I would be very excited to be able to create 4 characters when I begin the game; not only would it be more fun and creative, it would also allow me more tactical choices since I could have a Lohse that fits a role in my party, instead of having to shoehorn her in after meeting her.
I am hopeful that when my friend and I play we are able to both begin by using split-screen multiplayer, each of us designing 2 characters, essentially.