That's the thing that's bothering me the most about this game, aside from technical issues. It's the first time I play an RPG where the character I'm playing becomes a supporting character. What a bizarre notion in an RPG, honestly. It's like as if in The Witcher 3 Geralt would spend the whole game learning about Triss's life, her motives and her relationships. Wtf.
It's a buddy comedy not a supporting character since Johnny cannot do anything and makes it explicit he doesn't want to be resurrected at the cost of your life.
The thing about the game is attempting to find out a way to save YOUR life and what sort of legacy you leave behind. I think that's an interesting story by itself because the best part of the game is the fact there's absolutely jack all you can do to change the world. The problems of Night City are systemic and brought about by greed, capitalism, poverty, and corruption.
Its very much like the Continent.
So, really your legacy are the lives you save and take because you can't really change the world but can maybe do a little good on the way. It's a fascinating alternative to, say, Morrowind or games that make you Darth Revan.