Stage 1 — Setup + Main Character Sprite

Open Scratch, delete the cat, and draw your main character sprite. Keep it simple and name it correctly.

Stage 1 hero image
Stage 1 screenshot. Click to view full screen.

Stage 1 tasks

Work through the steps in order. If something breaks, compare your blocks to the video.

Video 1 — Time 01:00Open at 01:00 ↗
How to use the videos (do this every stage):

You cannot watch the whole video and remember every step. Instead: watch ~30 seconds, pause, then build that section in Scratch. Repeat.

  • Split your screen so you can see Scratch and the video at the same time.
  • Windows: open Scratch and the worksheet/video, then press Windows key + Left Arrow to snap one app to the left. Click the other window to fill the right.
  • If you want Scratch bigger: drag the divider so Scratch takes about 2/3 of the screen and the video takes 1/3.

Open Scratch and create a new project

  • Go to the Scratch website and click Create.
  • Close any pop-ups/tutorial panels so you can see the stage clearly.

Delete the default cat sprite

  • In the sprite list, hover the cat and click the bin icon.
  • Confirm delete.

Draw your Main character

  • Hover the cat icon (Choose a Sprite) and click Paint.
  • Use shapes (circle/rectangle) to create a clear character.
  • Hold SHIFT for a perfect circle.
  • Use the select/arrow tool to move shapes (don’t redraw by accident).

Name your sprite

  • Rename your character to: Main.
Quick check (it works if…)
  • The cat is gone and you have a new sprite called Main.
  • Your Main character is centred on the costume crosshair (roughly in the middle).
Extension:
  • Add a second costume for Main (e.g., ‘walking’). You can switch later for animation.
Scratch tips for this stage:
  • Use SHIFT to draw perfect circles/squares.
  • Use the select/arrow tool to move shapes — clicking with a shape tool will draw a new one.
  • Keep your sprite centred on the costume crosshair (helps collisions feel fair).