The Elf can be an excellent choice for the story. Elves in Dragon Age Origins have a tragic past. They were once a proud and powerful race but have been subjugated. Their connection to the Fade and the ancient elven magic, along with their fight for survival and reclaiming their heritage, makes for a very engaging story. You get to explore their alienages, deal with the racism they face, and uncover secrets about their history that are intertwined with the main plot.
For me, the Human Noble is a great choice. As a class, the Warrior suits well. The Human Noble has a rich backstory deeply intertwined with the game's politics. Being a Warrior gives you the strength and combat abilities to face the challenges in the story head - on. You get to have a personal vendetta against Loghain which drives the plot forward in an interesting way.
In Dragon Age 1 Origins, the Human race story often involves complex politics and power struggles within the various human kingdoms. Their stories can be about rising to power, dealing with civil unrest, or facing threats from other races. For example, the story of the Couslands in Ferelden is full of political intrigue.
The Elves. They've been through so much. Their enslavement by humans has left them in a difficult position. When you play as an Elf, you can experience the prejudice they face daily. There are also the Dalish Elves who are trying to preserve their ancient ways. Their stories involve ancient elven gods, magic that has been lost or forgotten by other races, and a sense of longing for a past that they are constantly trying to reclaim. It's really a race full of both sorrow and a glimmer of hope for restoration.
I think the City Elf Rogue is really engaging. City Elves are oppressed in the game's world. As a Rogue, you can use your skills to fight back against that oppression. You can steal from the rich nobles who look down on you and your people. Your skills also come in handy when exploring the city and finding out secrets that are related to the main story, like the secrets hidden in the alienages.
The shortest origin story could potentially be the Mage origin if you rush through it. You begin as a mage in the Circle of Magi, and there are some key events like the Harrowing. But if you just focus on getting through the main events without delving too deeply into the politics and side - issues within the Circle, it can be a relatively short origin. However, this might mean missing out on some interesting lore and character development within the origin.
The race stories add depth to the gameplay. For example, as a Human, you might have different dialogue options based on your noble or commoner background which can affect quests. If you're an Elf, your knowledge of the old ways can open up unique magical or lore - related quests. It makes each playthrough different depending on the race you choose.
Dwarves offer a unique perspective for the story. Their underground society, with its own politics, culture, and history, is fascinating. As a Dwarf, you can explore the mysteries of the Deep Roads, deal with the darkspawn threat from a different angle compared to other races, and also be involved in the power struggles within the Dwarven caste system. You'll learn about their lost thaigs and their relationship with the surface world, which adds a lot of depth to the overall story.
The story of Dragon Age Origins Awakening focuses on the continuation of the events after the main game. You play as the Warden-Commander, dealing with new threats in the land. There are new darkspawn mutations and a growing sense of danger. You also get to recruit new companions, each with their own backstories and motives. It's a story filled with political intrigue, as you interact with different factions in the region.