Minsc the Barbarian
I've always thought of Minsc as a barbarian rather than a ranger.
His companionship with Boo might put him on as a ranger, but I see him more as a barbarian with a head injury, or perhaps the special ability of charm animal. In BG1, his weapon selection is melee-only, pointing to a very upfront fighter, though his dexterity is so relatively bad that he needs heavy armor (cancelling out the natural use of stealth) to survive those fights. And of course his stats don't even meet the minimum of the ranger class, and it's hard to believe in a 6-wisdom guy casting spells, if that stat is to have any meaning at all.. That they changed both his stats and weapon specs in BG2 I see more as a way to make him more powerful (and useful) in a much more 'power-gaming' game, than an attempt to 'adjust' him closer to his inner self..
My main selling point, though, is the describtion of the hathran (Dynaheir's class) in the FR:Campaign Setting, who is supposed to have a low level barbarian cohort escort her on her journey.. and presto! there is Minsc.
