Step 2: Choose a Class
Classes determine your character’s main abilities and how they interact with the world. In D&D 5e, you can be a mighty Fighter, a cunning Rogue, a powerful Wizard, or one of many other archetypes. Each class has its own playstyle, skill set, and role in the party with a few encompassing multiple roles. Think about whether you want to be on the front lines of battle, cast spells from a distance, or heal and support your allies or a mix. You can mix and match classes through multiclassing. This can either make very strong or weak characters its best to avoid this until you are knowledgeable across many different classes and systems.
When choosing a class, consider your race, desired playstyle, and backstory. A Dwarf Cleric can be a great healer and defender, while an Elf Ranger is ideal for stealthy exploration. Each class also brings unique features like spellcasting, sneak attacks, or rage. These features help mold your character into what you want them to be both in combat and outside during role play with other players. Something to keep in mind is not all classes are restricted to what they read as an example of this is a paladin. Many people will look at a paladin and see a holy knight when it can be a gladiator, soldier, priest, or just a man with a conviction. Many of the descriptions are flavor text to help describe and get you into character not something necessarily set in stone. Read through the options and pick one that excites you, this is your character's profession and passion.