If 2 of you going to play (you mentioned your wife)
Roll a pet class, like a Necro, or a Mage.
Have the other roll a healer class, like a cleric or a shaman.
Youll be able to get through most of the casual content as you learn to play the game, and wont have to struggle with gear while you figure out how to really play EQ.
At some point your pet will need to be replaced with other players, but the two of you can duo well into your 30s with ease and then from there on youll be skilled enough to finish your path to 60 as a duo or you can just find more people to join you!
Edit: Have the player who will play the most play the pet class, as they will likely want something to do while the other is not playing and you can farm/solo with pet classes very easily!
If the player on heals doesnt like healing, have them chose shaman over cleric, shamans can play offensive or defensive rolls, they are great in groups but also in solo so they will enjoy the character even if killing is their favorite activity
[You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.] If they dont mind healing, go cleric.