Varric single-handedly redeemed Dragon Age II for me. I almost fell out of my chair the first time he smooth-talked his way out of a sticky quest for me. I adore using my powers of persuasion in Dragon Age. I also love the scene where he (all by his lonesome) one-shots every enemy for a few minutes, until you realize he's just embellishing the story to make himself look good (and not even trying to be convincing at this point). I love his bravado and the way, as you observe, he is ultimately just an awesome friend.

Replaying Origins I was delighted when I realized his voice was the same as that of Leske from the dwarf commoner storyline.

Anyway, I love Varric.