The characters available in BG
A II are:
An Elven Necromancer (male)
A Dwarven Rogue (male)
A Human Cleric (female)
A Human Barbarian (male)
A Drow monk (female)
There are also two easter eggs...not just the one.
I'm not really sure what to say about the sequel... it
does include unique features with each character, perhaps in an effort to flesh them out more, but it doesn't really do the job. The Dark Alliance games are specifically created for Hack 'n' Slash really, so I didn't have that high expectations...and it is a lot of fun to play. Maybe not worthy of the Baldur's Gate name, but it is a decent game in it's own right.
However, what I will say is, if you were disappointed with DA I, you aren't likely to find any improvements with DA II. Renting is a good idea...