Much seconded on the for-video game necessity that you, as a player, should need to inform the game, as the controlling entity, of your interest and intentions - doesn't mean the character has to be the one to make the first move, necessarily, but the player should nee dot indicate who they wish their character to pursue before the game pushes anything on you.
I enjoy Gale too. Frankly, I actually find him to be the most honest character we currently have access to (with the possible exception of Lae'zel) - in that he is fairly straightforward in telling you about his dire secret and asking for your co-operation with it, while each of the others will only share their secrets once they've been caught out, but will otherwise lie directly to your face, repeatedly.