Character unlocks differs between the 3DS and Wii U versions. I'm posting a complete list for both versions below. Source
Ness
3DS: 10 Smash matches or beat Classic mode
Wii U: Unlocked by default
Falco
3DS: 20 Smash matches or beat Classic mode without using any continues
Wii U: 10 Smash matches or beat Classic mode
Wario
3DS: 30 Smash matches or complete 100 man smash
Wii U: 20 Smash matches or complete 100 man smash
Lucina
3DS: 40 Smash matches or beat classic mode as Marth without using any continues
Wii U: 30 Smash matches or beat Master Core (classic mode final boss at intensity 5.1 or greater) as Marth at 5.5 intensity
Dark Pit
3DS: 50 Smash matches or beat Classic mode with three or more characters
Wii U: 40 Smash matches or beat All-Star mode on Normal
Dr Mario
3DS: 60 Smash matches or beat Classic mode as mario at intensity 4.0 or greater
Wii U: 50 Smash matches or beat one Master Order on hard difficulty
R.O.B.
3DS: 70 Smash matches or collect 200 trophies then play a Smash match or beat classic mode
Wii U: 60 Smash matches or defeat Crazy Hand after completing 10 matches in Crazy Orders
Ganondorf
3DS: 80 Smash matches or beat Classic mode as Link at intensity 5.0 or higher
Wii U: Unlocked by default
Mr.Game & Watch
3DS: 90 Smash matches or beat Classic mode with ten fighters
Wii U: 80 Smash matches or beat Classic mode with five fighters
Bowser Jr
3DS: 100 Smash matches or beat Classic Mode as Bowser on Intensity 6.0 or higher
Wii U: Unlocked by default
Duck Hunt
3DS: 110 Smash matches or beat Classic Mode with 8 or more characters
Wii U: 100 Smash matches or KO one fighter in Cruel Smash
Jigglypuff
3DS: 120 Smash matches or collect 30 different equipment items
Wii U: Unlocked by default
DLC Characters
Mewtwo
3DS: $3.99
Wii U: $3.99
Both: $4.99
Lucas
3DS: $3.99
Wii U: $3.99
Both: $4.99
Roy
3DS: $3.99
Wii U: $3.99
Both: $4.99
Ryu W/ Suzaku Castle
3DS: $5.99
Wii U: $5.99
Both: $6.99
(Note: This DLC comes with the stage as well as the fighter)
Cloud W/ Midgar
3DS: $5.99
Wii U: $5.99
Both: $6.99
(Note: This DLC comes with the stage as well as the fighter)
Corrin
3DS: $4.99
Wii U: $4.99
Both: $5.99
Bayonetta W/ Umbra Clock Tower
3DS: $5.99
Wii U: $5.99
Both: $6.99
(Note: This DLC comes with the stage as well as the fighter)
Shields have 50 HP, regardless of character. However, this is slightly misleading for two reasons:
- Shields take 0.7x damage from most attacks.
- If an attack has increased shield damage, the additional damage is not reduced to 0.7x.
So while a value of ~70 HP is probably more practical, stuff like floor attacks, Shield Breaker, Eruption, and Mr. Saturn will have a much more destructive effect.
Best Answer
Unmarked secret character spoilers ahead.
There is no easy way, aside from "intuitive knowledge of the character's aesthetics", to know what kind of equipment they can equip.
There is, however, a chart available on this page. It's kinda large, but here it is in text form: