Nathan has yet to use his magic on anybody besides the Mageslayer, and anyone who comes within his range has already been hit. There's no time to dodge or avoid it, only figuring out what to do when you're caught. That's why he has such a short range and he can't do things like "crush into a ball"

Edit: I forgot about that thing with the harpy lady, but that's the same thing really, and she had a MUCH higher chance of getting out.

Cynthia's magics are mostly the kind you can react to, except for her Technique Formula, but that takes like three minutes to use.

Caroline is all melee all the time forever.