Getting Started:

First things first, you'll need a character sheet.

The examples in this tutorial use this version.

Step 1 - Abilities

There are several methods for determining your Ability Scores. The three most common are Point Buy, Assigned Arrays, and Rolling.

Rolling Your Stats:
While every DM is different, one of the most common methods for determining your scores is to roll 4D6 and adding the highest three results of the four. Doing this six times and then assigning the total to your desired Ability Scores.

Assigned Array:
Unlike rolling your stats, an Assigned Array is a series of pre-set scores that you can use for your Abilities. An example array would be 16, 14, 14, 13, 12, and 10.

Point Buy:
The third method is to buy your scores using a point system. Using this system, you have 27-points and can spend them to buy your ability scores. However, you can NOT buy a score above a 15 with Point Buy using the rules in the 5th Edition Player's Hand Book.

Step 2 - Race

Before you finish your Ability Scores, make sure you've decided on your race. Each race grants you Racial Bonuses to your Ability Scores. You can view the different playable races here.

When you've finished writing down your Racial Bonuses, click Back to continue with this guide.

A Quick Guide To Actions:

Attack:
You make a melee or ranged attack.

Dash:
You move twice as far as your current speed.

Disengage:
If you start a round within 5-feet of an opponent who can see you, you move away without provoking an opportunity attack.

Dodge:
Until the start of your next turn, all attack rolls against you(that you can see) have Disadvantage. All Dex Saves are made with Advantage.

Help:
An ally within 5-feet gets Advantage on their next attack or Skill Check.

Hide:
You make a Stealth Check.

Ready:
You hold your action, but can still move. You must specify what your action(taken as a Reaction) will be and what the trigger is. You can choose not to take the reaction after it triggers. Casting a spell requires concentration.

Search:
You can roll a Perception or Investigation Check.

Use an Object:
Interact with a switch, use a spell scroll, etc.

Improvised Action:
Anything else, really. Pulling a rug out from someone, convince them to surrender, etc.