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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Fenrir" data-source="post: 364140" data-attributes="member: 401">There's a certain set of character background elements that I like to include with all my characters that I didn't have time to put in with Calain (Word wigged out on me when I was halfway done with it). But, for everyone else, it might be fun to take a look at this. It's taken from DM's Option: High Level Campaigns by Skip Williams. I use it all the time. Here it is:The Eleven Essentials in a Good Character ProfileBy Skip Williams, et al, edited and annotated by K. Koshorek1. Occupation:  A brief description of what your character does and how he defines himself. “Fighter” and “Druid” are not acceptable solutions. 2. Personality:  A detailed description of your character’s basic personality. Include attitudes, philosophical outlooks, behavioral patterns, speech patterns, and any other odd or distinct personality quirks.3. General Appearance:  A summary of what one would see when giving your character a cursory glance. Include the basics, i.e., hair color, eye color, skin tone, height, weight, build, etc, and include other general items, such as clothing, hair style, etc.4. Distinguishing Features and Habits:  A summary of your character’s appearance and mannerisms under closer inspection. Include such things as posture, common facial expressions, quirks of speech, favorite quotes, nervous habits, etc. Also, such things as scars (if not immediately apparent) and tattoos (ditto) should be listed here.5. Tastes and Preferences:  A rundown of your character’s likes, dislikes, and interests or hobbies. Include what your character likes to do on his free time, what are his favorite foods, favorite color, how he likes his women, etc. 6. Residence:  A detailed description of the character’s home, and perhaps a floor plan. Include any special possessions within the home. True, some characters will not have a home, but those who do should pay close attention to this Essential.7. History:  Tell the character’s life story. Include facts about his childhood, family, education, upbringing, quality of life, important events, etc. While the standard is to write it as a third person expository essay, you may be able to score Brownie Points from your DM/GM/Storyteller/Referee if you write it as a story, in first person, or even as a poem or ballad. Be creative. Have fun with it. 8. Friends and Allies:  List and summarize the character’s friends and confidantes, his contacts, subordinates, etc. 9. Enemies:  Anyone with friends is also bound to have enemies. List the people your character loves to hate here, and include any prudent explanations.10. Short Term Goals:  What does your character wish to accomplish in the near future? Clearly, this should be updated frequently. Categorizing a character’s goals can aid in roleplaying; if part of your character is devoted to a particular goal, achieving that goal is all the more rewarding.11. Long Term Goals:  More essential for higher powered characters, but still a key part of a beginning character. What does your character want out of life? Does he have any specific goals? Does he seek excitement? Glory? Honor? Romance? As always, be creative, and think big.There you go.</blockquote>

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