Well, next to compelling storyline, originality is always key in my books.

For example, I never liked Gau in FF6 because I thought he simply wasn't as useful or versatile as the other characters. I did, however, love how different from the norm he was. The same holds true for Relm.

If you're just looking for good suggestions, I'd say either a tamer with animals to attack or a builder that can make robots or something to battle for him.

These will all have to fit with your storyline, though. I say work on the characters, their backgrounds, and the storyline, and make their fighting styles come from that.

I'll read the other threads today and tonight. I don't think I have time to sit and read that much all at once at work.

What is it they say about silence being golden?