Gale is another good one. His story is filled with magic and mystery. His relationship with the Weave and his past mistakes make him a very interesting character to have around during the story. He often provides insights into the magical elements of the game world, which can enhance the overall story experience.
One of the great companion stories is that of Astarion. His journey from being a vampire spawn under Cazador's control to seeking freedom and redemption is really engaging. His past of abuse and his attempts to break free while also dealing with his newfound feelings towards the player character make for a complex and interesting story.
Shadowheart also has an amazing story. She's a cleric with a mysterious past tied to her goddess. As you progress through the game, you get to uncover her true self, her doubts, and her growth. Her story is filled with moral dilemmas and self - discovery, which makes it really interesting.
One of the best companion stories is that of Astarion. His backstory of being a vampire spawn and his journey to break free from Cazador's control is both tragic and engaging. It unfolds as you progress in the game, revealing more about his past and his hopes for the future.
Their personality also matters. A character like Wyll, who is very chivalrous and has a strong sense of justice, can influence the moral compass of the story. His decisions and the way he interacts with the other companions based on his personality can lead the story in different and interesting directions.
For me, Lae'zel's story has a lot of emotional depth. She is a githyanki warrior, and her story is full of her struggle to uphold the values of her people while also seeing the flaws in their ways. She has to deal with her own sense of identity and where she belongs in the grand scheme of things, which can be really moving at times.
In Baldur's Gate 3, Astarion has a really engaging backstory. He's a vampire spawn with a past full of abuse and manipulation by his master. His journey of trying to break free from that control while also dealing with his newfound vampiric nature makes for a great story.
I think Lae'zel has a very impactful story. Her strong - willed and somewhat brash personality at first hides a deep - seated sense of purpose. She's from a warrior culture, and her story of trying to uphold her people's values while also experiencing new things in the world outside of her homeland is really powerful.
Taking the companions on quests related to their personal stories is crucial. For example, for Astarion, quests that involve dealing with vampires or his past will further his story. You also have to make choices during these quests that are in line with what the companion would want or that oppose their views to see different reactions and story developments.
Gale is another excellent choice. His pursuit of magic and the mystery surrounding his condition with the Netherese orb. His relationship with Mystra and his attempts to regain his former status contribute to the story in many ways. He also has a lot of knowledge about the lore, which enriches the story as you progress.