The races of Norrath are diverse, yet all fall into two basic categories. You will be either good or evil. If you choose to play the darker side of the scale you can play a Dark-Elf, a Troll, or an Ogre. Good races have a very difficult time entering the evil cities and the opposite is true of evil races. There are advantages and disadvantages to any race.
Good races have a far easier time of it overall.
If you want to play a more difficult character then I suggest trying to play an Ogre or a Troll. You will be despised by most non-player characters in the game. Your choice of race will also determine what classes you may play. Dwarves cannot be shaman for instance. Ogres cannot be clerics.