Well, if you are playing HC, think what is the most enjoyable class for you that can survive normal games. The reason I say this is because you will be familar with the character and have less chance of errors on lvling.
Do you like to stand back and cast, or get in the middle of things and melee? Since you are, if I may say it, "poor" try a cleric Pally. They are the best party characters ever, and in HC they are a rareity, but needed.
If this does fir you, try a lightning sorc, or trapsins, their are few immunes to it, and it will do massive damage.
For Melee, a ww barb, Zealer, ect. Let me know what you like character wise, I will do my best to do something for ya.