Keep them one level lower than the party to provide useful buffs (like a Paladin’s Aura) without being the "hero" of the fight.
In Tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons, a "good" NPC or DMPC is one that enhances the story without overshadowing the players. The Recommended "Piece": The Support Specialist NPC npc-dmpc.part01.rar
If you are building out this file part, you might include a or a pre-set list of names organized by race and culture. Keep them one level lower than the party
Take a common name and change the first letter (e.g., "Zork the Orc") for instant naming. npc-dmpc.part01.rar
Differentiating between a helpful NPC and a problematic DMPC is a major topic in the TTRPG community.