Then why are there five characters before Cecil, even though I have only four in my party?

Also, for those doing Rydia's tale: Get the Tomahawk and the Dancing Dagger at the Kokkol Forge before you go to the Overworld. The Mythril Hammer and Bow 'n Arrows are the better weapons for Rydia and Luca until you get to the mines, and then the numbers next to the "attack" stats make the Tomahawk and Dancing Dagger the better weapons for them.

Just a little bit of advice.

Also, SAVE BEFORE YOU OPEN THE LAST CHEST IN THE MINES.