The best way is to focus on one quest at a time. Read all the quest dialogues carefully as they are full of story details. Also, make sure to complete any side quests that are related to the main story arc as they often provide additional context.
Well, without more context, it's hard to say precisely. It could be a story centered around a specific location called Dawntrail. It might tell the tales of the people living there, their traditions, and their daily lives. Or perhaps it's a spiritual journey where the dawntrail represents the path towards enlightenment. The characters in the story could be on a pilgrimage along this dawntrail, encountering various tests of their faith and morality as they move forward.
Since I don't know the 'dawntrail story' well, I can't say for sure who the main characters are. They could be brave warriors, wise sages, or ordinary people with extraordinary destinies.
I think the Dawntrail story in Final Fantasy 14 will offer a deeper exploration of the game's world. It may involve some ancient secrets being unearthed and how they affect the present - day characters and situations. There could be a journey that takes players across different regions of the game world, each with its own unique challenges and stories related to the main plot.
The story of FFXIV 1.0 was a mixed bag. Some aspects were engaging, but it had its fair share of flaws, like inconsistent character development and a confusing overarching narrative.