Also, feel free to make any suggestions on modification or better use of phrasing etc. and feel free to adapt it for your own needs. This is by no means a comprehensive guide but should at least get you really thinking about your character and why they are the way they are -
So without further delay, we have:
Majick's character creation guide
Physical impressions: (scars, deformities, injuries)
Scars from battle, childhood injuries, physical quirks or anomalies etc.
Physical appearance: (in comparison to others of same race)
Short, stocky, lanky, lithe, toned, balding etc.
Likes/ enjoys/ appreciates: (for character flavor purposes)
Impressive shows of skill, flowers, magical illusions, clockwork devices etc.
Pet hates [minor hates]: (for character flavor purposes)
Boasting, selfishness, seafood, bad jokes etc.
Hatred [seriously hates]: (may break alignment to eliminate, change, destroy)
Oppression of the weak, defiling a sacred sight, perversion of the innocent
Personality/ religious quirks: (can sometimes seem random)
Will never bathe within 100ft of a lady, only eats if no one is looking at him, will not kill on the 7th day of each month
Racial feelings/ preferences: (own race or other)
Hates other Elves but is one, loves Dwarves for their craftsmanship but is a Halfling, identifies with the god and thinking of Orcs but is a Gnome etc.
Personality Type: (diplomat, brutish, ignorant) (see PHB2 for further reference)
Gruff, direct, cheeky, innocent, naive, sultry, abrasive, enthusiastic, lackluster etc.
Mission/ goal: (reason for adventuring, can be very general)
Make money to bail dad out of jail, become world famous swordsman, gain power etc.
Dreams: (not always the same as missions or goal, and usually more specific)
Opening a magic shop, retiring rich, falling in love with a beautiful elf etc.
Known relatives/ friends/ family connections: (possible role-play purposes)
Locations, how well known, number, power, love/hate, competition, siblings etc.
Background: (about the place they were born)
Location, local inhabitant (numbers, races etc.), type of community (rural, military, clergy etc.), significant enemies or allies (community or racial based), does your character love their homeland? Do they identify with the life the other folk lead? Would they ever go back? Etc.
Enemies/ nemesis: (possible role-play purposes)
Step-father, old town mayor, a lich king, child-hood rival etc.
Reputation: (local, wide-spread, in specific circles only)
Ladies man, thief, generous, tyrannical etc.
Secret talents: (or perhaps not so secret)
Singing, book-keeping, mathematics, dancing, juggling etc.
Reasoning for alignment: (on BOTH axis, and identify which axis is MORE important to the character)
Examples of two Lawful Good scenarios –
“I’m lawful because I value order over chaos and good because I prefer to serve others over serving myself”
“I’m lawful because my duty to the church is what must always be observed first and foremost and I’m good because if someone does not stand up and oppose evil then no one will”
Combat preferences: (styles or focus)
Defensive, ultra-offensive, intelligent, flashy, sneaky etc.
Character Evolution (important!): (changes to thinking and/or acting)
Perhaps begins to realize they are not as great as they thought they were and become more pious and humble at higher levels, perhaps go from being sheepish to being incredibly boisterous with each experience, or perhaps change their misguided ideas on a particular race (this stuff can be a great way to explain class or prestige class changes) etc.
By doing all the above (or the ones you think are necessary) you don't have to 'be yourself' 10 times in a row with 10 supposedly different characters, you really can just make a quick scan over the sheet a minute or so before play and keep the mind-set fresh and ready for action!
*Note: many of the ideas put forward are not always needed for every character (eg. not every character has scars, quirks etc.) and some do require some DM intervention/negotiation so it is recommended you run all your ideas past s/he before you confirm everything (some things you write about backstory may clash with the setting or simply be unreasonable for the campaign, so check first, k?) :D