Dialogue options would be a good midfle ground.
And I do understand ppl thinking silent MCs feeling 'lifeless', but I never personally felt that way bc they're supposed to be digital me, so I'm the one reacting... if that makes sense.
So, I actually like the more 'voiced' personality an MC has less compared to a silent MC.
SMT/Persona games have great examples of what I like most in MC expression myself
And yeah, take your time laying down your foundations before adding extras.
A yandere inserting herself would be great.... and hilarious if she banters with Cephe over the MC! I can see it now.