Before everything, I tried posting this on the subreddit but it was automatically deleted for asking a frequently asked question, so here I am instead, here's the post:

Easy one first, should I bother with the story? voice acting kind of a req for me on that front, doesn't need to be good, it just needs to be there, and also if it's actually worth listening to so a short synopsis would be appreciated, also I'm not the type to go lore hunting and read every book and note and codex entry I can get my hands on, so, strictly main story stuff, maybe some side quests if they're funny.

Now for the more complicated one, what class to choose, I did watch a playlist of 2-4 minutes long videos explaining the theme of each class but that guy was way too focused on the pvp aspect of the classes, which I have no interest in whatsoever, but it was still somewhat sufficient for me to get an idea, I just want opinions from a solo pve perspective on these classes, I'm looking for something on the tankier side, not reliant on dashes, just charge in and kill everything, here are the classes that got my attention a bit in that playlist: Scholar, Valkyrie, Maehwa, Mystic, Drakania, Corsair, Dark Knight, Nova, Guardian.

Welcome to BDO,

Story is important for leveling and getting stones for enhancing (improving) your gear. I'd suggest you make a season character and do the story as you'll get decent gear (Naru which you will then turn into Tuvala, they explain how) that will last you for quite some time. You'll also get the necessary black stones in order to improve your season gear. The stories aren't the greatest but I've seen worse. You can also skip through it pretty fast via 'R' if it isn't your cup of tea. There are important side-quests as they give you more inventory space (VERY important). You can hit 'O' and it will show you a list of quests. Main and suggested. Suggested is what helps with things like inventory slots as well as pets. You want to make sure you have ALL quest types toggled ON (at the bottom of the quest list when you hit 'O' there's a square looking icon, make sure it's yellow).

For class, honestly just play what's fun for you. You can play the supposed 'top class' and you might HATE it. Which would not be fun. You can make trial characters so you can get the feel of them. What playstyle do you favor? Mage, assassin/rogue, warrior, hulk-smash?

Guardian is easy to pick up and not complicated. A very good beginner class! She's also pretty tanky and does good damage. She's good with both awakened and succession. A bit of a nordic barbarian. Pretty much a button mash class. She's the enemy of Drakania (they have a pretty cool story, DRAGONS!)

Drakania is a cool class but can be a bit clunky to use at first. Once you get the hang of her movement and skills she's easy to pick up. She's got decent mobility and she's tanky as she can block and has self-healing skills (most classes have some form of self-healing), all of which gives her good survivability. She's good with either awakened or succession. Just comes down to preference. Very fun class to play once you get used to her. Kind of a battlemage type class (swords, spears, and magic in the form of fire and lightning). She's a dragon in human form (literally, it's in her story). Her skills are cool as hell! 

Mystic is a monk type class that does nice damage and is very mobile. I have no problem doing mobs on her. Awakened is better with her (in my opinion). She gets nice aoe skills. She's a lot of fun either way. Her awakening gives her water effects as well as a sea dragon that appears when you use specific skills.

Nova is really good she uses a morning star and shield as her weapon and subweapon. Her shield blocks a decent amount of damage. Her morning star does nice aoe frost damage. She can also summon things which is a BIG help! Has good survivabilty. Succession SUCKS with her right now so she's another one you'd want to awaken. She's like a necromancer who wields a morning star and shield. More of a dark themed class.

Dark Knight is good either way, it just depends on what you like more. She becomes more of a caster upon awakening. Glass cannon but good burst dps, good mobility, and good aoe. Very flashy skills, pretty if you like magenta lol. Succession is like Sorc with a sword.  She also has a few self-heals (both awakened and main-hand) which makes grinding easier. She's an evasion class. Another dark themed class.

Corsair is Pirates of the Caribbean meets Aquawoman. A swashbuckling pirate girl who harnesses the power of the sea. She's got a LOT of flashy skills, good damage, and REALLY mobile. She's a lot of fun and easy to pick up. She's another evasion class. You can do awakened or succession well on her. Very good grinder. Awakened you get otters, lol which does nice support (they shoot cannons). You also drop a giant anchor on your enemies. Her awakened weapon is a Harpoon Gun. So you can switch flawlessly between melee and ranged. More of a fun lighthearted class to play. She's a blast to grind on!

I don't have experience with Maehwa or Scholar. Never played them.

If you want to know more about specific classes (combos, gear, and builds) there are also class specific Discord channels that can help you out! 

Just take your time. This is not a game you can rush. There's a LOT to do and figure out. It can be a bit overwhelming at times so don't be afraid to ask questions! Good luck, welcome to BDO, and have fun!

Try Guardian.  She's great for newer players and a lot of fun.  I like Maehwa, but she's high-maintainance.  Valkyrie is most high maintainance, but then again, I do Succession with her.  Awakening Nova is fun.