NPCs:
Non Player characters do whatever the DM decides would make sense. Will that guy hold a torch while we clean the rats out of his barn? Maybe, depends on what his situation is and who is asking. Will that guy join the party if we give him a cut of the loot? Ask and find out. One way or another they do pretty much what the DM decides, whether that is helping, betraying the party or being useless. It all depends on the character because they will do whatever they want.
Hirelings:
Officially hiring a guy to hold your stuff and contracting him to do whatever. As above with NPCs but you can maybe trust them depending on your charisma, their professionalism and of course depending on how much money you put down and for how long. Keeping a few of these guys on can take a bit of charisma, else they may figure they would be better adventuring by themselves or doing something less dangerous with their lives.
Followers:
Upon reaching 9th level most classes can attract followers. Starting an acting troupe, raising a unit of mercenaries, taking on a student or starting a crew of thieves or attracting an apprentice/acolyte or two depending on the class. Most classes require you to join or start an organization, make it known you are looking for followers and/or start to own and control an area you claim. Sometimes this means having a place of your own, a castle, tower or residence where people who think you are great can find you. It helps if you’ve done stuff in the area you are known for. Once you have a follower you can be pretty certain they have your best interests in mind, they are your people and do what you generally want them to.
Most classes have a certain base number of followers. As you gain fame, fortune and levels you can often gather more and more people to your banner or cult of personality and grow that number if you try.
If you have multiple classes you can gain followers for any classes over 9th level individually.
Followers gained through the 2nd Edition rules (including the standard classes) have a fixed count but can freely level up (through missions, training, etc.) to a maximum of level 9. Followers gained through 3.5th Edition rules can increase in number as you grow in power but are variably level-capped depending on your Leadership Score. They can gain XP but if they go above your available slots they graduate out. All of this can, to a degree, be modified by roleplay.
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