First time playing, only me and the GM.

[Bumblebee]

So, my GM and I have been unable to find anyone else to play with. Maybe that will change in the future, but for now I'll be campaigning by myself. I've dabbled with Pathfinder in the past, but this is basically my first time playing.

I'm having a hard time making a character, mostly because - since I'm playing by myself - I want to be able to do everything. Obviously, this isn't possible with one character, but try telling my brain that.

I was thinking of playing either a Rogue or a Ranger, but that's not set in stone. I would prefer a character with a reasonable Charisma score, and maybe an Archer? I'm a bit overwhelmed with all the information available. ETA: The only thing I know for sure is that I would really like to play a melee-based character.

If anyone could point me in the right direction, keeping in mind I'm new and will be the only PC, I would really appreciate it.

[Riuken]

I would go for the paladin. Decent cha, good saves, good hp, good ac, self healing, and good damage (melee or ranged). A lack of skills will be your only downfall. If you can convince your GM to give you a high point buy, like around 30 (not unreasonable considering you're the only player), you should be able to handle most of the game, and the higher int will let you get some additional skills you'll desperately need. Grab the leadership feat at level 7 and get a cohort to fill in whatever hole you aren't filling.

Another idea might be to try a bard to get more skills, though I think that will be a bit harder overall. Once again, leadership at 7 to get a cohort. This is crucial when playing solo/small group.

[Lamontius]

since you will be the only PC, think about a class that either has a built-in companion (Animal Companion, Eidolon, Mount, etc) or one that can summon extra help when needed (Summoner, Conjuration Wizard, etc.)

if you are not comfortable with the more complicated mechanics of all that, suggest to your GM that they play a "GMPC" or "NPC" character that fights alongside you, but that essentially follows your lead out of combat so that you can make the decisions, roleplay conversations, etc. with your own character.

if that is the case, pick whatever class you want and would enjoy playing. The GM can then pick something more complimentary to your character to make for a well-rounded pairing.

[Ferguson Finn]

Awesome. That can be really fun--you two can tailor a great campaign together.

You might consider playing two characters though: get your melee fun and have a little clerical/caster-style back-up ... as you know, each has different strengths as far as stats and abilities, then depending on the challenge or fight, one can step up to lead. You could even snag two of the starter characters out of the Beginner's Box.

It can take a little getter used to, but it's not hard once you get the swing of it. I've done it a number of times. And with you and your GM knowing the types of chars you'll have, and the type of game you guys want to run, you'll have a blast.

[MacGurcules]

Bard with the Archeologist archetype is one of the better "do anything" class choices. Druid it also rather versatile and you can get an animal companion that helps share the burden.

Summoner with the Master Summoner archetype is probably the best option for a solo adventurer. You can basically just summon a solution to every problem and you cast from charisma, so you've got that going for you. You probably won't melee much directly, but most of the monsters you summon will.

[Bumblebee]

Thank you for your advice, everyone! Hm, I'll look into the Paladin and Druid, especially the latter. The Paladin might be a little too limiting, roleplay-wise, for me. But we'll see!

Oh, and I probably should've mentioned (sorry) that I only have the Core and the Advanced Race Guide, so I'd prefer to keep my character to what can be found in those books.

[Riuken]

At a minimum I highly suggest the Advanced Player's Guide (APG). 6 more classes, class archetypes for the core classes, more feats, more equipment, more spells, etc. Basically just an expansion of the core. The other books are good, don't think otherwise, but I'd definitely get the APG before the Advanced Race Guide (ARG). Of course, you can have a great game regardless of what books you own! Best of luck to both of you.