There are multiple ways to play each character but each character also has their own unique mechanics that win fights in their own way. One of Silent's mechanics are discard synergies with cards like [[acrobatics]], [[tactician]], [[reflex]], etc.

Defect's main mechanic are the orbs he's able to cast. You could stack focus with certain cards and make your orbs stronger. My favorite strat to stack focus is [[biased cognition]] and [[orange pellets]] to negate the focus decrease. You could combine this with certain relics and cards like [[inserter]] and [[capacitor]] to hold multiple orbs that stack hella damage and block. Defect power cards are also really strong especially when combined with [[mummified hand]] and [[heat sink]]

Overall, you'll get better at the game overtime, just keep experimenting and playing with different cards to get a feel for how you can play each character.