Character Questionnaire

The following questions are designed to help you flesh out your character. Though answering them is completely optional, doing so allows the DM an opportunity to tie adventures into your background.

Section 1 - Family:

  1. Describe a family member that your character visits occasionally (or a person who is like family to the character). Examples: mother who needs money; kindly grandfather; roguish brother.
  2. Describe a pivotal moment in your childhood. Examples: seeing an orc for the first time; gaining an apprenticeship; leaving home.
  3. What is the most important thing you learned during your childhood? Examples: the nobility are not always honorable; friendship is more important than money; it's mine if it's not nailed down.

Section 2 - Occupation:

  1. Why did your character decide on his current profession? Examples: naturally talented at it; will take him away from a bad situation; no other options available.
  2. Who did you associate with most when you were learning your current skills? Examples: the stern but fair teacher; your partner in crime; the old widow who gave you a place to sleep.
  3. Just before the game starts, what is your character doing? Examples: finishing up training in your chosen occupation; traveling through the wilderness; stealing from an arrogant merchant.

Section 3 - Relationships:

  1. Who is your best friend? Examples: another PC; the innkeeper's daughter; your dog.
  2. Name someone who you dislike, but had to associate with in the past. Examples: your stepfather; the apprentice jealous of your success; the only merchant within a two day journey of your residence.
  3. Name someone who you used to get along well with, but who you currently don't associate with. Examples: the mentor who kicked you out after you accidentally burned down the stable; the sister who was married off to a local noble; the old flame who wasn't interested in adventures and excitement.

Section 4 - Motivation:

  1. Name a one-time occurrance that would motivate you to perform a task. Examples: the death of a close friend; information on the location of a long-lost magic item; a large amount of money.
  2. Name something that will usually motivate you to perform a task. Examples: a desire for justice; curiosity; greed.
  3. What is your character's greatest ambition? Examples: become wealthy, drive evil from the land, live forever.

Section 5 - Personality:

  1. Name one redeeming quality of your character that is apparent to others (even if you don't actually have that quality). Examples: honesty; reliable; fun to be around.
  2. Name one redeeming quality of your character that may not be obvious to others (or that you actively hide from others). Examples: always helps a friend; gives to the needy; sends money back to his family.

© 2004 Casey McGirt


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