A good OC template helps you see the gaps in your character. Maybe you know exactly what they look like but have no idea what they want, or you have a detailed backstory but can't picture their face. Below you'll find a free character sheet template you can copy into any document, followed by 60 OC questions that go deeper.
Fill in what you know first. Leave the rest blank and come back later. Characters grow as you write and draw them.
Basic OC template
Copy this template into a note, a document or your art portfolio:
NAME:
NICKNAME(S):
AGE:
BIRTHDAY:
GENDER / PRONOUNS:
SPECIES / RACE:
OCCUPATION / ROLE:
HOMETOWN:
CURRENT HOME:
APPEARANCE
Height & build:
Hair:
Eyes:
Skin:
Distinguishing marks (scars, tattoos, freckles):
Usual outfit:
Signature accessory:
Color palette (3-5 colors):
PERSONALITY
Three words that describe them:
Strengths:
Flaws:
Fears:
Habits & quirks:
Likes:
Dislikes:
How they talk (accent, catchphrase, vocabulary):
STORY
Goal (what they want):
Motivation (why they want it):
Obstacle (what's stopping them):
Secret:
Backstory (3-5 sentences):
RELATIONSHIPS
Family:
Best friend:
Rival / enemy:
Love interest (if any):
Pet / companion:
ABILITIES
Skills:
Special powers / magic (if any):
Weaknesses:
Character sheet template for artists
If you draw your OC, a visual character sheet (also called a reference sheet) helps you and other artists keep them consistent. A typical character sheet includes:
- A full-body front view in a neutral pose
- A back view, and optionally a side view (a "turnaround")
- A close-up of the face showing eye shape and hairstyle
- Two or three expressions: happy, angry and one that shows their personality
- A color palette with swatches for hair, eyes, skin, clothes and accessories
- Detail call-outs for things that are easy to get wrong: a pattern on a sleeve, an earring, a scar
- A short info box with name, age, height and a one-line personality summary
Not an artist? You can generate a full-body portrait of your OC in the Character Creator and use it as the base of your reference sheet.
60 OC questions to develop your character
Basics and background
- Where was your OC born, and do they still live there?
- Who raised them?
- What was their childhood like in one sentence?
- What's the earliest memory they have?
- What did they want to be when they grew up?
- How did they end up doing what they do now?
- How much money do they have, and how do they feel about it?
- What is their education, formal or otherwise?
- What's one event that changed their life completely?
- What would their life look like if that event had never happened?
Personality
- How would their best friend describe them?
- How would their worst enemy describe them?
- What makes them laugh?
- What makes them angry, really angry?
- How do they act when they're nervous?
- Are they an early bird or a night owl?
- What do they do when they're alone?
- What's a lie they tell often?
- What's a rule they'll never break?
- What would they do with an unexpected free day?
Wants, fears and secrets
- What does your OC want more than anything?
- Why do they want it?
- What are they most afraid of?
- What's a secret nobody knows?
- What's a secret everybody knows except them?
- What do they regret?
- What would make them give up on their goal?
- What would they sacrifice to reach it?
- What do they think they need, and what do they actually need?
- What would they do if they were guaranteed not to fail?
Relationships
- Who do they trust most?
- Who has hurt them?
- Do they make friends easily?
- How do they show they care about someone?
- Who do they look up to?
- Who do they feel responsible for?
- Do they have a rival? Why?
- What kind of person annoys them instantly?
- How do they act around people they have a crush on?
- Who would they call at 3 a.m. in an emergency?
Daily life and quirks
- What's their morning routine?
- What's their comfort food?
- What's in their pockets or bag right now?
- What music do they listen to?
- Do they have a pet? If not, what pet would they want?
- What's their room or home like?
- What's a small habit they don't notice they do?
- What's their favorite smell?
- How do they dress on a day off?
- What skill are they secretly proud of?
Story and growth
- Where is your OC at the start of their story?
- Where do they end up?
- What is the hardest choice they'll have to make?
- What belief will they have to change?
- What do they learn about themselves?
- Who will they lose, or almost lose?
- Who will they become by the end?
- What would a perfect ending look like for them?
- What ending would they deserve?
- If they met themselves from the start of the story, what would they say?
How to use these questions
You don't need to answer all 60. Pick the five or ten that feel hardest to answer, because those are usually where your character is still thin. You can also answer in your OC's voice instead of your own. Writing "I don't trust anyone, and you shouldn't ask" tells you more than "They have trust issues."
If you're starting from scratch, browse our list of 100 OC ideas, or roll a random character with the OC Generator and use this template to make it your own.
FAQ
What should an OC template include?
At minimum: name, age, appearance, personality, a goal, a flaw and a short backstory. Artists usually add a color palette and a reference image, and writers often add relationships and a secret.
What's the difference between an OC template and a character sheet?
An OC template is usually a written list of fields and questions. A character sheet (or reference sheet) is usually visual: drawings of the character from different angles with colors and key details. Many creators use both.
Can I use this OC template for roleplay and D&D?
Yes. The template works for roleplay, tabletop games, stories and art. For tabletop games, add your game's stats and abilities under the Abilities section.
How many questions should I answer about my OC?
As many as help. Most characters feel alive after 10 to 20 good answers. Focus on what they want, what they fear and how they treat other people.