I think I'm the only one on the T-A forums that actually likes Virgil 0 , but, that aside, he's great for healing if you're not a techie, or until you get Raven, and he contributes to the plot heavily (probably not essential, but I've kept him in all my games).
I always keep him, because like Settler said, he adds a lot to the storyline. He's also pretty useful because he automatically tries to heal your party. I usually only keep NPCs that have speaking parts, so that's another reason I like Virgil. But to answer your question, no, you don't have to take Virgil.
I tried to keep Virgil....until my character attacked him and well....he's dead, and I didn't bother wasting my fatigue to bring him back.
Are you kidding? Virgil is your best friend. (and healer..until you get Dante or Jayna Stiles!) Take it from me, I'd keep Virgil. Virgil knows exactley when to advise you (well, sometimes he knows when to insult when you have Magnus in your party..LOL!) and when to help you. But I have to say, his AI is sort of (no wait..totally) BAD! Ya always have to ressurect his sorry behind, tho..LOL!
He's such a prick to dumb characters, though. You'd think he'd be more sympathetic since he's such a stupid ass himself. Especially in combat. Oh, let's see... I know! I'll keep on trying to heal Magnus until I pass out from fatigue! Or, Hey look! There's a giant rock laying in that field. I think I'll pick it up and overencumber myself to the point that I constantly faint! Good job, Virgil.
Me too. In my current game (I'm just come back from Thanatos), I've got Virgil, Magnus, Raven, Loghaire and Franklin 'Jolly Good Show' Payne. Gotta love that accent.