Basic Party

A basic party consists of 3-6 characters. Most groups contain 4. I will list some ideas for what would make for successful parties of each size. Please note that there are really no wrong options and that the goal is to have fun.

3 Members:
1)Fighter, Cleric, multi-classed Rogue/Wizard-> covers all bases although weak in mage and expert
2)Paladin, Cleric, Bard-> concentrates on healing, again weak in expert and mage

4 Members:
1)Fighter, Cleric, Rogue, Wizard-> the classic party covering all bases, contains no glaring weaknesses
2)Barbarian, Paladin, Cleric, Rogue-> features extra healing and combat ability at the expense of the later damage potential of a mage

5 members:
1)Fighter, Cleric, Rogue, Wizard, Bard-> as the classic party but with what is considered by many as the ultimate 5th character added
2)Barbarian, Ranger, Cleric, Sorcerer, Rogue-> this alternative offers more melee ability and the spontaneous castings of the sorcerer, a fun alternative

6 members:
1)Fighter, Cleric, Rogue, Wizard, Bard, Paladin-> this contains the classic party along with the best 2 extra characters in many peoples opinion
2)Fighter, Barbarian, Cleric, Druid, Rogue, Wizard-> this is a melee and healing heavy party that lacks nothing

I am currently in a group of 4 and our party consists of a Fighter, Paladin, Wizard, and multi-class Fighter/Sorcerer. We have ben quite successful so far and are enjoying ourselves.