Most memorable NPCs outside of main scenario or sidequests?

[Theodric]

If it counts I'm rather fond of these guys:



I think they look pretty cool and they're very reminiscent of the design of the Imperials in both FF6 and FF12.

I'm hoping we get some Garlean themed gear at some point in the future.

[Berethos]

Recently reminded of another set of favorites - there's a Limsa Lominsan officer (I believe a Captain) that is chewing out a pair of subordinates. Not necessary humorous or noteworthy on its own, but walk a little bit further from them and listen to another conversation that helps elucidate exactly why they are getting reprimanded with a threat to be thrown in the brig.

While I'd recommend learning the reason on your own...

They were, according to the discussion of the others, caught "ruttin' like rabbits" in the captain's bunk.

[VargasVermillion]

If it counts I'm rather fond of these guys:



I think they look pretty cool and they're very reminiscent of the design of the Imperials in both FF6 and FF12.

I'm hoping we get some Garlean themed gear at some point in the future.

They're like the rank and file judges from 12, with the legates being the judge magisters. Always thought there armor looked cool, and fun fact they actually have unique voice lines that you probably wouldn't of heard due to everyone's abilities and the dungeon theme overtaking them.

[Powe]

Edda, her story is a great love story. She killed death to bring back her beloved, can't wait to see how it ends in the palace of the dead

[Atoli]

I often feel I am missing ongoing stories from minor NPC's because I don't visit the areas they are in. The little Mqitten, the goblin engineers near the Idyllshire Aetherite, or the Ishgardian couple...

You should do that more
I forget it quite often myself, so I'm not one to talk, but going through towns and settlements after a new patch is out can be very rewarding ^-^
Idyllshire (and formerly Revenant's Toll) is worth it just for the insane changes to the map itsself, as well as all the changed/new NPC dialouge.

[Confidence_Trick]

My favourite ongoing NPC story is the lemon cake saga in the Jewelled Crozier. Last I heard they had bought their sweet treats but found that they had no money for the groceries their mother sent them to buy, leading the sister to start getting worked up about the hiding they were sure to receive when they returned home. Frankly she has no-one but herself to blame; she's been agitating for those lemon cakes since day one.

[SoloNightlock]

Favorite non msq npc.... Godbert Manderville. Gsm lb op.

[Fevelle]

That one Wood-wailer female lancer on the gates of the stables near Blessed Bud in North Shroud. She kills at least a thousand ladybugs a day.

If class quests can be included, Thubyrgeim the Transpicuous. I wish I could marry her.

[swiss_Momo]

well, if NPCs from job/class quests are allowed then definitely Joye from the MCH quest line. Bang bang bang!

Else I'd say the little Elezen boy inside Solasticite getting scolded by an older student. Ever since the second half of that quest line he's been hiding in a corner crying. Poor kid

[Atoli]

So I actually found that someone took screenshots of the Ishgardian couple's story
Thought I'd share it with you, mainly for those who never got to see the earlier parts themselves:

Unhappily betrothed,
falling in love with a commoner,
and finally eloping together (I missed this part too because I DID read where they were supposed to meet but never found them).

What happens afterwards (the noble sending goons after them + the goons beating up the commoner in Idyllshire) can currently be seen if you go to the correct places