1. :: Ok this is how it goes. First, beginners should start with a skeleton of some sort. This helps get correct proportions, understand movements, and things like that. You have a circle for the waist and the other joints of the body. You also have a tapered down square for the chest. Lines are placed for the spine and the bones in the different sections of the arms and legs.
:: Now it is time to explain proportions. I will start at the top. The shoulders are usually two head widths in length. One arm is equal to one spine length. Also One spine length is equal to one section of the leg. From waist to kneecap. Almost everything can be compared to the spine. They are equal in proportions. -_-; that does it for the skeleton.
2. :: Now there are many different ways to flesh out a character. When I first started I would use cylinders for the legs and arms. This works but usually the shape of you character comes out awkward and sometimes out of proportion. I will not be using this , but feel free to use it for guide. It does help. I eventually got away from depending on shapes, and now I just flesh it out with out guidelines. Sometimes I still use a skeleton for difficult poses. The way I came around doing this is by practicing a lot with out shapes to help you. Proportions come out better when you get good enough at this. Also things get easier.
:: Well Females are not as edgy, like men. There shoulders don't angle down as much, and there arms, legs, neck, and torso are thinner. Also their waists are wider then men. Women also have breasts. These traits differ depending on what kind of a character you want. But in the long run this is what you will be using most of the time.
3. :: now as before you erase guidelines, correct any disproportion’s, add clothes, and a head. now you have a full body character. Though this seems hard the first times you do it you eventually get a hang of it. It gets easier and faster as you go. And it is always fun.
3. ::Remember females are curvier. And always remember proportions. Always try out new angles and poses to broaden your horizons. You will advance quicker if you do this.