As response to the first post. I will start 2 chars, one sorceress and a paladin. Then if they survive they will lean to fire/cold, zealing. Reason being that when it get's rough for one char the other one can step in and solve the trouble.
I know it's a bit of chicken play, but you can quickly get two rather good chars who can pick up some goodies on the way to intresting playing.
This is when you play solo which I've done a lot in last ladder. Not afraid of tppk to much but look at it as way to destroy the pleasure of the game.
Mats.