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I would suggest setting her down with the Core book on a day before the game and trying to help her create a character. By explaining the character creation process it should give her a big clue as to how complicated the game can be. This will either make her more interested or turn her off from the game entirely. When my wife wanted to join a game I jumped at the opportunity and tried to set down with her to create a character. It took all of 10 minutes before she realized how out of her element this game was and she has never asked to join a game since (That being about 10 years). If your roomate does get more interested then dont get discouraged. This can be a positive thing. One it gives you and your roomate a common hobby. Another positive point is the rarity of female gamers in pen and paper. Having a female perspective when it comes to RP and adventure can be a great boon for any game.
I wouldn't turn her away. New gamers are a good thing. Its easier then you think to run 5 players vs 4. Its when you get to 6+ players that the game starts to break down. I would try it out and see what happens.
I don't think you'll find 5 more difficult than 4. That...and players come and go. Odds are, you may be back down to 4 at some point.
Bumping up to six would require a bit more encounter balancing, but I think you'll be okay.
If your player is interested, I think you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you discourage their interest.
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Honestly, it is not that difficult to go from 4 to 5 players for the GM. Give her a simple pregen or NPC and see how she handles it. Maybe she will actually develop a true love for the hobby ;-)
Do not however put too much importance on her character staying with the party. This way, if she stops playing after the first session, you can get rid of her character without endangering your whole game
Well, be straight forward and honest. Tell her that you don't think your prepared or skilled enough to handle a larger party, and that your afraid she doesn't understand the commitment and work that can be participating in table top.
But, tell her that you'll keep her in mind for the next game you all play where (maybe) the GM will have more experience and can handle additional players.
Other than that theres not much to be said. As a GM and depending on your skill level is very valid to say "Sorry, not right now we have exactly the right number of players."
Or run a solo-game for her. That'll teach her the basics. Not as much system-wise, but more to give her an idea of what roleplaying is all about.
You know, the best thing to do is hand her a pregen and encourage your players to help her learn the game.
But, if your group's style of play is very serious and on-task, maybe you need to explain that your game is a commitment on the level of a book club, where everyone has some individual homework to be done before you all get together to discuss it.
In an interesting conclusion ; i gave her one of the pregens in thr beginner box and said she could have a go for a session and then decide what she wants to do. She loved it; and although it is more challenging cause i like to give all my players thier moment to shine, i managed well and ended up running one of the best games of my (thus far limited carrier).
I did use some of the other advice here though, because now my housemate's friend, who i genuinely can't stand, wants to play too. I (legitimately) explained that im not sure i coukd handle mkre players just yet but id keep here in mind if i was lookimg for anyone.
You could always point this person in the direction of a FLGS. If they are interested in PF and it's available the Society is always looking for new recruits.
