Birth order influences the way children act and how their parents react to them. If you're writing a character that has a few siblings, one of the most important things to note is that the same childhood ≠same experience.
Common Roles & Archetypes
Golden child: All families with multiple kids have the golden child. might be the youngest, might be the smartest. This is the favoured one; the one that's babied and gets showered with all the attention. If there's ever any fighting or arguing between siblings, this is the one the parents care about more and will believe them over the others.
The responsible one/caretaker: Typically the oldest one, especially in bigger families. This is the one that had to take care of their siblings as a parent would, and often causes resentment. This is the 'parentified' sibling. The sibling that isn't allowed to hang out with friends or make plans because they need to babysit their little brother/sister. Their childhood was cut short.
The invisible one: This always ends up being the middle child. The forgotten one. They rarely cause problems, or are part of the problems, but they are the one that don't receive support or attention.
The black sheep: This one is the rebel, the scapegoat, the one that's always in trouble. This one could be the middle or the youngest, but is rarely the oldest. They're blamed for arguments and they're the first one to get kicked out. Constantly grounded and constantly fighting to get attention.
The roles stick with them through life, even into adulthood. Conflict styles vary from passive aggression, to loud, physical fights or even just screaming at each other through the door.
Arguing/fights: Siblings fight. It's part of their key communication structure, especially in their younger ages. Siblings fight over everything, don't be afraid to throw in the most ridiculous points of conflict. Tension over attention (or lack thereof) from others: teachers, parents, boys/girls at school or even other siblings.
Conflict style: Stick to a conflict style. Are they loud? Do they scream and throw things? Silent resentment? Do they just get over it eventually?
Shared History: Growing up together means nicknames, inside jokes, sarcastic quips and specific gestures that mean things only to them. This also means they know exactly what triggers each other, things that annoy them, fears, ambitions. They know where to strike when they know everything about each other.
But it's not always about fighting
Emotional awareness: They know the signs when one is upset, or if something is wrong.
Loyalty: Siblings may feel protective over each other. This can be anything from waiting at the school gate to walk the youngest home, or running a form of 'reconnaissance' on a new boyfriend/girlfriend.
Distance: Separation can change how they interact, and shift dynamics. But old patterns come back, even if they've matured slightly.
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