When I started taking writing classes to make my writing even better, one of my teachers mentioned having an outline for your character, to not only keep track of what you've done with them, but also to flush them out before you use them, or even as you use them. Here are some key things I would suggest you should consider having in your outline for your major, (or even minor), characters:
1) Start with a name. For some people this may or may not be easy. My husband takes forever to pick a name for his RPG and video game characters, so you may have to come back to this.
2) Background or bibliography. What do you want your readers to know and what do you need to know to write this character true.
3) Race, Age, Height, Weight, Body type, etc. I have a long list of characteristics I fill out, but really this is more for your use then reader use. It helps you keep consistent on how a character looks or talks or acts. Trust me, with a huge list of main and almost main characters, sometimes you forget what a character looks like or is dressed like.
4) Career. As obvious as this may seem, sometimes it's a good ideas to just keep a note on this. Elly, for example, is now a swordswoman, but originally she was a weaver.
5) Prejudices, best and worst qualities, and even weaknesses. Krom, for example, has the weakness that he always tells the truth. He is almost incapable of lying. Sort of important when he is trying to be incognito.
6) Odd talents. This is more a personality goody, but it does help you fill out a character and make them feel real. Duncan is a good story teller and his friend Tres the mercenary is an excellent singer.
For those who roleplay and are GMing, this is also a good way to flush out your NPCs for use in your campaign.
Try this out. Make it as complex or simple as you want, but have fun!
Happy writing.
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