I'm planing to host my first RPG as a DM with some buddies, and we might be just two or three players and me as the DM. I bought the Pathfinder beginner box, which has a pre made adventure and four pre made characters: Fighter, Rogue, Cleric and Wizard, all with quite traditional builds.
If I don't get a full group of four players, then we have to choose which characters to use. Which of these are the most or least essential? All of the other players will be beginners, so it's a goal to give them a good introduction to roleplaying. I'm aware that there is no define or "right" answer, but I am hoping that there is a best combination of three out of the four roles that will make their first experience rewarding.