Try a warrior, they're hardy. Or a rogue, and get Sten or Alistair to tank you by changing their tactics to "defender" and specifically protecting you. The tactics menu is incredibly versatile; I'm only slowly getting the full extent of what it can do.

My best fandom friend, on the other hand, plays only mages, and enjoys it. Takes all kinds. My own attempt at mage died *everytwhere*, starting with bloody Ostagar.