Occupation: While for most PCs, the general job description is
either "adventurer," or their class, what does your character think that
their role in life is? Examples might include "defender of the faith,"
"ward of the people of haranshire," "professional treasure hunter," "semi-retired
adventurer," "revolutionary," "mercenary," "bodyguard," "scholar," etc.
Personality: This refers to nonphysical traits associated with
the character, mainly behavior and temperament. Some examples are
generous, humorless, cruel, optimistic, altruistic, aloof, vengeful, cruel,
studious, tactless, morose, etc. You should already have a pretty
good idea of what personality traits define your character, though you
may wish to include traits that don't normally show up during the game.
If you need more help choosing traits, there is a list in the DMG that
may be helpful.
Appearance: Once you've had a few epic interludes under your
belt, chances are you'll be noted by bards, etc., concerning your general
appearance. This includes not only your hair, skin, and eye color,
but also height, build, manners of dress, any items you normally (or even
always) carry, and so on. Start this list with what a person would
immediately notice about the character; finish it with things a person
would notice after studying the PC for a while.
Distinguishing Features and Habits: Personally oddities or quirks
that might not be immediately noticeable. This can includes physical
traits such as buck teeth, tattoos, birthmarks, and scars, or behaviors
such as favorite expressions, nervous habits, patterns of speech, etc.
Just for fun, I also like to record memorable lines
spoken by a character as they occur.
Tastes and Preferences: This includes the PC's hobbies and leisure
pursuits, favorite foods, favorite colors, collections, pets, etc.
This category also includes things your character doesn't like: activities
your character finds distasteful or boring, foods the character refuses
to eat, animals you don't like, etc.
History: This includes pertinent background material (your race;
where you were born, raised, and educated, etc.), what influence your parents
might have had on your life, any current living relations you have, and
what events - inside or outside the scope of the campaign - have affected
your life.
Friends, allies, and patrons: Note any influential acquaintances
your character has - in the past or currently. This includes friends,
contacts, mentors, henchmen, frequently patronized businessmen, etc.
Note that I'll allow a little bit of creativity here (but consult with
me). Anyone who wants to create and detail an NPC as in the Sages
& Specialists (or in a similar manner) will receive an extra experience
point bonus.
Enemies: This may include enemies you got points for when creating
your character, or other, minor rivals that may not have warranted any
CP bonus. This may also include any enemies acquired during the campaign
that have earned your special ire!
Short-term goals: What does your character want to accomplish
in the immediate future? What problems loom largest in their minds?
This, of course, requires frequent updating.
Long-term goals: What are the characters motivations?
What plans and ambitions does your character have for the distant future?
What will you do as these goals are achieved? What will you do if
they cannot be achieved?