[baakyocalder]

The key to one-player and one-GM games is to tailor the game to the player.

You've got to communicate better than when you game for a group, because if that one player misses information, it greatly impacts the game.

You can't do the inter-party conflict like in a regular game.

You also can't have as many treacherous NPCs as in a regular party game.

Provide a mixture of challenges, but use those challenges which work for the player. It looks like you have a player who is playing a defense-oriented fighter, so maybe some hold some territory adventures (like being on guard in capture the flag) would be fun.

The hireling is a good idea. With only one player, there's no group camadrie so if you give the player a loyal sidekick and don't mess with the sidekick, then you've got a way to get them to roleplay. You also have, if done with discretion, a way to remind the PC of missed information.

Good luck!