So you’re ready to dive into your first campaign, but don’t know where to start with character creation? You’re not alone. Every adventurer begins somewhere, and this guide will walk you through how to build a character in D&D 5e, step by step.
Whether you’re here to be a brawler, a spell-slinger, or a silver-tongued troublemaker like yours truly, it all starts with the right foundation.
1. Choosing a Character Concept
Before you even touch dice or stats, ask yourself this: Who do you want to play? A stoic knight? A fast-talking rogue? A quiet scholar cursed by a god? Your character concept sets the tone for everything that follows.
Don’t worry about getting it perfect—just start with something familiar or exciting. Think in archetypes: the exiled noble, the vengeful hunter, the reluctant hero.
Ready to explore your first fantasy persona?
Learn how to choose a character concept →
2. Picking a Race
Race affects your character’s appearance, culture, and abilities. Elves see centuries; dwarves hold grudges; halflings stay lucky. Mechanically, each race gives you a few bonuses, like extra movement speed, darkvision, or a boost to specific ability scores.
If you’re new, start with one of the more forgiving or versatile races like human, hill dwarf, or half-elf. These tend to support a wide variety of classes and concepts.
Want to see which race suits your hero best?
Check out our beginner’s guide to picking a race →
3. Picking a Class
Your class is what your character does—fight, heal, sneak, cast spells, or support the party in a dozen other ways. Classes determine your hit points, gear options, and the abilities you’ll use in and out of combat.
There are 13 classes in D&D 5e, but a few are especially great for beginners: fighter, cleric, rogue, and ranger. Each has a clear role and simple mechanics to learn as you play.
Not sure which class fits your style?
Read our guide to picking your first D&D class →
4. Picking a Background
Your background fills in your character’s life before the adventure. Were they a soldier? A guild artisan? A street urchin? It also gives you two skill proficiencies, a couple of tools or languages, and a flavourful feature unique to that background.
Backgrounds help you roleplay your character’s perspective—and they offer handy mechanical boosts too.
Need help picking one that suits your backstory?
Browse our backgrounds deep dive →
5. Understanding Ability Scores
Every character has six ability scores: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. These define your character’s physical, mental, and social aptitude.
There are three main ways to assign stats:
- Standard Array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8)
- Point Buy (customised within limits)
- Rolling for Stats (random—check with your DM first)
Your class choice should guide where you put your best numbers.
Want to understand how ability scores really work?
Check out our guide to mastering ability scores →
6. Choosing Equipment and Spells
Your starting equipment is based on your class and background. Martial classes usually start with armour and melee weapons, while casters begin with spellcasting foci and a few basic spells.
Don’t stress over every choice—just make sure you know what your gear does, and keep a short list of what spells you can cast if applicable.
Need help picking gear or learning how spells work?
Start with our beginner’s guide to equipment and spellcasting →
7. Writing a Backstory
Now that your mechanics are in place, it’s time to bring your character to life. A backstory doesn’t need to be ten pages long. Start simple: who are they, where did they come from, and why are they adventuring?
The best backstories leave space for the DM to connect you to the world. Give a name, a motive, and a secret or flaw, and let the rest unfold at the table.
Want help writing your first D&D backstory?
Check out our backstory tips for beginners →
Final Thoughts
Building a character in D&D 5e isn’t about perfection—it’s about potential. Your first character doesn’t have to be your forever one. Start with something fun and simple, and adjust as you go.
Because once the dice hit the table, the story really begins.
— Mike “Silver-Tongue”
