielder. He aids Kirby by giving him Assist Stars over the course of Kirby: Triple Deluxe and Kirby: Planet Robobot, and in Kirby Battle Royale, he even teams up with Kirby as his partner in The Cake Royale. In fact, he grew so loyal to Kirby, that he would even choose to be on his side rather than Dedede's (if the two were to ever have a conflict), as shown in Kirby Battle Royale, where he remains by Kirby's side throughout the entire game, even aiding him in the final battle against Dededestroyer Z. In the game, he's also revealed to be quite a fan of Meta Knight, sometimes shouting his name and enthusing over him when he sees him.

Bandana Waddle Dee is said to be friendly toward Kirby and Dedede's allies, but proves himself to be a "brave warrior" against his opponents, such as when he charged at, attacked, and chased off Grab Hand with no hesitation in the opening of Kirby and the Rainbow Curse. He is shown to think very highly of his friends and allies, admiring them for their strength and skills, and often complimenting them. He also speaks in a rather encouraging manner.

Despite his courageous and cheerful nature, Bandana Waddle Dee has been shown to have some insecurities. He sometimes worries that he holds back his friends in some way, as he states in Kirby Battle Royale, where he tells Kirby that he was worried he was holding him back throughout the most of the Cake Royale. He is also very dependent, feeling strength and fearlessness when with his friends and allies, and fretting that he can't do certain things alone, as shown in Revenge of the King and Kirby Battle Royale. In the latter, while smart and mindful, he is also shy and anxious. He appears to be quite wimpish at times as well, such as in Kirby's Return to Dream Land, where during Magolor's monologue after his betrayal, he can be seen tumbling backwards in shock, and even trembling afterwards. He also may have a fear of the Warp Star, as he grows a wide-eyed expression right before it takes off at the beginning of the Cake Royale in Kirby Battle Royale. However, he may have simply been alarmed by the Warp Star's sudden acceleration due to being tired at the time, since he is seemingly just fine when riding it in prior and later titles.

In the Kirby Memorial Arrangement album track titled “The Apple Juice Song,” he expresses his desire to someday become strong, mature, and popular like his allies and friends, giving him somewhat of an underdog role compared to the other protagonists. He expresses his wish to receive rewards for his actions like Team Kirby does in Team Kirby Clash Deluxe and Super Kirby Clash, hinting at a slight twinge of envy. Most of the time, Bandana Waddle Dee is just happy to be recognized as a hero and receive his fair share of the spotlight, as stated by his Figurine description in Kirby and the Rainbow Curse.

Bandana Waddle Dee also seems to have an interest in food. Bandana Waddle Dee is seen fishing in Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, shows as much excitement as Kirby at the prospect of the cake of his dreams in Kirby Battle Royale, and, according to "The Apple Juice Song," drinks apple juice daily, suggesting apple juice is his favorite drink.