Key ignition tumbler is easy to remove on a 96 Ranger. If you want to, you could replace it with a new one for like $10 from Advance Auto. But You should be able to remove the broken key still.
First of all, can you still turn the ignition key switch with the broken key inside? If so, thats a good start. Turn the ignition to "unlock" or "on" (I forget which one) and with a long skinny philps screw driver, there is a small hole under the key tumbler in the steering colmun. Just push up in the hole and pull out the key tumbler. It may take a little practice, but once masterd, you can pull that key tumbler out in seconds.