Doodle Characters

Press Build a character for a body shape, a face, one extra and something for it to do.

Doodle Characters: 30 characters

A flame shape with a pompom-tipped tail. Its face is two dots and gritted teeth drawn as a tiny grid. It is sliding on a patch of ice.

Padlock: keep a part. Arrows: change only that part.

Bodyflame shape
Extraa pompom-tipped tail
Facetwo dots and gritted teeth drawn as a tiny grid
Doingsliding on a patch of ice

History (0)

Every character you make is kept here, newest first, up to the last 20. The list stays in this browser.

Character of the day

A flame shape with a pompom-tipped tail. Its face is two dots and gritted teeth drawn as a tiny grid. It is sliding on a patch of ice.
A bean standing on end with a propeller cap. Its face is two long-lashed eyes and a mouth like a small bow. It is sitting on a step, elbows on its knees.
A brick lying flat with spots all over. Its face is two dots and a pout like an upside-down u. It is climbing out of a hole in the paper.
A lumpy potato shape with two pigtails that stick straight out. Its face is two dots and gritted teeth drawn as a tiny grid. It is carrying a houseplant taller than itself.
A figure eight with a square graduation cap. Its face is two small circles and a mouth like a gentle wave. It is unlocking a door with a huge key.
A pear shape with three hairs on end. Its face is two specks set low on the shape and a tiny u. It is walking a snail on a leash.
A flame shape with a life jacket. Its face is two spirals for eyes and a dropped jaw. It is hugging a pencil twice its height.
An ice cube with a fluffy outline. Its face is two circles with pupils to one side and a short curve. It is directing traffic.
A wide bun shape with a square graduation cap. Its face is one large eye in the middle and a small smile. It is tightening a bolt with a big wrench.
An ice cube with a striped sweater. Its face is two dots that have slid to one side and a tiny o. It is directing traffic.
A speech-balloon shape with a prize ribbon pinned to its front. Its face is two brows meeting in a V over two dots. It is spinning around in place.
An exclamation mark with rain boots that come up too high. Its face is two dots and a grin like a slice of melon. It is crawling through a pipe.
A ruler-shaped strip with a striped sweater. Its face is two dots and a long pointed nose like a carrot. It is half hidden in a barrel.
A figure eight with a necktie that reaches the floor. Its face is two dots and a mouth that droops at one end. It is testing the water with one foot.
A fingerprint oval with a zipper down the front. Its face is two dots under brows that slope up in the middle. It is sliding down a ruler.
A tall narrow cone with a tiny door in its side. Its face is one long eyebrow, two dots and a triangle nose. It is sitting on a step, elbows on its knees.
A keyhole shape with a tufted tail. Its face is one raised eyebrow over two dots and a smirk. It is lying in a hammock.
A bean standing on end with stick arms and mitten hands. Its face is round glasses with heavy frames and a small smile. It is sitting on an upside-down bucket.
A jigsaw-piece shape with a tutu. Its face is two half circles, flat side up, and a small o. It is standing still with a bird on its head.
An ice cube with a zigzag across its middle. Its face is two long-lashed eyes and a mouth like a small bow. It is hanging from a bar by both hands.
A soft-cornered triangle with a bath towel wrapped around it. Its face is two dots and a small smile. It is kicking a ball against a wall.
A carrot shape with a zipper down the front. Its face is two circles with pupils to one side and a short curve. It is stretched out flat on the ground.
A light-bulb shape with a prize ribbon pinned to its front. Its face is three matching dashes: two eyes and a mouth. It is walking a snail on a leash.
An exclamation mark with a napkin tucked under its chin. Its face is two long-lashed eyes and a mouth like a small bow. It is holding a wrapped box out in front.
An arch shape with a crown that is too big. Its face is one large eye in the middle and a small smile. It is trimming a bush into a ball.
A tooth shape with stick arms and mitten hands. Its face is two half circles, flat side up, and a small o. It is carrying a bucket that drips.
A matchstick shape with a crown that is too big. Its face is two dots, freckles and a grin with a space in it. It is pressing a doorbell.
A pear shape with three-toed bird feet. Its face is two dots and a long pointed nose like a carrot. It is pressing a doorbell.
An arch shape with four-wheeled skates. Its face is two short dashes and a smile with one tooth. It is stretched out flat on the ground.
A hollow ring with a fluffy outline. Its face is two eyes on stalks above the body and a wide mouth. It is standing on a rolling log.

Next step More cartoon things to draw Design a full character

Body: all 60 body shapes

Round and soft 12

bean standing on end Curve one side in a little. That dent is where the face goes.
egg shape Wider at the bottom. Keep the face low, in the wide part.
fingerprint oval An oval of nested loops. Leave the middle clear for the face.
flat-bottomed pebble shape A low rounded top, like a stone resting on a table.

Show all 60 body shapes (56 more)

Round and soft, continued

half circle resting on its curve It rocks, so tilt it and add a small arc at each end.
hourglass shape Two soft triangles, tip to tip. The face goes in the top one.
lumpy potato shape Lumpy on purpose: make no two bumps the same size.
marshmallow shape A short cylinder with soft edges and an oval top.
pear shape A small top on a heavy base. The face fits in the small part.
tooth shape A rounded square on two short roots, which work as legs.
wide bun shape Eyes set far apart suit a wide body.
wobbly circle Draw it in one go and do not fix the wobble.

Drops and points 12

bell shape A dome that flares out at the hem.
drop lying on its side The point can be a tail or a nose. Decide before you add the face.
flame shape A drop with its tip pulled to one side.
kite shape A diamond with a long lower half. The face sits where the sticks would cross.
lemon shape An oval with a small point at each end.
pyramid A triangle with one line from tip to base, so two sides show.
raindrop shape A point at the top and a round base. Keep the face low.
soft-cornered triangle Round all three corners and it stops looking like a road sign.
speech-balloon shape A rounded box with a small point below, which works as one foot.
tall narrow cone The tip can bend over like the end of a nightcap.
upside-down drop Round on top with a point below, so it has to float or balance.
wedge shape A triangle with a side added. The point is the nose.

Boxes and blocks 12

brick lying flat A long low block. The face goes on the long side.
cube tipped onto one corner Three faces show. Draw the character's face on the nearest one.
flap-eared carton An open box whose two top flaps stand up like ears.
house shape A square with a triangle on top. The face goes in the square.
ice cube A cube with wavy edges and two slanted lines for the shine.
notched ticket shape A rectangle with a small half-circle bite out of each short end.
pillow shape A square with its sides pulled in and its corners pinched.
rounded square Lean the sides in a little and it looks friendlier than a ruled box.
slice-of-bread shape A square with two bumps along the top edge.
tall rectangle Put the face in the top third and leave the rest as body.
two-story block A tall block with one line across the middle: a head half and a body half.
wide-based block Wider at the base than the top, like a bucket turned over. It looks hard to tip.

Long and thin 12

banana curve Two curves that meet at both ends. The inside of the bend is the front.
bottle shape Wide shoulders and a narrow neck, with the face on the wide part.
bowling-pin shape A small head, a narrow neck and a wide belly in one outline.
carrot shape A long cone standing on its point or on its wide end.
exclamation mark A stick floating over a dot. The dot can be the feet.
matchstick shape Keep the stick thin and let the round head carry the whole face.
question mark A hook over a dot. The curl of the hook is the head.
round-topped post Straight sides and a half circle above, like a thumb.
ruler-shaped strip A long flat bar with short marks along one edge.
sausage shape Round both ends and bend it very slightly.
stretched spring A row of loops that lean one way.
stub of chalk A short cylinder, worn to a slant at one end. The face goes on the side.

Odd shapes 12

arch shape The two ends work as legs before you draw any.
ball of scribble One line looping over itself. Leave a clear patch for the face.
cog shape A circle with square teeth all the way round. Keep the teeth even.
figure eight A small circle on a bigger one, sharing one crossing.
hollow ring The face has to share the band, so keep it small and to one side.
jigsaw-piece shape One knob sticks out and one notch goes in.
keyhole shape A circle sitting on a narrow wedge.
light-bulb shape A round top that narrows into a ribbed neck.
mitten shape A rounded arch with a thumb bump, which makes a ready-made arm.
puddle shape A wavy outline, wider than tall, with no straight edge anywhere.
three-bump blob Let the base spread out flat, as if it had been poured.
wavy-hemmed dome A half circle above and a row of scallops below.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next on 2026-10-02. Every body is a plain shape, not a character from any show, film, game, comic or toy. The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

Extra: all 60 extras

On its head 12

a big bow on top Two loops and a knot, wider than the top of the body.
a bottle cap for a hat A flat disc with a crimped edge of tiny zigzags, tipped to one side.
a crown that is too big Let it slip down until it rests on the eyes.

Show all 60 extras (57 more)

On its head, continued

a flowerpot worn as a hat Upside down, with the rim sitting just over the eyes.
a propeller cap Two small blades on a pin, with one curved line for the spin.
a sprout growing from its head One stem with two small leaves at the tip.
a square graduation cap A flat diamond on a small cap, with a tassel from its center hanging over one edge.
a tiny umbrella hat A small scalloped dome on a short stick that stands on top of the head.
one curl of hair on top A single spiral that leans forward.
three hairs on end Three short lines of different lengths.
two ball-tipped feelers Bend them outward so they do not look like ears.
two pigtails that stick straight out Tie each one with a small band near the head.

Legs and feet 12

big sneakers and a trailing lace Let one lace lie on the ground.
flippers Two flat paddles that point outward.
fluffy slippers Outline each slipper with a row of small bumps.
four-wheeled skates From the side two wheels show under each boot. Add a short lace bow at the ankle.
legs as long as stilts Put the body near the top of the page and the feet at the bottom.
long legs and knobby knees A small circle halfway down each leg.
rain boots that come up too high The tops of the boots nearly reach the body.
stick legs in big boots Boots twice as wide as the legs give it something to stand on.
striped socks and no shoes Bands across each sock and a rounded heel.
stumpy legs in clogs Keep the legs shorter than the clogs are long.
three-toed bird feet Three short lines fanning forward from each ankle.
tiny feet that point outward Two small ovals, heels together, straight under the body.

Arms, wings and tails 12

a curly tail One spiral that starts low on the back.
a kite string tied to one arm A line from the wrist up to a small diamond with a bow on its tail.
a pompom-tipped tail A fine line and a small fluffy circle.
a row of soft bumps down its back Half circles that get smaller toward the bottom.
a snail shell on its back A spiral that touches the body at one point.
a tufted tail A fine line that ends in a soft pointed brush of hair.
gardening gloves that are too big Five thick fingers and a wide cuff that swallows the wrist.
kinked pipe-cleaner arms Give each arm a fuzzy edge of very short strokes.
noodle arms that reach the ground Let them bend once on the way down.
sleeves down to its fingertips Draw each sleeve wide and let only the fingertips show at the end.
stick arms and mitten hands A line for each arm and a rounded shape with a thumb.
stubby arms and paddle hands Hands as big as the head make it look eager.

Things it wears 12

a backpack as big as itself Show one strap in front and the bag sticking out behind.
a bath towel wrapped around it One corner tucked in at the top and a fringe along the bottom edge.
a cape tied at the front A small bow at the neck and a shape like a curtain behind.
a collar and a small bell A band, a circle and a slot in the circle.
a life jacket Two padded panels on the front, joined by a strap and a buckle.
a napkin tucked under its chin A triangle of cloth with one fold line, hanging from just under the face.
a necktie that reaches the floor Let the tip of it rest on the floor.
a pouch pocket on its front A wide U sewn on low, big enough for both hands.
a prize ribbon pinned to its front A circle with a pleated edge and two ribbon tails below it.
a striped sweater Bands across the body and a ribbed edge at the hem.
a tutu A ring of short zigzags round the middle.
two-button suspenders Two straps running down to a button each.

Marks and patterns 12

a dotted outline Dots set close together in place of the line.
a fluffy outline Swap the smooth edge for a row of small curves.
a hatched patch on one side Even slanted lines inside a rounded shape.
a large number on its front Pick any number and draw it as an outline.
a line of stitches down one side Short dashes with a little cross at each end.
a patch sewn on in big stitches A small square with a dash crossing each edge.
a pencil poking out of a pocket A U for the pocket and a short stub above it.
a tiny door in its side An arch with a dot for the handle.
a zigzag across its middle One sharp line from edge to edge.
a zipper down the front A row of short dashes with a small pull at the top.
spots all over Mix large and small spots and let the outline cut a few in half.
stripes from top to toe Leave every other band white and keep them all one width.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next on 2026-10-02. Each extra is a plain piece of clothing, a limb, a marking or one small prop, written for this page. No published character is named. The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

Face: all 60 faces

Cute and happy faces 12

two dots and a grin like a slice of melon A D lying on its back, with a line near the top for the teeth.
two dots and a mouth like a small letter w Put the w close under the eyes.
two dots and a small smile Keep the smile no wider than the gap between the eyes.

Show all 60 faces (57 more)

Cute and happy faces, continued

two dots and a smile higher on one side A lopsided smile looks friendlier than an even one.
two dots close together and a very wide U Eyes near each other make the rest of the face look bigger.
two dots, a smile and a circle on each cheek Set the cheek circles just under and outside the eyes.
two dots, a tiny smile and three lashes on each eye Fan the lashes outward from the outer corners.
two large circles with a shine in each Leave a white spot at the same place in both eyes.
two short dashes and a smile with one tooth The tooth is a small square hanging from the top lip.
two sideways Vs above a big laugh The Vs point at each other across the face.
two specks set low on the shape and a tiny u Features placed low on the shape look young.
two upturned curves for eyes and a smile Eyes like little arches read as a face that is laughing.

Sleepy and calm faces 12

one dot, one dash and a flat mouth The dash is the shut eye. Keep it level with the dot.
three matching dashes: two eyes and a mouth Keep all three the same length.
two circles with pupils at the top and a small flat mouth Move both pupils to the top of their circles.
two circles with pupils to one side and a short curve Both pupils go to the same side.
two commas for eyes and a tiny smile Hang the commas tail down, like shut lashes.
two dots and a flat line The plainest face there is. The body has to do the acting.
two dots and no mouth at all Without a mouth, the tilt of the body sets the mood.
two dots at the far edges and one tiny dash Leave the whole middle of the face empty.
two dots with one lash each and a small curve The lash is a tiny flick that points up and out.
two downward curves for closed eyes and no mouth Add two or three lashes under each curve.
two half circles, flat side up, and a small o The flat tops are heavy eyelids.
two small circles and a mouth like a gentle wave One shallow S on its side.

Surprised and worried faces 12

two dots and a mouth like an egg on end The mouth can be taller than both eyes together.
two dots and a wobbly line for a mouth Let the line shake three or four times.
two dots and gritted teeth drawn as a tiny grid A flat oval crossed by one line along it and three lines across.
two dots over an empty box of a mouth Four straight sides and nothing inside.
two dots that have slid to one side and a tiny o Push both eyes off center, the same way, and leave the rest of the face bare.
two dots under brows that slope up in the middle Brows raised at the inner ends read as worry.
two dots, a flat mouth and one drop beside the brow The drop sits outside the eye, near the edge of the body.
two dots, a wobbling lip and a tear under one eye Keep the tear small and close to the eye.
two rings with a speck in each and a small o The smaller the speck, the bigger the surprise.
two round eyes with both brows floating above the head Brows that leave the face are an old cartoon way to show a shock.
two spirals for eyes and a dropped jaw Wind both spirals the same way round.
two uneven circles and a zigzag mouth Make one eye clearly bigger than the other.

Grumpy and cheeky faces 12

a wink and a grin with one dimple The winking eye is a short curve. The dimple is a small arc at one end of the grin.
one raised eyebrow over two dots and a smirk The smirk is a short line that turns up at one end only.
two brows meeting in a V over two dots Add a short flat mouth and nothing else.
two closed eyes tilted upward and a smug curve Slant both eye lines up toward the outside.
two dots and a mouth that droops at one end One end of the mouth line drops, the other stays level.
two dots and a pout like an upside-down u Keep the pout narrow and close under the eyes.
two dots and a tongue poking out to one side A small U hanging from the end of the mouth line.
two dots and one tooth poking up from the lower lip A flat mouth with a tiny square standing on it.
two dots between two bulging cheeks Draw a small arc outside each end of a tight mouth.
two dots under one straight brow and a frown One line right across both eyes.
two dots, a frown and a small scribble overhead The scribble is a tight tangle floating just above.
two narrow eyes looking sideways and a sly smile Draw each eye as a flat lens with the pupil at one end.

Odd faces 12

one large eye in the middle and a small smile Give the eye a ring and a dot so it does not read as a button.
one long eyebrow, two dots and a triangle nose The nose points down and sits between the eyes.
round glasses with heavy frames and a small smile Two bold circles and a bridge, with a dot inside each.
three eyes side by side and a smile Space the three evenly, or the face reads as two eyes and a nose.
two button eyes and a stitched smile Four holes in each button, short crossing lines along the smile.
two dots and a long pointed nose like a carrot Draw the nose in side view even though the eyes face front.
two dots, a big round nose and a wide smile The nose is the largest thing on the face.
two dots, a smile and a curly mustache The mustache hides the top of the smile.
two dots, freckles and a grin with a space in it Three specks on each cheek and no more.
two eyes of different shapes and a crooked smile One circle and one oval is enough.
two eyes on stalks above the body and a wide mouth The stalks are two short lines with a circle on each.
two long-lashed eyes and a mouth like a small bow Draw the mouth as two tiny bumps over one curve.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next on 2026-10-02. Each face is described by its marks alone, and no published character is named. The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

Doing: all 60 actions

Holding and carrying 12

balancing a pile of books on one hand Tilt each book a different way and the stack looks about to fall.
carrying a brimming teacup very carefully Two drops in the air and a wavy line at the brim.
carrying a bucket that drips Three drops in a line behind it show where it has been.

Show all 60 actions (57 more)

Holding and carrying, continued

carrying a capital letter under one arm Pick any letter and draw it as an outline, nearly as tall as the body.
carrying a houseplant taller than itself Both arms wrap round the pot and the leaves arch over the top.
carrying an egg on a spoon The arm is held out straight and stiff.
holding a big magnet A thick U with two capped ends, and one paper clip in the air on its way over.
holding a fishbowl in both arms A round bowl with a waterline and one small fish, held against the front.
holding a lollipop the size of its head A circle with a spiral in it on a short stick.
holding a wrapped box out in front A cube with a ribbon crossing on top, held at arm's length.
holding up a sign with nothing on it A rectangle on a stick. Leave the board empty.
hugging a pencil twice its height Both arms wrap round it like a flagpole, with the point up.

On the move 12

climbing out of a hole in the paper A jagged ring with torn flaps, and the body halfway through.
crawling through a pipe A wide tube lying on the ground, with the head out of one end and the feet out of the other.
ducking under a low branch One line across at head height, and the body bent to clear it.
marching in place One knee up high and the opposite arm swung forward.
pulling on a rope that runs off the page A tight line from both hands to the edge of the paper, with heels dug in.
pushing a boulder up a slope A slanted ground line, a rough circle and both hands flat against it.
riding a stick horse A stick held between the legs, with a simple horse head on its front end.
sliding down a ruler A long slanted strip with marks along one edge, and two speed lines behind.
sliding on a patch of ice Arms flung out, with two long lines trailing behind the feet.
spinning around in place Wrap two curved lines around the body.
surfing on a wavy line One long wave under its feet, and both arms out for balance.
walking up the side of the page Turn the body sideways, so its feet rest on the paper's edge.

Resting 12

half hidden in a barrel Only the top half shows above the rim, with a hand on each side of it.
lying in a hammock A curved line between two posts, with the body sunk into its lowest point.
perched on a tall stool Three long legs and a small round seat, with the body balanced on top.
resting its back on a tree trunk Two upright bark lines behind it and its feet crossed in front.
sitting on a step, elbows on its knees The body folds into a compact shape, lower than it is wide.
sitting on an upside-down bucket Feet off the ground, hands resting on the rim.
soaking its feet in a tub A low basin, a wavy waterline and two knees showing above it.
standing in line Draw two plain shapes ahead of it and one behind.
standing still with a bird on its head The bird is a small circle with a beak and a tail, sitting right in the middle.
stretched out flat on the ground The ground line runs under the whole body.
testing the water with one foot A wavy line, one leg stretched down and two small rings where the foot touches.
waiting in a doorway A tall arch round it and a doormat under its feet.

Busy with a job 12

directing traffic One arm straight out to the side, the other bent up with a flat hand.
erasing a line with a big eraser A block held in both hands, and a line on the ground that stops halfway.
filling in its own shadow with a brush A flat shape on the ground from its feet, half filled in, with the brush at its edge.
herding three ducklings Three small circles with bills in a line, and both arms spread to steer them.
pressing a doorbell One arm up to a small circle in a square, with three short ring lines.
putting up a tent A triangle on a pole, with one peg in and one corner still flapping.
rolling out dough A long pin with a knob at each end, over a wobbly flat oval.
tightening a bolt with a big wrench A wrench as long as the body, with its jaw round a six-sided nut.
trimming a bush into a ball Open shears, a round bush on a short trunk and clippings in the air.
unlocking a door with a huge key A key as long as an arm, aimed at a small keyhole.
wringing out a cloth A twisted band between two fists and four drops falling.
writing a very long list The paper rolls away along the ground.

Playing 12

bouncing on a trampoline The mat dips under the feet when landing and lies flat when in the air.
building a sandcastle A bucket-shaped tower with a paper flag, and a small shovel stuck in beside it.
drawing a smaller copy of itself Give it a pencil and repeat the body shape beside it, a third of the size.
hanging from a bar by both hands One line across the top, two arms straight up to it and feet off the ground.
kicking a ball against a wall A dashed line from the foot to the wall and back again.
making a shadow bird with its hands Two hands held up together, and a dark bird shape on the wall beside them.
pulling a toy duck on a string A small duck on four wheels, joined to the hand by a slack line.
riding on a paper airplane It sits in the fold of a long thin triangle, leaning forward, with two short lines behind.
sitting on the high end of a seesaw A plank on a triangle, tilted, with a big stone on the low end.
standing on a rolling log Arms straight out to the sides and two small arcs under the log.
tapping a musical triangle A triangle with one open corner, hung from a loop, and a short beater.
walking a snail on a leash The leash hangs slack, because the snail sets the pace.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next on 2026-10-02. Every action is one a character of any shape could do, and none names a face, so it reads beside any face on the page. The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

How it works

Doodle characters are small figures made from one body shape, a few marks for a face and a single extra. Each press builds a new one from four lists and says what it is doing.

Read the full guide

From shape to character

Draw the body first, in one outline, then the face, the extra and the action. The lists under the tool give a stroke note for every part, and many body notes say where the face sits. The Cute and happy faces group is where cute doodle characters come from.

A cartoon look that is your own

A thick outline, dot eyes and one prop are what make doodle cartoon characters read at the size of a thumbnail. Fill a page with them, shoulder to shoulder, and you have doodle art characters in the crowded style.

Draw one body five times and change only the face.
Keep the outline thicker than the lines inside it.

Questions and answers

What are doodle characters?

Small invented figures drawn in a few strokes: a simple body, dots and a curve for a face, and one detail such as a hat or boots. This page builds one from four lists each time you press the button.

How do you draw a simple doodle character?

Start with one closed shape, such as a bean or a rounded square. Give it two dots and a mouth, add stick legs or a hat, then give it one thing to hold or do.

Are these characters from a cartoon or a game?

No. Every body, face, extra and action was written for this page and describes plain shapes. No character from a show, film, game, comic or toy is named or copied, so what you draw is yours.

Can I keep the body and change the face?

Yes. Lock the Body and it stays while every other part changes with each press.