This is some game! There are so many things to do it is mind-boggling! You can play as different races, classes, etc. and depending on which you choose you will get different story lines.
For instance, Elves are the slave races. People will either talk down to them or not wish to talk to them at all. You do need to talk to people to find information and obtain quest items, etc. Elves to have the ability to persuade people, however. ;)
You can also have romances with other characters. There is nothing x-rated, of course but it is interesting, nonetheless. LOL
You can gain allies and create a party to help you fight and gain the information you seek. You can also use tactics for strategically placing party members. For instance, set archers and mages to stay back and fire while fighters take the front lines and maybe a rogue flanks for a backstab!
There are many add-ons available to supplement armor, spells, additions quests, etc. Some are free and others are not.
http://dragonage.bioware.com/home/
