My playing group is quite small, only myself (GM), my wife and a good friend. BUT the playing experience is phenomenal. My wife has been roleplaying D&D since the early 1980's, I have been actively playing D&D since 1987, and our friend since 1990.
Two PC's per person is about the absolute limit, hence we stuck with that and I play an additional PC for a total of 5. Our line-up with a little background follows:
Astrid - Elven Ranger, bow specialist, of course. Footloose and fancy free, hit Sandpoint (pre-BO) on a business task for her elven weaponsmith father. Good friends with Ameiko. Possibly heading towards Arcane Archer.
Durn - Human Fighter, one of Sheriff Hemlock's sergeants, early 30's, from a local farming family. Durn is laconic, but is usually the spokesperson, as he actually has some legal authority. Fearless, but not rash.
Alleyne - Human Paladin of Tyr. Started out a member of Sheriff Hemlock's militia. From a Sandpoint blacksmithing family of Linnorm King heritage (hence the Nordic deity). Absolutely fearless, does not hesitate to charge casters (Mammy Graul had not one round of uninhibited casting before Alleyne was hacking through the blubber)
Torin - Human Rogue, on the run from Magnimar where the one of Thieve's Guilds has a price on his head from past indiscretions. He had to stay disguised in the Magnimar part of Skinsaw. A bit thuggish, will stand and fight if Durn or Alleyne has the attention of the villain.
Graysee - Elven Bard/Cleric, basically is the healer, and magic support for the group, just took a level as Cleric of Desna. Is extremely disappointed about the group letting Jakardos and Vale execute Kaven after he broke down and revealed that he betrayed the Black Arrows. She had used Charm Person to make him reveal his treachery.
No deaths yet, we just finished Black Magga. This group actually killed her in four rounds, right before she fled...amazing!