A lot to consider here.
Alen vs Lance vs Marcus vs Zealots vs Trec vs Noah vs Percival
Lance, he turned out great in my game, although for some reason he got quite a bit weaker by the end of the game.
Wolt vs Dorothy vs Klein vs Igrene
Wolt, I suck at leveling archers, I know they're useful to have around but I just struggle to use em, not so much of an issue with Wolt. Plus since I played the Blazing Sword before this I know he is Rebecca's kid and I quite liked Rebecca in the Blazing Sword.
Sue vs Sin vs Dayan
Gonna be honest never used any of them, but I pick Sue based only because she is related to Rath.
Bors vs Wendy vs Barth vs Douglas
Bors, although I used Wendy after I got her, she was so much trouble to level for me personally, but in the time I was using Bors I had very little issues, should have just stuck to him really.
Niime vs Raigh vs Sophia
Raigh, he hit hard, he hit fast and became pretty much a mage tank for taking on Wyvern Riders and Lords like they were nothing, plus he is Nino's kid and she was just awesome.
Lugh vs Lilina vs Hugh
WHY MUST YOU MAKE ME PICK BETWEEN MY TWO BEST MAGES YOU EVIL PERSON. That aside Lilina, while she was slower than Lugh at first, just gave her a quick speedwing, then she was just as fast, but hit even harder than he did, not to mention she healed just as well as my main healer with just a usual heal staff. Being the daughter of Hector also boost her up in my books, had to support her with Roy cause well they seemed good together XD
Ellen vs Saul vs Clarine vs Cecillia vs Jodel
Clarine, a quick mobile healer at the start, but soon became possibly my third best magic damage dealer not to mention she was funny to watch talk to others at times. She is also the daughter of Pent and Louise, of whom were actually quite good in my Blazing Sword game.
Chad vs Astore vs Cath
Again I'm terrible at levelling thieves (cept in sacred stones with Colm....). I have to pick Astore, he was a pretty strong theif and not annoying to recruit (looking at you Cath and nearly costing me a Legendary weapon).
Rutger vs Fir vs Karel
I tried to use both Rutger and Fir, but Rutger was just better overall in the end anyway so Rutger.
Bartre vs Geese vs Gonzales vs Lot vs Wade vs Garret
I ONLY LEVELED ONE OF THESE GUYS. Gonzales, he was quite strong and quick, but HE MISSED SO MUCH but when he didn't boy did it hurt.
Deke vs Ogier vs Ekhidna
Deke, no question, an amazing tank and outright massive damage dealer.
Zeiss vs Milady
Again tried to use both, but lets face it, Milady. She was just much stronger much faster and also gave her a Delphi shield and not even ballista could stop this woman.
Shanna vs Thite vs Juno
Pegasus knights.... so frail... but if I had to pick one it would have to be Shanna, just purely because I used to her for more levels (I think I was forced to use her for those levels tho)
Lalum vs Elphin
Lalum, not that I ever used her really, but I had to pick one
Merlinus?
STOP TRYING TO TELL ROY WHAT TO DO AND JUST CARRY MY STUFF, also STAY OFF THE MAP!
Fae?
Adorable little dragon like most dragons in Fire Emblem I've noticed. I really regret not using her more.
Roy?
One of my favourite Lords late game, at the start he is good and all but starts to become redundant for so long, gave him a few stat boosting items before getting him promoted, but he ended up two shooting Zephiel, and that dragon dude, and then ONE SHOT KO'd Idun. Plus I find it funny how he really liked Lilina in my game, but would then quickly change subject.