Whenever I create a character and start allocating skills and proficiencies during the game, I tend to do so with the narrative in mind. So, a ranger might go rogue when learning about the ways of the city; something like that. Also, I would never multi into say, Sorc or Warlock - that to me, is a first-level choice *only*. It;s just how I play, the story matters more than my battle prowess.
In Classic Baldur's Gate I dabbled with the SCS options to respec companions, and I do so now more or less everytime; but I still stay within what the character *could* be, narratively. Kivan an Archer, Minsc a Berserker*, Kagain a Dwarven Defender, Mazzy a Paladin, Cernd a Shaman, Imoen a shadowdancer, Jan a single class Illusionist - that sort of thing. But even then, I use it sparingly. I play no-reload SCS exclusively, so it doesn't feel OP either.
Back to BG3.
If I have an Origin character, I would rarely if ever change the starting class and probably develop that class fully. I can see some cool multi-options for some characters; Minsc into Barbarian, Shadowheart into [any] Rogue, Wyll into - possiby Paladin. But that's purely because of RP reasons, not because they need it.
I just don't see Astarion as anything other than an assassin. Maybe a Dexy-fighter? I don't know, not in my game I think. Karlach ought to be exactly as she is. Gale is the quintessential Wizard and will stay that way. He could have different subclasses across multiple playthroughs, but will always be a full on wizard in my games. Laezel is fine as a fighter, who's left? Halsin couldn't be other than druid, Jaheira is story-locked as far as I'm concerned; but Druids suck at multiclassing in 5E. So we'll see. Do you get an extra attack from fighter when wildshaped? I don't even remember what class Minthara is..
For my first few playthroughs, I'll just stick to who they are - and get to see them in action that way before I start the crazy stuff.
