What do you do first when creating a character?

[Rblademaster]

I ussually have a long list of "classes I still want to play"

and go from their, picking the race, and putting down the stat points in the way that I envision the class/want to play it.

Or what the party needs if other really really want to be something, my long list of things I want to be some time allows for some leway(sp?) in that regard

[SightblinderX]

Depends on the day, really. Some days I'll roll the dice and see what i can come up with, other days i will think of a character and then try to make that happen when the dice are rolled.

[Aresdestroyer]

normally i observe the other players making their characters and then make one that will compliment their talents as well as mine.

[nogoodscallywag]

I usually roll first; the ability scores are like genetics, they basically determine who your character will be.

[LadyWinterWolf]

First I decide what race and class I am, then I find a picture that personifies the character; make up a biography, roll the dice and off I go. Having a picture and story helps me visualize the character, so I understand better how to develop it further on.