Normally, when a member joins your clan, they usually have no abilites and no equipment. There are only Six obtainable characters that are not involved in the main story that hav abilities once joining a clan. Each character is of different race, except Littlevili and Eldena, who are both Vieras. They all come with the Ultima Ability already learned. To get them into your clan, you have to have different mission items. Note that the secret characters MIGHT join your clan, but it isn't guaranteed. Some recruitments make take a several tries to recruit, while others many not.

Semi-Secret Characters
Character	Prequsite
Cheney	Complete a mission with Snake Shield as a mission item
Eldena	Complete a mission with Elda's Cup as a mission item
Lini	Complete a mission with The Hero Gaol as a mission items
Littlevili	Complete the "Clan League" mission
Pallanza	Complete a mission with Wyrmstone as a mission item
Quin	Complete the "Missing Professor" mission