I wouldn't suggest DnD for newcomers to RPGs

I truly believe that there is no perfect title to introduce a person to the world of role-playing games, but I don't think it's appropriate to think of the Starter Set or the Essentials box as a great option, that kind of opinions are the result of marketing. Since both products provide incomplete information that can be found for free on the Internet. Everything contained in the aforementioned products can be obtained by visiting the DnD Beyond and Dungeon Master's Guild pages, where details of the rules and multiple adventures for beginner adventurers can be found for free. 

In fact, with the DnD Beyond page, it is not even necessary to purchase the three main DnD books. However, I know someone might point out to me that I don't understand the purpose of the starter kits manufactured by WoC, as they are products made to provide easy access to the experience of creating characters and guiding the DM through the arduous task of running a role-playing game. And I don't deny that they can fulfill their purpose if they have mature and focused players, used to how RPG's work, but in case of finding themselves in front of complete unwary, the DM is going to suffer. 

The 5th edition rules, regardless of the format in which they are presented, seem to me too complicated for people with no experience at all. Elements such as reaction, conditions and additional action, will always generate confusion and although a very interested person can learn little by little about everything that happens in the game, it seems to me a painful introduction to a hobby. 

On the other hand in the field of acting in first or third person of the adventurers, I think DnD gives very little advice about it, not even with the dynamics of inspiration, which is optional and does not change much of what is happening in the game, making it clear to the person that acting is totally accessory, finally "this is a game of killing monsters".  And for those of us who have decades playing DnD we know that this is not true, the combats are constant, yes, but the acting, plots and personal conflicts that can be generated in a game can also change a lot the nature of the game and make it more entertaining. 

So, instead of the Wizards materials, to introduce new people to the hobby I never tire of suggesting the game of "Lady Black Bird", since the system it has slowly introduces concepts that are found in most role playing games, but it does it in a format where anyone can understand what is happening, if you want to show your strength by bending the bars of the prison you are in, you can use the skill that explains precisely what it does. Instead of relying on something as abstract as an athletics roll.

Likewise, the system uses 6-sided dice that can be stolen from any board game and the characters are involved in the story from its creation and have clear objectives throughout the game. Also the game director is given a simple guide on how to direct the game, resolve conflicts and how to present the outcome of the game to the players, since it can be said that this title could at most be extended to a game of about 3 or 4 hours. And better yet, the plot of the title is based on the "Princess Bride" film, so it is very close to perfection.

Despite everything I commented, I am well aware that it is possible to introduce people to the hobby through a game with a good number of abstract rules, such as GURPS or any similar system, but I do not consider that kind of experience to be pleasant for those who know nothing about the world of role-playing games. What I am saying is not strange at all, in the board game universe there are portal or introductory titles, the same would have to happen with role playing games. That's all I'm saying.