[Retreater]

Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone.
I was just starting with Melee (as recommended) with the starting character cards. I used four random characters and pit them in a series of one-on-one battles.
After I learn Melee, the plan is to try Wizard, then mix together Melee & Wizard, and then Into the Labyrinth.
I know the game has a good reputation and people have been playing it for decades, which is what encouraged me to get it. But right now I'm having trouble seeing why a player would opt for anything other than a heavily armored combatant in basic Melee.