10-Minute Player Character Backstory

Creating a character should not be difficult. This is based on the popular 10-minute background for creating PCs that has been posted on other parts of the internet. This sheet works well in combination with a Session Zero.

Character Looks/Token

You can create your own digital token at https://rolladvantage.com/tokenstamp/

Character Personality

You might come back to this after you’ve written up your details allowing your background shape your personality in a more detailed way. You can also use the pregenerated options that the Player's Handbook offers.

  • How do you deal with adversity? Brawn or Brains?
  • What is your opinion toward weakness and power?
  • Who, what, or how do you prefer to align your morals toward society/humanity? 

5 Background Elements

Write five things about your character’s concept and background, five things that you think are the most essential parts of your character.

  1. [Element 1]
  2. [Element 2]
  3. [Element 3]
  4. [Element 4]
  5. [Element 5]

2 Goals

List two goals for the character that you, as a player, think would be cool to see accomplished in-game.

  1. [Goal 1]
  2. [Goal 2]

2 Secrets

List two secrets about your character. One is a secret the character knows, one is a secret that involves him but that he is not actually aware of yet. This will help in creating plots that center around your character. 

  1. [Secret 1]
  2. [Secret 2]

3 Important People

Describe three people that are tied to the character through blood, romance or honor. Two of them are friendly to the character, one is hostile. Why do they deserve to be saved, helped, thwarted, or die?

  1. [Important Person 1]
  2. [Important Person 2]
  3. [Important Person 3]

3 Memories

Describe three memories that your character has. They don't have to be elaborate, but they should provide some context and flavor.

  1. [Important Person 1]
  2. [Important Person 1]
  3. [Important Person 1]

Starting Equipment

Has the DM:

  • Allowed additional levels beyond 1?
  • Allotted more gold than normal?
  • Starting Magic Items?

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published