A character letter to a judge should establish your credibility, paint a full picture of the defendant and be respectful, among other things. Be honest and sincere in your tone.– Use clear and concise language. Sample character reference letter templates you can download and print for free. Sample Format for a Character Letter. If you have been asked to write a character letter, this simple template may be a useful guide. Attorney explains what Character Letters are, tips for writing a great one, things you should avoid, and templates that you can use. A character letter should be able to provide the reader with a solid understanding of who the client is, what life experiences they may be going through. Below is reference of what a letter should contain and a sample of a written letter for your use as a guide. A character reference letter provides employers with a thirdparty account of a candidate's personal attributes and character traits.