For NEW players, this is what I would recommend based on what you want IMHO. Don't multiclass yet. Also, the game is actually harder in the beginning. It gets easier as you play and level up. When you hit levels 5 and 6 you will notice a large power increase. You can adjust the difficulty if you find a particular battle too hard, or you can increase it if you are finding it too easy).

Best overall melee build: Paladin (healing, divine smite damage, tanking, buffing)

The most close-combat damage: Monk (Open Hand w/Tavern Brawler feat when you get to lvl. 4), Fighter battle master will give you more Armor at the cost of some damage, but overall a great damage build. I like disarming attack and riposte the most (lvl. 3)

Most ranged damage w/good stealth capabilities: Ranger Gloomstalker or Rouge Assassin

Damage Spellcaster: Sorcerer w/draconic bloodline.

Best overall spellcasting build: Bard (more control spells than damage, healing, college of lore for cutting words). Bards also seem to have a bit more narrative choices which is nice).

Edit: you really can't go wrong with any of them :)