I try to explain it one more time. Panam, Judy, River, Kerry are called “side characters” in the game. But the thing is only Panam and Judy take part in V’s fate personally during main quests (Judy helps you with BD analysis and with Evelyn search and Panam helps you with Hellman Search).
Both Evelyn and Hellman are characters V must find to know what to do further. In this case Panam and Judy are main characters in fact.
While Kerry and River are really “side” characters. Unfortunately meeting with them doesn’t have any impact on V’s life. I don’t blame them, they are also good characters and probably good romance partners. But devs made the story as we see it now.
Both Evelyn and Hellman are characters V must find to know what to do further. In this case Panam and Judy are main characters in fact.
While Kerry and River are really “side” characters. Unfortunately meeting with them doesn’t have any impact on V’s life. I don’t blame them, they are also good characters and probably good romance partners. But devs made the story as we see it now.