Depends, with my current character, i use a bow to firstly take out the weaker ones (master gameplay after not playing pretty much for half a year now) then i try stab em' in the back. And if that doesn't work i hit them with my sword while spraying them with mah flames of dooooom!!
I don't instigate most fights.
If I can avoid a fight, I will. If I can strike hard and fast against an enemy I can't avoid, I will. If I can't, I'll wait for my companion or thrall to charge in or summon an atronach/dremora to rush forward and engage the enemy.
If I want to be stealthy (or I'm bored), I'll throw a fury into a group and hide. Then strike hard and fast on the survivor. If I want to avoid the fight all together, I cast invisibility and muffle. Paralyze down a mountain or hill is fun.
Sometimes I'll even use a sword if I want some kill-cams and a raw, visceral feel to my combat.
My Volkihar Titan has a variety of defensive "Stances" which allows me to last and achieve maximum defensive capabilities to a point of pure power. But this is my absolute favourite as of late:
(Dual-Casted Ebony Flesh + Stablity) + (Greater Ward + Greater Ward + Ward Absorb + Ahzidal's Gauntlets of Warding) + Necromage.
Dual-Cast Ebony Flesh, then Cast Greater Ward in both hands (No Dual-casting) and finally, move backwards continuesly, let go of your right trigger (Which is casting one ward), then finally, sheathe your hands but keep your left trigger down. This holds up both wards and does jot drain your magicka metre, but your metre does not regenerate, since your focusing still on the Ward... This allows me to create three physical AR boosts and two wards that Absorb Magicka. I only use this combo after all others wear out.
But, if I ever feel like going offensive, I just take out the Rusty Mace, Dual-cast Lightning Cloak, Ebony Flesh, Shield of Ysgramor and Elemental Fury. Trust me, it's insane XD
But, if I feel like being a maniac (And I am one XD) I take J'zargo's Flam Cloak and throw that up before using Mist Form in human form against everyone, even undead XD The explosions are so worth it XD
Try this: Dual Axes (With relevant bleeding damage perks 3/3) + a couple Ravage Health Poisons + Concentrated Poison perk + Elemental Fury + Dual Flurry + Dual Savagery + Deathbrand (Full Set).
But, then again, all I need is Quiet Casting perk, Marked for Death, Assassin's Blade, Silent Roll, and Critical Charge. Roll then hold the attack button after using Marked for Death. If you are in range, should be an almost instant kill.
But if you feel REAL lazy, do that with Mehrunes Razor XD
This is a great question. Depends! But I like bows and, when I use them, I like to snipe from a distance (love me an absorb stamina enchanted bow). Then if that doesn't always do it, I'll let them come at me and go hand-to-hand. I like to keep my shout on Become Ethereal as a default for a last line of defense. I like to draw on select parts of all schools for various things.
Which character? I've made many so I can enjoy different styles: stealth archery, stealth mele, sword & shield, dual wield, destruction magic, illusion + conjuration, poison...
I think the only styles I have left to try are: 2-handed, mage armor + destruction (I've done destruction with both light and heavy armor), healer + follower