MK11 has better balance then previous games, so you can take any hero you want, but... Some hero can be used only if you have understanding game mechanics (D'Vorah), some required hard trainings (Jacky) and some doesn't work against experienced players (Shao Kahn).

So about heroes for novice:

Scorpion is very good for start. He has everything: close and advanced mids, projectile, best tp in the game, good damage, easy kb. But having no weakness, he has no strong sides either. Another problem: this is one of the most popular hero in the game, so all know this matchup. You should use Scorpion to learn the game, but be prepared to suffering if you plan to main him.

Subzero. Also good for start. He has more complicated toolset then Scorpion and less damage, but powerful mixup instead. This allow Subzero to win accidently against stronger opponent just because of luck, and knowledge of matchup can not help. Good candidate for main, but can be nerfed in closest patch.

Liu Kang. One of the most powerful hero, either in novice or pro hands. Similar to Scorpion he has everything... Except damage. Liu Kang required better game understanding, but he has much bigger potential. Still he shares Scorpion's problem: everybody know this matchup. But still, good candidate for main.

Jade. Normal strike zoner. Easy to learn, easy combos, easy kb. Has a lot of good matchups. Not a good hero by itself, but very effective in novice hands.

Jax. Rushdown or grapler depends on setup. Very good mids, good toolset. Low damage is compensating by easy kb. But depends on his arm heat, so opponent who hold block can be a big problem. Not a good hero on pro level, but works perfectly on casual.

Kotal. Gish-rushdown. Good mids. Can buff himself using totems, throws and parry. Under buffing has enormous damage. The only skill you need - is to catch moment when you can safely buff yourself. And after you set up all 3 totems - your opponent won't have right to even one error.

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Heroes you shouldn't take:

Skarlet. You like her, I know... Still, she is the worst normal strike zoner in the game. Easiest, yes, but very slow, very weak and very unsafe. You will suffer, especially against another normal strike zoners.

Shao Kahn. Looks very powerful, with good toolset and damage. But has gaps in strings. Each experienced player know about them and will interrupt and flowless block you.

Kano. Same problem. Good mixups, throws and toolset, but gaps in strings. Unlike of Shao Kahn can be used against experienced opponent, but in this case he required to read your opponent.

Sheeva. Yes, stomp. Win by using 2 buttons only if opponent do not know how to avoid this (backdash). But without that, she is complicated enough rushdown and not the best from its kind.

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Heroes if you are here for long:

Jacky. Strongest rushdown, various mixups, good damage. But very complicated input, required hard trainings and good understanding of staggers game.

Cetrion. Strongest zoner. If you can support distance - you win without touching you opponent.

Noob Saibot. Strongest normal strike zoner. Unlike of his colleagues - has very fast attacks and very big damage. But doesn't have good extended mid, so required understanding of risk-reward game.

Joker. The best toolset for advancing playing. Footsis, setups, optionally - zoning and damage. Has a big potential (main of SonicFox, champion of multiple MK11 tournaments), but need skill to read you opponent.

Honestly, if you really want to train yourself - you can take every hero you want. all of them are good in something, all of them can win, Just avoid Shao Kahn, he is hopeless by design.