It's funny how a lot of my permanent villagers weren't supposed to be permanent. I had more of a set list of dreamies in New Leaf and ended up liking many of them, so it was actually refreshing to not really have a plan in New Horizons. I keep villagers based on the interactions they have with me and other villagers in the game and a lot of my current ones just ended up stealing my heart LOL.
My list right now:
Fang- I literally remember island hopping for someone new and was kind of over it. Fang appeared and I just remember thinking that was fine and said "Meh, he goes for about 50-60 NMT so I'll take it." Little did I know that my game had big plans for him and now he's one of my favourite villagers on my island LOL. My game has a mind of its own too honestly because it never fails to remind me how Fang is its favourite as well
Daisy- She was on my dreamy list before NH started. I remember being torn between her an Goldie back in New Leaf and ended up choosing Goldie. I said I'd try her out in the next game and I'm happy to say she's never leaving lmao. Forgot how I got her exactly but I think it was via amiibo?
Piper- She wasn't on my dreamies list but she was one I considered. I forgot how I got her exactly, but I believe I found her while island hopping and decided to give her a shot and I have no regrets. I like to write lore for my island and she's literally one of my character's best friends. I love the chaotic energy she brings to the table
Raddle- He was on my old island before I restarted (rip Larkfolly, you lasted a good 2 months). And while I liked him, I never considered keeping him? But man he really did grow on me on my old island and it was kind of sad to say goodbye. Funnily enough, I stumbled upon him while island hopping once again on my new island and i was pleasantly surprised. Safe to safe he's staying forever haha
Sherb- This guy has been on my island for quite some time. Pretty sure I also found him while island hopping and just saw him as a quick cash grab becuase he was one of the new ones at the time and had no amiibo card. The longer he stayed though, the harder it was to let go and I think after about a year I decided he'd be a permie
Quinn- She was never planned to be a permie but I'm literally in love with her bye. I remember when the 2.0 trailer dropped I was most interested in Shino and Sasha? But I just got over them and Quinn started catching my eye. Honestly I have no words, she's just perfect in every way
Wolfgang- This guy used to be in my NL town and wrote that he moved to my NH island. Honestly I just love his design so much, he's probably my favourite villager design and aesthetic wise in NH ngl? I might let him go someday but for now he's staying
Raymond- One of my former dreamies. I remember seeing leaks of him but got a little disinterested upon release bc of all the hype surrounding him. When I finally got him I wasn't that into him but I kind of wrote him off as a stuck up rich boy and the drama he brings to my island is juicy LOL. Waiting on his redemption arc ig
Whitney- I had her in my NL town and she moved away. I got her back and think I may still have her but just wrote it as her having two homes bc she's hella rich ksdfkdgkd. As much as I love her, I've been thinking of letting her go just because she doesn't interact much on my island and I need lore lmao
Tybalt- He was supposed to be the jock on my island but I really can't stand jocks and he just doesn't work out, dude and I got some beef so he has to go bye. I really do like his design but that's about it