As an exercise I'm writing up backgrounds for a number of both Non-Player Characters (NPC's) and what I call Special Player Characters (SPC's). I loan out the SPC's for short term use or if an experienced player wants to sit in for a game session. Writing up back story and player notes helps shape the story line.
Jetharia is a character from the first Drow caravan lost through the Maars Gate.
Lobsang is the adjutant to one of the characters in the Maars setting.
Stella is a barmaid now working at a very unusual Inn in the City-state of T'Ell.