1) Can companions die?

I've heard that your marriage partner can be a companion...It'd svck if your wife died...

2) Limit on number of current companions?

3) Do they level with you, or earn XP by themselves?

4) If your wife were to die, can you remarry?

1. I hope and believe so. I believe Bethesda learned their lesson with making every other character essential...
2. Probably, all bethesda RPG games did.
3. Probably level with you.
4. I'd think so.

(obviously I didn't wish to pretend like I know more than I do)

1. I've heard conflicting reports. Some previews (that have had companions) said they die, some, have said they don't die.

2. 1 companion at a time can follow you.

3. I've absolutely no idea.

4. Probably, yes -- just like real life.

I'm hoping you can part way with companions on friendly terms. For example does your spouse forever take up your companion limit, or is that slot only taken when someone is actively traveling with you? Can you tell one friend to go home without ill will and take another with you instead, then switch again later?

I don't think we're going to know the answer to these for sure until the game's out.

It looks to me that the opinion on essential/mortal companions is very divided. I understand both camps. I know I'd reload my game if I had a companion die, personally.

yes they die.

If you don't want your wife to die, why are you dragging her out into the middle of the forest where there's no witnesses in the first place?