Basically, how dodging works is that the heavier your equipment is, the worse your dodge is. If your Equipment Burden is 1/4 or less of the total amount, you get a fast roll. If it's 1/2 or less, you get a normal role. Anything above 1/2 turns your roll into crap.
Blocking is basically just picking a good shield and holding L at the right times, but you take minor amounts of damage that can add up quickly and some attacks can't be blocked.
My personal favorite class is the Wanderer, and it might suit both your needs.
Melee is definitely more fun, so good choice!
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Black Turtle did a pretty good job.