Unlike traditional Persona games, Persona Q2 does not feature character creation in the sense of customizing an avatar. Instead, you choose your starting protagonist from two options: the Protagonist from Persona 3 (P3 Protag) or the Protagonist from Persona 5 (P5 Protag). This choice primarily affects the initial party members you'll have access to and the perspective of some early story events. Both protagonists are silent, allowing you to project yourself onto them, but their unique Personas and starting skill sets offer slightly different early-game strategies.
The P3 Protag starts with Orpheus and focuses on a balanced offensive and defensive playstyle, often having access to early healing and elemental attacks. The P5 Protag starts with Arsene and tends to be more focused on offensive capabilities, particularly with Curse skills. Regardless of your choice, you will eventually recruit all major characters from Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5, allowing for a diverse and customizable party composition later in the game. The initial choice is more about flavor and early game synergy than a permanent restriction.