There are also relatively few non-player characters (NPCs), of which only those who are part of a quest or side-quest may be interacted with. Character statistics at the game's beginning are preset, and the player may only customize his or her character's statistics through gaining experience points. The human archer, for example, can assign experience points to enchanting arrows rather than to strength, which will result in more powerful arrows. The battle system in the game is simplistic, but allows for customization. Additionally, each character has unique side-quests, allowing for replayability. Gameplay is quite different for all characters: the human relies on ranged attacks and stealth, the elf character can cast magic spells, and the dwarf is an all-round fighter for those who prefer a head-on approach.

Drizzt Do'Urden, drow ranger/fighter: strong melee fighter with two scimitars.

If you have played through the game at least once you have unlocked (and may also select):

Kromlech, dwarven fighter: melee fighter.

Adrianna, elven sorceress: spell caster.

Vahn, human arcane archer: archer with magical abilities.

In the beginning the player must choose between one of three characters:

Baldurs gate thieves guild