I want to make a game where I have a character that can do things like running, jumping, etc. Stick figures are simple and seem ideal, but you have to draw them frame by frame. Any other ideas?
Maybe, but you really only need about four for a running animation. And jumping would only require one--maybe two. Add one for standing still, plus a frame for falling if you want, and that's only 5-8 frames. IDK what other animations you want, but those are the ones you mentioned. Swimming and climbing a ladder might only require three or four frames each.
I'm tryna make a fighting game with punches, kicks, etc. 
I'm in for some fun
Try using a system with joints and stuff.
It may be complicated, but no drawing is necessary! (heh0
Here is an example.
I don't have time to make more examples, so I may do some more later.
Well, those would take probably three frames each. My point is, it's not very complicated.
This is kind of like the swimmer example project - you might want to take some inspiration from there (if you haven't already).
Where is that?
Under the file menu, go to "Open" and go to the "Examples" tab on the Open Project window.