Forum:Hard Mode Question

Hey everyone, especially PS3 users

Got a question about the Hard Mode feature on the main menu. If i select it, will I be starting a new game with a new character (level 1) or will I have the option to start hard mode with my current level 170 character? I am also unable to select hard mode from the options menu, when I load my game. is this the case for everyone.

I just dont want to select it just in case my high level character gets deleted.