I always have 3 characters: A Mook ranger, a Faerie Mage/Bishop and another Priest/Bishop (race subject to change
).
A Ranger has a huge advantage in helping you find goodies, among other things. And a Mook Ranger armed with one of the Giant Swords is awesome.
I had a Faerie Ninja and a human Ninja at different times. I liked them both very much. But they're definitely tanks.
In my current game I have a Samurai, who's doing MAJOR damage with Fang.