Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition Character Creation
Begin your adventure
Build a hero for the world's most popular roleplaying game. Choose your race, class, and abilities using the free SRD 5.1 content.
Quick reference
Step 1: Choose your race
Your race determines ability score bonuses, speed, special traits, and languages. Each race brings unique advantages to different classes.
Step 2: Choose your class
Your class defines your abilities, hit die, proficiencies, and role in the party. Each SRD class includes one subclass.
Fierce warrior driven by primal rage, gaining incredible strength and resilience.
Versatile performer who weaves magic through music, words, and art.
Divine spellcaster who channels the power of a deity to heal and protect.
Nature caster who shapeshifts into animals and commands natural forces.
Master of martial combat, skilled with every weapon and armor.
Martial artist who harnesses ki for supernatural speed and strikes.
Holy warrior bound by a sacred oath, combining martial and divine power.
Skilled tracker blending martial prowess with nature magic.
Cunning expert in stealth, skills, and deadly precision strikes.
Innate spellcaster whose magic flows from a powerful bloodline.
Spellcaster who draws power from a pact with an otherworldly patron.
Scholarly spellcaster who masters arcane magic through study.
Step 3: Determine ability scores
Six ability scores define your character's capabilities. Choose a method: Standard Array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8), Point Buy (27 points), or 4d6 drop lowest.
Physical power. Melee attacks, Athletics, carrying capacity.
Key for: Barbarian, Fighter, Paladin
Agility and reflexes. AC, initiative, ranged attacks, Stealth.
Key for: Rogue, Monk, Ranger, Fighter
Health and stamina. Hit points, concentration saves.
Key for: Important for everyone
Reasoning and memory. Wizard spellcasting, Investigation.
Key for: Wizard
Awareness and intuition. Cleric/Druid casting, Perception.
Key for: Cleric, Druid, Monk, Ranger
Personality and leadership. Bard/Sorcerer/Warlock/Paladin casting.
Key for: Bard, Sorcerer, Warlock, Paladin
Your ability modifier = (score - 10) / 2, rounded down. A score of 10-11 gives +0, 14-15 gives +2, 18-19 gives +4. Modifiers are what you add to most rolls.
Step 4: Calculate derived stats
Calculate your combat stats from your ability scores and class.
Step 5: Define your character
Choose a background and define your character's personality. The SRD includes the Acolyte background; other backgrounds can be created with your DM.
- • Two traits that define how you act
- • e.g., "I always have a plan for when things go wrong"
- • Principles that drive your character
- • e.g., "Greater Good. Our lot is to protect the people"
- • Connections to people, places, or events
- • e.g., "I will do anything to protect the temple where I served"
- • Weaknesses that create drama
- • e.g., "I put too much trust in those who wield power within my temple"
This content is based on the System Reference Document 5.1 (SRD 5.1) by Wizards of the Coast, available under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).