Disgaea 2: Cursed Memories/Secret characters

Of the following characters, two can be obtained by defeating optional stages which must be opened through the Dark Assembly; both are returning characters from the original Disgaea, and retain many of the same stats and attributes. The latter three show up in the Land of Carnage; two are your former enemies, while the last is an ally formerly controlled by the game.

Flonne: Fallen Angel

 * Ability: Healing spells are strengthened (does not affect Power of Love) by 50%.
 * Lover: Healing spells strengthened another 1% per lover.
 * Obtain: Unlock and complete the "Overlord's Descent" extra stage
 * Type: Humanoid (Female)


 * Move: 4
 * Jump: 15
 * Counter: 1
 * Throw: 3 Panels, 26 dm
 * EXP Rate: 5


 * EXP: 10
 * HL: 10

There are two basic reasons to keep Flonne: more healing potential than you'll ever need (if you pupil-teach her the proper spells), and Power of Love, which is the only special that can heal and cure simultaneously. Just teach her some Cleric buffs and she's the best human-supporting unit in the game. Plus she can defend herself better than a Cleric or Kunoichi, thanks to her specials.

Laharl: Overlord

 * Ability: Inflicts 25% more damage to monsters.
 * Lover: Damage to monsters increases another 1% per lover.
 * Obtain: After obtaining Flonne, unlock and complete the "Summon Laharl" extra stage
 * Type: Humanoid (Male)


 * Move: 5
 * Jump: 20
 * Counter: 2
 * Throw: 5 Panels, 32 dm
 * EXP Rate: 5


 * EXP: 10
 * HL: 10

Laharl arguably has the best stats of the special characters, so if there's anyone you're going to keep based on pure strength, it'll be him. His innate ability (especially combined with lovers) is even more reason to keep him in your party. The combination of his specials and sword prowess make it seem like he can target virtually any group of panels, which is just another plus.

Land of Carnage Characters
The characters listed below can only be used while in the Land of Carnage optional area, and only during certain periods of episodes of the Carnage cycle (marked by "Available"). You can only simultaneously have all three after clearing the Carnage Stage 13-4.

Axel: Dark Hero

 * Ability: Receives 20%(?) less damage from human characters.
 * Lover: Decreases damage from humans by an additional 1% per Lover.
 * Available: Episodes 3, 9, 10, and 11
 * Type: Humanoid (Male)


 * Move: 5
 * Jump: 20
 * Counter: 2
 * Throw: 5 Panels, 32 dm
 * EXP Rate: 5


 * EXP: 10
 * HL: 10

Once again, his innate ability is probably the only reason you'll want to keep him, but by the time you can actually use him, you'll probably have a few tier 6 characters, which shames any reason to use Axel.

Fubuki: Ninja Master

 * Ability: Regular attacks (including team attacks) reduce SP by 20% of the damage done to HP.
 * Lover: SP damage dealt is increased by 1% per Lover.
 * Available: After stage 13-3
 * Type: Humanoid (Male)


 * Move: 5
 * Jump: 35
 * Counter: 2
 * Throw: 4 Panels, 29 dm
 * EXP Rate: 5


 * EXP: 10
 * HL: 10

His stats are lame by the time you get him. By the time his ability decreases a foe's SP to 0, they'll probably be dead already anyway. The only reason you would ever want to keep him around is to prevent some of the secret bosses from using their specials more than once... which... actually might be a good enough reason to keep his level up. Maybe.

Kurtis: Defender

 * Ability: Receives 50% less damage from enemies with higher levels. Explodes like a Prinny when thrown.
 * Lover: Decreases damage from stronger foes by an additional 1% per Lover.
 * Available: Anytime
 * Type: Monster


 * Move: 5
 * Jump: 35
 * Counter: 2
 * EXP Rate: 5


 * EXP: 10
 * HL: 10

His stats are average at best, but his aptitude is high in all the areas you need it to be, and his specials are useful. But if you're going to keep him around, it'll mainly be because of his innate ability (godly defense with enough lovers) and general coolness.