Absolutely, I love coaching people through the character design process! I’m glad you’re having fun, I had a feeling you would. ^_^
Now, a “skill” is basically just a specialized application of a particularly ability score, called an “ability check.” For example, if you wanted to climb a rope, your dungeon master (DM) might call for a “STR check.”
STR check: 1d20 + your STR mod.
However, if you are “proficient” in the Athletics skill (which represents prowess with STR-based activities), you would get to apply your “proficiency bonus” to that check. This bonus starts at +2 but scales with your character level; basically, practice and experience has a direct impact on everything you’ve chosen to specialize in.
STR check (climb the rope, with proficiency in Athletics skill): 1d20 + STR mod + PRO (Athletics).
Another example: You need to get information out of a captive orc, who is being stubborn. You can make a CHA check to get him to talk.
CHA check: 1d20 + your CHA mod.
If you were proficient in the Persuasion skill (which is useful for diplomacy), you’d get to add your PRO bonus here. But that’s generally not how barbarians roll. Persuasion is not a skill option they have access to, unless through some other special feature. But notice that barbarians
do have access to the Intimidation skill. Flexing some muscle and implying violence might get you better results. A class’ particular skill selection is a good indicator of what to leverage in how you play them, since we obviously lean into what we’re good at as we navigate our world.
CHA check (Interrogate the orc): 1d20 + CHA mod + PRO (Intimidation).
As a level 1 Barbarian, you choose two skills from:
Animal Handling, Athletics, Intimidation, Nature, Perception, and Survival. Note: just because you’re not proficient in something doesn’t mean you can’t attempt an action—it’s an Ability check, after all. You just don’t get a PRO bonus on the roll. I ALWAYS recommend either Athletics or Acrobatics (for STR and DEX based characters, respectively), and whatever CHA skill is on your class skill list. For you, that’s Intimidation. Some classes get lots of skills, but Barbarians aren’t one of the “skill-monkey” classes.
This step works in tandem with selecting a “background.”
Remember how we started to get a vague glimpse into this guy’s history? That was in preparation for this step. A “background” selection is primarily an RP tool to help get you inside your character’s head, but it’s also a little kit of perks (like extra skill proficiencies) that further color your character. This is where you get to channel character tropes from various media you might be inspired by.
A good resource:
https://5ebackgrounds.net/
“Peasant Hero” and “Outlander” backgrounds stand out, but many work well for you. Select a background and layer in your skill proficiency selections!