Character Backstory Template

Basic Character Questions

• Name:
• Nicknames:
• Age:
• Catchphrase:
• What is something they always have on hand/carry with them?

Favorites

• Food:
• Energy drink:
• Alcohol:
• Color:
• Animal:
• Least favorite animal:
• Hobby:
• Movie/TV show:
• Music genre/song:
• Which place would they like to visit/travel?
• What is the most beautiful thing they’ve ever seen?
• Explain their idea of art?
• Spell out their go-to passcode?

Friends and Family

• Parents?
• Siblings?
• What is their perception of family? What does “family” mean to them?
• Describe their ideal best friend.
• Do they have any pets?
• Who are their natural allies?
• What about their surprising allies?
• Their natural enemies?

Physical / Appearance

• Height:
• Weight:
• Build/Body type:
• Hair color:
• Hair style:
• Eye color:
• Glasses?
• Distinguishing facial features:
• Tattoos?
• Physical handicaps?
• Type of clothes/style:

Personality

• Inspiration:
• Optimist or pessimist?
• Introvert or extrovert?
• Any bad habits?
• What makes them laugh out loud?
• How do they display affection?
• Arch nemesis?
• How do they want to be seen by others?
• How do they see themselves?
• Now how are they ACTUALLY seen by others?
• Strongest character trait?
• Weakest character trait?
• How competitive are they?
• Do they dominate an argument? Or do they instantly cave?
• Do they make snap judgements or take time to consider?
• How do they react to praise?
• How do they react to criticism?
• What is their greatest fear?
• Their biggest secrets?
• What about their philosophy of life?
• Does anything make them sad?
• What haunts them?
• What will they stand up for?
• Who do they quote?
• Indoorsy or Outdoorsy?
• What is their vice?
• What sense do they most rely on?
• How do they treat others?
• Are they the smartest person in the room? The dumbest? The most clever? The rudest?
• What quality do they most value in a friend?
• If they could change one thing about themselves, what would it be?
• What is their obsession?
• Their pet peeves?
• What embarrasses them?
• What excites them?
• List their idiosyncrasies:
• Any other mannerism/quirks?

Work / Education / Hobbies

• What do they do for work/job/career?
• How do they feel about their job?
• What are some of their past jobs?
• What are their hobbies?
• Educational background?
• Intelligence level?
• Do they have any specialist training?
• Special talents?
• Do they play a sport? Are they any good?

Possessions

• What is in their fridge?
• Their bedside table?
• What is in their car?
• Their trash?
• What’s in their purse/wallet/backpack?
• What’s in their pockets?
• What is their most treasured possession?
• Their security blanket? Most prized possession?
• Where do they keep their valuables?

Values

• What do they think is the worst thing that can be done to a person?
• What’s their idea of freedom?
• Their idea of prison?
• What is their idea of a vacation? An escape?
• What is their idea of torture?
• What is their idea of pleasure? (keep it clean- remember, no erp)
• What is their idea of pain?
• And when was the last time they lied?
• Cried?
• What is their view on lying?
• What is their view on loyalty?
• Now describe the last promise they made:
• Are they a snitch?
• Do they keep their word?
• Are they trustworthy?

Daily Life

• What are their eating habits?
• Do they have any allergies?
• Describe their home?
• Are they minimalist or a hoarder?
• What do they do first thing on a weekday morning?
• On a Sunday afternoon?
• What do they do on a Friday night?

Miscellaneous

• What is their character archetype? (ex: anti-hero)
• Who is their hero?
• What or who would your character dress up as for Halloween?
• Are they comfortable with technology?
• If they could only choose one person in a room to save, who would they choose?
• If they could call one person for help, who would it be?
• What is their greatest regret?
• Their perception of redemption?
• What would they do if they won the lottery?
• What would they ask a fortune teller?
• If they had a superpower, what would it be?