Wazootyman

Tonight I'm playing Smash Brothers for about the first time ever. I know, it's weird. What makes it worse is I'm playing against a group of people, including my gf, who have a helluva lot more experience than I do. Thousands of hours more experience.

I want to make at least a noble showing. Which character is easiest to adapt to in a short amount of time. I already have the game, so I'll have a few hours to practice before people start showing up.

Oh, and for clarification... I'm playing melee, never even played the N64 version.

jeffdsmith

I'd recommend Roy. Use the C-stick.

Or Kirby.

squidget

Kirby is really easy to use and easy to master. You'll be kick ass in no time.
Ok, maybe not that good but you can at least hold your own.

PixyJunket

Jigglypuff! Oh, wait.. that's if your sick in the head, like me.

Joe Molotov

Sheik and Roy are both good choices.

Roy has a strong Over-C attack, and Sheik is really fast and you chain her attacks together easily.