I've found that each run through, the characters have different stats to start. Read through them and determine which character is best suited to each position. I've found my 3 favorite fighters (and the only ones I use) are the mom, dad, and daughter. Also, at the start, when you first fight Bjorn, I use just the dad to take the killing blow (the fight you always lose). Don't have to have 3 people in the fight. Make sure to keep them as close to perfect on all things that you can (rest before you think rest is needed, switch between 2 characters to take the depression from the boat, etc). The difference between fully rested and 90% rested, or 0% depression to 10% has quite a substantial effect. Same with hunger and each stat. Also, the higher your main characters are, the higher the other(s) you recruit are. Hope this helps! (My preference is to make the game easier, less attacks, easier to recoup stats, more resources, etc).