I just got the beginner set and it got me wondering how characters are generated in the core rulebook.  Would anyone mind answering the following (at least generally unless specific is easier)?

1. How do you figure out the characteristics.  I know average is 2, but how do you decide if someone gets more than 2 in a characteristic (for example, is it related to dice rolling, or based on species, career, or something else)?

2. Same for skills.  It looks like the base skill is 0, but how do you rank up when generating a character (that is, prior to getting experience points)? 

3. This last one doesn't have anything to do with character generation, but I'm curious if you can play a Jedi or Sith (or the equivalent in training) in this version of the game?  If so, is there a section on the Force?  I don't need specifics here, just curious what to expect when I'm finally able to get my hands on a book. 

Thanks!

Question 1 and 2:  Your best option is to have a look at Gribble's very useful reference sheets. The first 2 pages cover character creation:

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9077657/SW-EotE-Reference-Sheets.pdf

You might also need Gribble's Talent Trees PDF: 

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9077657/SW-EotE-TalentTrees.pdf

Question 3: There are rules for creating and playing force users in the Beta Book. You could try your luck on eBay. Otherwise, you'll have to wait until the Core Rulebook is available for sale.

This is perfect for now… Thanks.  Wish I thought to buy a beta book when they were still avaliable on Miniature Market.  I may try eBay (worst case I'll wait until the final draft is released).  Thanks again!