There's also Preston Garvey from Fallout 4. He is a Minuteman who is trying to revive the Minutemen faction and bring some order to the Commonwealth. His character represents the hope of rebuilding and helping others in the desolate wasteland.
Dogmeat is a must - mention. His loyalty is unrivaled. He doesn't have complex motives like some humanoid companions, but his simple presence and the way he helps the player in combat and exploration tell a story of pure loyalty. And Curie. She starts as a simple caretaker - like robot but evolves into a complex synth with her own dreams and desires, which is really cool.
The Chosen One is the central character in Fallout 2 story. Then there are characters from different factions. For example, the Brotherhood of Steel has some important members. Tandi, the president of the New California Republic, is also important. The Enclave's soldiers and commanders are important as they are the antagonists in many ways. These characters all contribute to the complex web of the story's plot and the various power struggles in the post - apocalyptic world.
In the Fallout 4 story, the Sole Survivor stands at the center. Preston Garvey is significant as he offers the Sole Survivor a chance to be part of something bigger, the Minutemen. Codsworth is not just a robot but a connection to the past for the Sole Survivor. Nick Valentine is a character full of depth, being a synth detective, he helps the Sole Survivor in their quests. Father, on the other hand, is a complex character. He is the leader of the Institute and his actions and decisions are deeply intertwined with the Sole Survivor's search for their son and the overall fate of the Commonwealth.
Well, the Lone Wanderer is the central character in Fallout 3 story. But other characters matter a great deal too. James, the father, who is a scientist with secrets. Dogmeat, who is not only a companion but also helps in combat and exploration. Then there are the leaders of the different factions. For example, the Sheriff of Megaton, Lucas Simms. He is in charge of the town and the Lone Wanderer has interactions with him. And let's not forget Three - Dog, the radio DJ who spreads news and information across the wasteland.
Piper is a great choice for the story. She's a journalist with a curious nature. She'll often comment on the events in the story, adding some interesting perspectives. And her personal quest also ties in well with the overall narrative of Fallout 4.
Well, Fallout 3's story is great for those who like a more personal and somewhat linear adventure. The main character has a clear goal from the start - find dad. The worldbuilding in Fallout 3 is also quite good, but it mainly serves to support this central story. In Fallout New Vegas, the story is a complex web. You start as a Courier who gets caught in the middle of a huge power struggle. There are so many different paths you can take depending on which faction you side with. Each faction has its own ideology and goals, and your choices really shape the outcome of the story. It offers a much more immersive and replayable story experience than Fallout 3.
The Lone Wanderer and the Courier would be an obvious and great pairing. They both have unique skills and experiences from their respective wastelands. The Lone Wanderer's knowledge of the Capital Wasteland and dealing with the Enclave could be useful to the Courier, while the Courier's familiarity with the Mojave's factions like the NCR and Caesar's Legion could help the Lone Wanderer understand different political landscapes.