Elise starts out as a temporary character with much higher stats than your character in the beginning stage of the game, much like Auron in the beginning of FFX.
In Disc 2 (of a 3 Disc game), the player may receive a side quest for her to join your party if you can best her in one of two challenges; a battle of wits or a trial by combat. The former goes through a lengthy dialogue while the latter is a fight between her and the hero/heroine.
As a party member, Elise uses the abilities of both a Samurai and a Ninja.
In Disc 2 (of a 3 Disc game), the player may receive a side quest for her to join your party if you can best her in one of two challenges; a battle of wits or a trial by combat. The former goes through a lengthy dialogue while the latter is a fight between her and the hero/heroine.
As a party member, Elise uses the abilities of both a Samurai and a Ninja.