Perhaps this is in the manuals....?

Is there a strategy guide for this game? Or at least somewhere that shows what kind of party would be balanced? For example, if selecting a paladin, then one would something like... 15 strength, 15 dexterity, 10 wisdom...... a Thief should have 20 dexterity......10 strength......5 wisdom..... This way, if I create a party, I can ensure I have the proper stats for the proper character.

Something along those lines.

I'm not good at D&D, I play Baldur's Gate on PC and that's it.

But from what I understand of your question, there is ton of info on character creation on the Web. So you can read any of those to help you create a character, which you will shape a bit through the adventure.

My advice, play a bit to test your character. If at the start he's underpowered for your play style, start over.

Dragonspear assumes you have played bgee and that your half brother is dead so an overpowered party is the normal level.
as for Paladin party;
1, thief of some sort.
2. healer.
3, mage.
4, Tank or high dps character... to stand next to your paladin.
5, the last slot is up to you, Bard, sharman or extra mage all spring to my mind.

Thank you for the replies!