Character Creation

The object of character creation is for each player to develop an alter-ego or protagonist that they will play the part of and take on the role of within the Shadows of Humanity RPG. After all, taking on the role of someone else and interactively creating stories with other players and a GM (Game Master, who runs all the background or supporting characters, also known as NPC (Non-Player Characters) and/or Antagonists) is one of the primary points of Role Playing Games.
For some it is also to be able to live the life of this alter-ego within a different world. Either as a way to experience things that you would not do in real life, either because of being too dangerous to do in real life, or maybe involving some concept or situation that would not occur in the real world or that you may never have the opportunity to be exposed to in the real world. Or maybe it is a way to escape the monotony of daily life in the real world. As with any hobby, be it watching sports, watching movies, reading books, gardening, or any of a number of other common or not-so-common hobbies; participating in RPG's is a hobby that millions of people around the world enjoy. My hope is that this will allow for some who have an interest in the modern fantasy, supernatural or urban fantasy settings may enjoy spending time within this world that has been more than 20 years in development.
There are several steps to this process.
The first of course is to develop a concept of the type of character that you would like to "play" or more properly to play the role of (thus the concept of Role playing games). I recommend looking through all of the steps via the linked articles appearing on this site and then come back here to the start. Think of characters from books that you have read, or movies and TV shows that you have watched that were intriguing to you that were interesting enough that you would be interested in "playing the role" of that type of a character in such a story as the one created by the book, movie or show; or possibly that you felt some personal connection to.
Then think of the things about that character that you didn't care for and develop differences in your character concept that solve those issues. At the same time, don't develop a character concept that is perfect, as that is boring and will not make for an interesting story. After all, most stories (from books, movies and TV shows are interesting as the characters grow and learn, as they solve problems and overcome their own faults, and as they work through challenges that they face.
The sub-level articles beneath this level are provided as a guide for players wanting to develop characters or protagonists within the Shadows of Humanity setting.
As such, here are some suggested questions to consider regarding your character. I strongly recommend, reading through these questions, but not answering any of them yet. Then look through the Character Concept steps that follow to get ideas and concepts in mind. Then come back to these questions and answer as many of them for yourself as you can (no need to provide me with those answers, at least not yet). Then we can start the character creation process, going through each step. Think of these 40 questions as a rough and loose guide, with your answers and concepts being able to change and morph as you progress through the character creation process.
Basics

1. What is your full name?
2. Where were you born?
3. Who are/were your parents?
4. Any siblings?
5. What do you look like?
6. Right or left handed?
7. Which social class does your family belong to?
8. Do you have any allergies, diseases, habits, quirks or strange mannerisms or defining characteristics?
9. Are there any phrases or words that you use on a regular basis?
10. What is your current occupation?

Childhood

1. What is your earliest memory?
2. How would you describe your childhood?
3. How extensive of a formal education have you had?
4. Where did you learn most of your skills?
5. What did you want to be when you grew up?
6. Did you have any influential role models?
7. What were your favorite activities?
8. What kind of personality traits did you have?
9. How did you get along with other members of your family?
10. Who were your friends and enemies and were you “popular”?

Influences

1. Who has had the most influence on you so far in your life?
2. What was the most important event of your life so far?
3. What has been your greatest accomplishment so far?
4. What is your greatest memory?
5. What are you most ashamed of?
6. What was the most frightening event in your life so far?
7. What is your worst memory?
8. If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be?
9. What is the worst thing you have ever done?
10. Do you have a criminal record?

Beliefs and Values

1. What is your greatest fear?
2. What is your greatest desire?
3. What are your religious beliefs?
4. What are your political beliefs?
5. Do you have any biases or prejudices?
6. What do you consider makes someone “successful at life”?
7. What is the worst/most-evil thing that someone can do?
8. Is there anything you would refuse to do under any circumstances?
9. Do you believe in the concept of a soul-mate, true-love and/or “love at first sight”?
10. Who or what, if anything, would you be willing to die for?

The next step is  Mythical Beings