After the character mapping process, linking your character model to a Character asset, you can characterize the model to activate it in MotionBuilder and make it ready for animation. 
To characterize a character model:
- Complete the character mapping process, manually or automatically. See Character mapping. 
 
- In the Navigator window > Character Settings > Character Definition pane, activate the Characterize option. 

Character Definition pane A. Characterize option
 
 Note: Activating the Characterize option updates and lock the character definition in the Character Controls window > Definition tab. 
 
  
- A dialog box appears to remind you that your model must be in a stance facing the positive Z-axis. Choose between two types of postures for your character (Biped or Quadruped). 
Once it is characterized, your character is ready to be attached to a motion source. 
 Note: You can also use the options in the Character Controls window > Definition tab to characterize the character model. See 
Define a skeleton for HIK for more information. 
 
  
If you want to characterize a 3ds Max Biped, see Characterizing a 3ds Max biped.