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companion; company
tritagonist; second supporting character
「連れ」 has another reading with different meanings.
彼女は子供連れでレストランに来ていた。
She came to the restaurant with her children.
一人で来たのではなく、連れがいるようだ。
It seems they didn't come alone, they have a companion.
旅行には友達を連れとして誘うことにした。
I decided to invite a friend as a companion for the trip.