You know what? Leaving aside party gender balance issues, DA continuity might just have been better off if Fenris and Sera switched places.
Allow me to play devil’s advocate!
Has a background that is totally unrelated to anything else that is going on in Kirkwall, making him a poor foil for Anders’ rebellion against the Chantry system.
Has a natural entry-point into the story as a hunter of slavers and magister assholes.
Also provides a very good foil to Dorian, insofar as Dorian’s pride in Tevinter culture is couched in his own unexamined privilege.
Could easily be given a personal quest that ties in to Calpurnia’s backstory, further bringing him into the main story. For extra heartache there could also be a red lyrium tattoo scare.
Fits in with the Inquisition’s crew of experienced warriors who want to eradicate injustice. We see a lot of determination and sadness and loss in the Inquisition personal quests, but not so much anger. Maybe some anger would be good for them.
Is out of place amongst the older and more experienced party members.
Has a personal storyline that only ties in to the greater plot to the extent that it reminds the player that commoners exist.
Fears magic because she witnessed blood magic firsthand in the Denerim alienage, and provides some context for why regular people are so afraid of mages in the first place.
Vocally believes in the Chant of Light, putting a more human face on the doctrine that Anders speaks out against.
Has an epic rivalry with Merrill, because let’s be real, in what universe is Sera okay with some Dalish blood mage feeling free to drag a dangerous mirror into the center of the alienage because her elfy elf research is more important than the safety of those around her.
Fits right in with Hawke’s ragged crew of outcasts, but is not afraid to challenge a pro-mage Hawke.