The Basics
» Give a two or three word description of them. (Describe the persona's concept.)
» Do they have any nicknames, street names, titles, or aliases?
» What is their full birth name?
» Where do they live?
» Why do they live there?
» What is their citizenship status?
» What is their most obvious blessing or strength?
» What do they perceive as their greatest strength?
» What is their most obvious flaw or weakness?
» What do they perceive as their greatest weakness?
» Was there any event or cause to cause these weaknesses?
» What would they like to be remembered for after their death?
» What kind of threat do they present to the public?

Physical Traits
» How old are they?
» What is their gender?
» What is their species/race?
» How tall are they?
» How much do they weigh?
» What is their general body type, frame, bone structure, and poise?
» What is their skin colour?
» What is their hair colour?
» What is their hair style?
» Do they have any facial hair?
» What is their eye colour?
» Does it change?
» How attractive are they?
» What is their most distinguishing feature?
» Do they have any scars, tattoos, or birthmarks?
° If so, how did they acquire them?
° What do these distinguishing marks look like?
° Do they have any special significance?
° Where are they located?
» What is their handedness (left/right)?
» Do they resemble some currently known person?
» What is their hand size/description?
» Do they wear a uniform?
» What kind of clothing do they wear?
» What is their clothing's style or level of sophistication?
» What size are they for:
° Shirts/Jackets?
° Pants?
° Shoes?
» Do they wear makeup?
» Do they wear glasses/contacts?
» What sort of vocal tone do they have?
» Do they have a weak immune system and catch anything that goes around?

Historical Questions
» Where is their homeland?
» What are its people like?
» Are they aware of its history?
» Are they patriotic or a social outcast?
» What are their opinion of home?
» Where is their home town?
» What is their home town's name?
» What was the area like and how did it affect they?
» Did they witness any historical events?
» If so, how did that event impact they?
» Are their real motivations different from what they tell others?
» If so, how might such secrets be revealed?
» How far would they go to keep such secrets from being revealed?
» What would they do if the truth became known?
» What do they fear would occur if the truth became known?
» Are they particularly graced (or cursed) with particular traits or skills?
» If so, were these a result of their past?
» How have these affected their life so far?
» Did they affect they in their chosen profession?

Nationality/Race
» What about their race, growing up were they in the majority or a minority?
» How were they treated by other nearby races?
» Were they persecuted for their race?
» Did this impact their outlook in any way?
» Did it affect their personality?
» How do they feel about other races?
» Do they have any justification from their past experience for holding such views? Were there any traumatic experiences in their early years (death of a family member, abandonment, orphaned at an early age, etc.)?
» Are they who they claim to be?
» How do they view the heroes/legends of their country?

Childhood/Past History
» What was childhood like for them?
» Was it calm and peaceful, turbulent or traumatic?
» Did they have any childhood friends?
» If so, who and where are they now?
» Are they still close to them or have they grown apart?
» Briefly describe a defining moment in their childhood and how it influenced their life.
» What stupid things did they do when they were younger?
» Which toys from their childhood have they kept?
» What do they mean to them?
» If they didn't keep any, why not?
» What did they do to them all?
» Do they have any deep, dark secrets in the past that may come back to haunt them?
» What conflicts might arise from their past?
» Do they have any sort of criminal record?

Family Relationships
» What was their family life like?
» What is their father's full name?
» What is their mother's full name?
» Were they raised by them?
» If not, then why didn't they?
» Who did raise they?
» How did they get along with their parents?
» How would their parents describe them?
» What did their parents and/or foster parents do for a living?
» What was their standing in the community?
» Did their family stay in one area or move around a lot?
» Do they have any siblings?
» If so how many and what were their names?
» What was their birth position in the family?
» How did they get along with each of their siblings?
» Who was their grandmother on their mother's side?
» Who was their grandfather on their mother's side?
» Who was their grandmother on their father's side?
» Who was their grandfather on their father's side?
» Did their mother have any siblings?
» Where are they now?
» Did their father have any siblings?
» Where are they now?
» Do they stay in touch with them or have they become estranged?
» Draw out their family tree, including living and dead relatives.
» Do they love or hate one member of the family in particular?
» Is any member of the family special to they in any way (perhaps, as a confidant, »mentor, or arch-rival)?
» Are there any black (or white) sheep in the family (including them)?
» If so, who are they and how did they "gain" the position?
» If this person is not them, then how do they feel about them?
» Do they have a notorious or celebrated ancestor?
» If so, what did this person do to become famous or infamous?
» What do people assume about they once their ancestry is revealed?
» Do they try to live up to the reputation of their ancestor, try to live it down, or ignore it?
» Have they begun their own family?
» If not, do they ever want to have a family of their own someday?
» If so, with who or what type of person?

Personal Relationships
Friends:
» Do they have any close friends?
» A best friend?
» If so, who and what are they like?
» If so, what is the history of their relationship with them?
» What would they be willing to do to protect this person?
» Is there anything they wouldn't do to protect them?
» Would anything change their mind on this issue?


Lovers:
» What type of person would be their ideal mate?
» Do they have a significant other?
» If so, who and what are they like?
» If so, what is the history of their relationship with them?
» What would they be willing to do to protect such a person?
» Is there anything they wouldn't do to protect them?
» Would anything change their mind on this issue?


Enemies:
» Do they have any enemies?
» If so, who and what are they like?
» If so, what is the history of their relationship with them?







» Do they currently have a best friend whom they would protect with their reputation or their life?
» If so, who are they and what caused they to feel so close to them?
» What would have to happen for they to end this relationship?
» Do they have any bitter enemies?
» If so, who are they, what are they like, and what is the history of their feud with they?
» Have they defeated them before?
» How might these enemies seek to discomfit them in the future?
» What valuable or important contacts do they have?
» How did they come to know them?
» Which person(s) or group(s) are they most loyal to?
» List any past serious relationships that they have had, and give a brief overview of the relationship(s).
» How do they think others generally perceive they?
» If someone crossed their path, what would they do?
» Who is their most trusted ally?
» Who do they trust, in general?
» Who do they despise and why?
» Name seven things they hate in others.
» Is their image consistent?
» Do people see they in similar ways?
» Do they deliberately present them differently in different situations, and how?
» What would they die for?
» For whom would they go to extremes?
» Who do they turn to when they're in trouble?
» What is the worst thing someone has done to them?
» What are their general reaction to an attractive member of their preffered sex who lets them know they are available?
» How do they get along with others in the same field and/or work environment?
» How can they be blackmailed, beaten, and tricked (by PCs or NPCs)?
» Have they lost any loves?
» How did they handle the situation (short & long term)?
» Who would miss they, should they go missing?
» Who might protect them?
» Who might be convinced to sell they out?
» How close are they to their friends?
» What do they know about they?
» What do they not know about they?
» What do they know and not know about them?
» Do they live with anyone (housemates, roommates, relatives, friends, near-strangers, family friend, spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, lover)?
» Are they a member of any special interest groups?
» What is their level of involvement?
» What is their current status with local law-enforcement?
» Do they have a record of cooperation or non-cooperation with authorities?
» Do they have a file with local, national or international law enforcement?

Personality and Beliefs
» Do they, or did they, have any role models?
» Do they have any heroes or idols, either contemporary or from legend?
» If so, have they ever met them?
» Did they ever become disillusioned with former heroes or idols?
» If so, why and what were the circumstances?
» For adventuring / risk-taking personas:
° When did they decide to become an adventurer?
° Why have they chosen to risk their life as a career?
° What do they expect to get out of being an adventurer (satisfaction, glory, money, redemption, etc.)?
° What, if anything, would make them stop adventuring (death of a loved one, marriage, mutilation, money, position, old age, etc.)?
» Do they have any dreams or ambitions?
» If not, why?
» What are their short term goals (what would they like to be doing within a year)?
» What are their long term goals (what would they like to be doing twenty years from now)?
» If these goals seem at odds with each other or with their dreams, how do they reconcile the differences?
» How do they seek to fulfill these dreams, goals, & ambitions?
» Do they have any great rational or irrational fears or phobias?
» If so, what are the origins of or reasons behind them?
» What, if anything, would it take for they to be able to overcome this?
» How do they react when this fear manifests itself?
» Are they willing to discuss, or even admit to, the situation?
» What are their attitudes regarding material wealth?
» Are they miserly with their share of the wealth, or do they spend it freely?
» Are they greedy or generous?
» Do they see wealth as a mark of success, or just as a means to an end?
» How do they generally treat others?
» Do they trust easily (perhaps too easily) or not?
» Are they introverted (shy and withdrawn) or extroverted (outgoing)?
» Are they a humble soul or blisteringly proud?
» Do they act differently than they feel (concealing their true thoughts)?
» What habits would they find most annoying in friends?
» Is there any race, creed, alignment, religion, class, profession, political viewpoint, or the like against which they is strongly prejudiced, and why?
» How do others typically react to they?
» Why, in their opinion, do they act that way?
» What are their most annoying habits?
» What is their favourite food? What is their favourite drink?
» What is their favourite treat (desert)?
» Do they favour a particular cuisine?
» Do they savour the tastes when eating or "wolf down" their food?
» Do they like food mild or heavily spiced?
» Are there any specific foodstuffs that they find disgusting or refuse to eat?
» Are they allergic to any food?
» What are their favourite colour(s)?
» Is there any colour that they dislike?
» Do they have a favourite (or hated) song, type of music, or instrument?
» What is their favourite bard song?
» If they have a favourite scent, what is it?
» What is their favourite type of animal?
» Why do they have an affinity for that creature?
» Do they have an animal totem or affinity, and if so for what?
» Is there a certain type of animal that they hate or fear?
» Are they allergic to any kinds of animals?
» Do they have any allergies?
» Is there anything that enrages them?
» Is there anything which embarrasses them?
»How do they react to being teased about it?
» Do they enjoy "roughing it", or do they prefer their creature comforts?
» Do they believe in god(s) or not?
» Do they have a patron Deity?
» Are they devout or impious?
» Do they actively worship and proselytize or do they simply pay lip service?
» What lengths would they go to defend their faith?
» Was their faith influenced or moulded by anyone special?
» Do they belong to the orthodox church, or a fringe element thereof (and is the group accepted, frowned upon, or considered heretics)?
» How has this impacted their faith and life?
» Is their church an accepted religion where they grew up or did it have to conduct its services in secret?
» How did this affect their faith and life?
» Have they ever been persecuted for their faith?
» If so, when and How did they handle it?
» Can they kill?
» When did they decide (or learn) that they could?
» What happened and how did they handle it?
» When do they consider it okay to kill (under what circumstances)?
» When do they consider it wrong to kill (under what circumstances)?
» What would they do if someone else attempted to (or successfully did) kill under the wrong circumstances, what would be their reaction?
» What if it were their enemy?
» What if it were their friend?
» What if it were an innocent?
» What if the opponent were not in control of their own actions (i.e.-under duress, charmed, dominated, possessed, etc.)?
» What would they do if someone shot at (attacked) them?
» What would they do if something were stolen from them?
» What would they do if they were badly insulted publicly?
» What would they do if a good friend or relative were killed by means other than natural death?
» What is the one task they would absolutely refuse to do?
» What do they consider to be the worst crime someone could commit and why?
» How do they feel about government (rulers) in general?
» Why do they feel that way?
» Do they support the current government of their homeland?
» If so, how far are they willing to go to defend the government?
» If not, do they actively oppose it?
» Do they belong to an anti-government organization?
» If so, describe the group and its aims.
» What form of government do they believe is the best (democracy, monarchy, anarchy, aristocratic rule, oligarchy, matriarchy) and why?
» Have they ever been persecuted for their political stance?
» If so, describe the occurrence and how it affected they?
» Are they a member of any non-religious group, cause, order, or organization?
» If so describe it, its goals, and membership.
» How loyal are they to this group and why?
» How did they become a member?
» If they are a former member, did they leave voluntarily or involuntarily and why?
» Was it under good (amicable) conditions or bad?
» Are they being sought or hunted by the organization?
» If so, by whom and with what intent (to murder them, to force their return through blackmail or coercion, to spy on them and make sure they do not reveal any of the groups secrets)?
» Do they have any unusual habits or dominant personality traits that are evident to others?
» If so, describe them and how they acquired them, as well as when they might be more noticeable and what causes them?
» How do they react if made fun of for any of these things?
» Do they have any unusual or nervous mannerisms, such as when talking, thinking, afraid, under stress, or when embarrassed?
» If so, are there any reasons behind them from their past?
» Do they have an unusual gait or accent?
» If so, where did they acquire them?
» Are there any circumstances where they become more (or less) evident?
» How do they feel and react if made fun of for any of these things?
» What is their favourite colour?
» What place would they most like to visit?
» What annoys them the most?
» What (if any) are their favourite forms of art?
» What is their most treasured possession?
» What things could they not live without?
» Do they have a good luck charm?
» If their life were to end in 24 hours, what 5 things would they do in those remaining hours?
» Do they have a "Black-and-White" view of reality or can they see shades of grey?
» Do they prefer to tear down or build up?
» Are they deliberate or spontaneous?
» Do they prefer the town or the country?
» If made to decide, would they rather be deaf or blind? Why?
» How do they feel about magic, myth, and the supernatural?
» Do they remember their dreams?
» Describe a typical dream they might have.
» Describe their worst nightmares.

Career/Training
» What was (or is) their primary profession?
» Where and how were they educated?
» Who trained them?
» What was their relationship with their teacher(s)/mentor(s)?
» How did they happen across this teacher or mentor?
» Was their mentor kind, stern, cruel, indifferent?
» Is this person or institution still in existence?
» Were they forced into their profession by parents or peers?
» Did circumstances dictate their choice of profession?
» Were they a prize student or did they just barely pass?
» Look at their skills. How did they acquire them (especially the unusual ones)?
» Have they ever done anything else for a living?
» How do they function in combat (manoeuvres, weaknesses)?
» How would they best be defeated?
» Have they ever received any awards or honours?
» What have they done that was considered "outstanding" in their occupation by others in their field?
» What are their long-term goals in work?
» Describe any traumatic experiences in their present occupation that has affected they deeply in some way.
» How do their relatives and friends view their present occupation?
» Is there anything that they don't currently know how to do that they wish they could?
» Do they admire others who can do such things?
» Are they sullen and morose about it?

Hobbies/General Lifestyle
» Do they have a daily routine?
» If so, what is it?
» How do they feel and react when this routine is interrupted for some reason?
» What does their morning routine consist of?
» What does their evening routine consist of?
» Do they follow these routines during 'down' time, or even when out in the world?
» What are their hobbies when they are not out in the world?
» What is their idea of a good evening's entertainment?
» What would they do if they had insomnia and had to find something to do to amuse them?
» What do they do for relaxation?
» Do they enjoy reading? If so, what do they read?
» Scientific textbooks, historical novels, myths and legends, maps, cookbooks, romances, news magazines, science fiction, fantasy, horror, the newspaper, short stories?
» What music do they like?
» Do they have a favourite artist, band or bard?
» Will they listen to or sing the same songs over and over, or does it drive they nuts when people do that?
» What things do they do for enjoyment?
» What interests do they have?
» How do they normally dress, when not in their adventuring gear?
» Do they like to dress up or down to relax?
» Do they have a look or style?
» If so, describe it.
» What do they normally wear in bed at home?
» What do they normally wear in bed while out in the world?
» Do they wear any identifiable jewellery?
» Where do they normally put the tools of their trade or other valuables when they are sleeping?
» What pastime (that they participate in regularly) gives they the least enjoyment?
» Do they read the newspaper?
» If so, which sections and how often?
» What are their hangout places?
» Do they go to a bar after work?
» Do they play pool?
» Do they go dancing?
» Who goes with them?
» How do they exercise? (Work out at the gym, walks in the morning, run marathons, play sports, couch potato, etc.?)
» Where do they live?
» Do they rent or own?
» Apartment, house or castle?
» How close are the neighbours?
» Is it a good neighbourhood?
» What colour is the house?
» Which floor are they on?
» Do they have a lawn?
» What about a flower garden?
» Does their house have an attic or basement?
» What does their furniture look like?
» Do they buy antiques?
» What are their walls covered with? Wallpaper, art, photos?
» What sorts of curtains do they have? Frilly lacy ones, Venetian blinds, pull-down shades?
» Do they keep their house clean?
» Is it dusty?
» Is the bathtub mouldy or coated in rust?
» Do they clean it them?
» What does their desk or work-space look like? Small and cramped, huge and expansive, covered in drifts of books and papers?, neatly ordered and clean?
» Can they find what they're looking for when they need it?
» What colour are their sheets? Satin or cotton? Patterned with flowers, or covered with pictures of toy robots?
» What sorts of food do they eat?
» Do they cook their own dinners?
» Are they a good cook, a gourmet, or a terrible cook?
» Do they eat out?
» Are they on a diet?

Travel
» How do they get around locally?
» Do they get seasick, airsick, motion sick (auto or animal)?
» Are there any modes of travel that either thrill or terrify they?
» What are they?
» If terrifying, what would it take to get they onto such a nightmarish conveyance?
» If thrilling, how far out of their way would they go to travel this way?
» Do they like riding animals?
» What sorts of general belongings or equipment do they take when travelling?
» Where do they vacation, and how often?
» Do they have any pets?
» If so, do they take them with them?
» What do they do with them when they are out in the world?
» Do they keep a calendar or address book?
» Where do they keep it?
» Could others find it to track they down in their travels?
» Would it reveal things about they better left hidden?
» Did they leave a Will?
» What does it say?
» If they were to disappear in their travels, could it be found?