Steve Rogers was born in Brooklyn to poverty-stricken parents during the Great Depression. They worked themselves literaly to death so Steve could attend art college. The newsreels of WWII inspired him to lie about his age and enlist, but he was deemed unfit due to his frail health. Steve's persistence resulted him being selected for Operation: Rebirth. Injected with Abraham Erksine's Super-Soldier Serum and exposed to 'vita-rays', Steve became a perfect human specimen. In March of 1941 after rigorous training he was given the uniform and codename of Captain America as a direct counterpart to the Nazi agent Red Skull.
For four thrilling years, Captain America and his young ally Bucky fought the Axis menace, including their advanced technology and supernatural creations. Although Captain America fought alongside the Justice Society of America and the All-Star Squadron at times, he spent most of the war with the Invaders in Europe due to being unaffected by the Spear of Destiny.
In 1945, Captain America and Bucky were apparently killed stopping an experimental explosive drone airplane. The Super-Soldier Serum kept Steve alive in suspended animation under the icy waters of the North Atlantic until he was found and revived in the 1990s by SHIELD. In the intervening time, the Unites States kept this a secret, having other individuals assume the role of Captain America.
Needing to acclimate to the modern world, and seeing the effects of Spectre's judgement, Steve put aside his costume and instead operated as a SHIELD agent, alternately being called 'Captain Rogers', 'Commander Rogers' or 'Super-Soldier'. When the World Trade Center was attacked on 9/11, Steve decided he could no longer deny his responsibility and began appearing as Captain America in public again to raise national morale. Now with the second Age of Heroes gaining momentum, 'Cap' is again a symbol of freedom and equality.
Goals
Steve's ultimate goal, although he would rarely admit it to even himself, is to see the day where the world does not need Captain America - the day that all men agree that they are truly created equal, the day no one group enjoys their rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness at the expense of another's. This is the day he hangs up the cowl and shield for good. Until then in between conflicts, he seeks what peace and comfort and camaraderie he can carve out for himself like anyone else seeking the American Dream in a world of marvels.
Motivation
Steve's actions both as Captain America and in civilian life are driven by the desire to do what is right, fair, and just. Even if he didn't see it as his responsibility to be a role-model, he idealism convinces him that humankind can and should rise to their fullest potential even if they don't have access to super-serums, metagenes, or alien technology. He consciously tries to help people be their best one act, one person at a time or at the very least, not enable them to take the low road.
Modest
Despite his abilities and accomplishments, Steve sees himself as 'just a man'. He is deferentially humble about his gifts, embarrassed by the status people attribute to Captain America. He can be oblivious to the effect his physique and charm have on the average person, especially women. This only adds to his 'too good to be true' aura.
Old-Fashioned
Steve Rogers' morality and personal values are those of the nineteen-thirties and -forties. The younger someone is, the more anachronistic he seems, from his tastes in popular culture to his manners.
Optimist
Steve tries to see the bright side of things. In the face of impossible odds Steve never gives up. He fervently believes three cliches: where there is a will there is a way, one man can make a difference, and evil triumphs when good does nothing. Steve believes that victory is always possible as long as you persevere.
Paragon
Steve Rogers represents the best ideals the human spirit is able to express. He is kind, just, honest, and noble. Both in his civilian identity and as Captain America he despises prejudice. He gives every person/lifeform the benefit of the doubt, regardless of their gender, creed, ethnic or planetary background, or genetic makeup. A staunch believer in 'innocent until proven guilty', Steve believes everyone deserves a chance to atone for past mistakes - although he has his limits.
Patriot
Steve Rogers is dedicated to the traditional ideology of the United States in its purest form: he firmly believes in every person's right to life, liberty, happiness, and personal freedom. Captain America represents the American Dream, the spirit of freedom and national pride as it was in the 1940s. He defends the right of the individual even against the government, especially the right to disagree with that government.
Perfectionist
Steve takes his role and image as Captain America seriously, both as a hero and as a symbol. He often drives himself relentlessly, holding himself up to an impossibly high standard.
Enhanced Agility
The Super-Soldier Serum increased Steve's dexterity, reflexes and coordination to just slightly beyond maximum human levels. He is on par with the likes of Deathstroke, and the Taskmaster.
Enhanced Stamina
The Super-Soldier Serum altered Steve's biochemistry. He burns fatigue poisons and alcohol very fast, making it difficult to get drunk or tired. He can operate for 72 hours without rest. He recovers from drugs and toxins three times faster than normal.
Enhanced Strength
The Super-Soldier Serum increased Steve's muscle density, giving him unusual, slightly superhuman strength. He could originally lift 800 pounds. After his cryogenic suspension this has increased to 1200 pounds. Steve can kick or punch through medium materials such as ordinary doors and interior walls.
When putting his strength behind his shield, Captain America can puncture even heavier materials and land blows that superhuman opponents will at least notice, and sometimes feel.
Iron Will
Steve has an incredible will born of his passion for doing the right thing. He never gives up, believing where there is a will there is a way. While not having true psi defenses he can resist mind control/brainwashing up to a point, and shake it off if given a chance. It is Steve's willpower that let him survive Operation: Rebirth, and now the world of metahumans.
Super-Soldier
The Super-Soldier Serum raises all Steve's physical aspects to slightly beyond the peak of human achievement. He is an all-round natural athlete, his toughness slightly exceeds the theoretical maximum human physical resilience while still being 'flesh and bone'. He is ambidextrous. He sprints at 30mph. He heals two to three times faster than average. Steve is immune to common viruses and diseases, and is very slow aging.
Charisma
In and out of costume, Steve's looks, personality and presence give him an edge in interactions. People notice him, at first either because he is fit and handsome, or because he is polite and passionate and 'too good to be true'. This can give the opportunity Cap needs for people to listen to him, or do him a favor, or at least rethink their actions if they disagree with him.
Motorcycle
Captain America employs a customized Harley-Davidsion. It has a 700 CC H-V twin in-line four stroke engine. It is capable of reaching 122 mph in 11.5 seconds from a standing start, covering a quarter of a mile. At 60 mph it can cover 340 miles on one tank of gas. It weighs 480 pounds.
Rank
Rank has its privileges. Steve is still technically an Army captain, reporting directly to the Secretary of the Army. The other US armed forces consider him Captain America an honorary one. Other world organizations sometimes accord him similar courtesy both in an out of costume.
Reputation
The public, media, law enforcement, first responders, and most 'white hat' heroes consider Captain America a hero and an ally. They will rally to his cause, give him perks, and sometimes follow his orders. He is known for his ethics and his dedication. Street criminals sometimes surrender to him on sight. People can take advantage of this reputation (see flaws).
SHIELD
Steve has connections to SHIELD, having served as an agent before deciding the time was right to resume his career as Captain America. He still works with them when needed, both as Captain/Commander Rogers and Captain America depending on how covert the operation is.
Shield of Justice
The Shield of Freedom is a concave disc just over 3' in diameter weighing 12 pounds singly cast from an accidental vibranium alloy that has never been duplicated. Rumors conflict on it containing adamantium, but it is nigh unto indestructible. It is immune to all known extremes of force, energy, and temperature. It is uncannily aerodynamic and rebounds with neglibile inertial loss. It is capable of slicing through the heaviest materials.
Uniform
Captain America's uniform is cutting-edge personal protection for the urban soldier. Originally modeled on chainmail, it is now a Kevlar-Nomex weave with a scale mail-like top layer about the torso. Offering protection against blunt forces, firearms, and fire, it is insulated against cold as well. He has taken semi-automatic pistol fire to the torso and suffered cracked rubs but no entry wounds. Captain America's cowl is molded in the manner of a fighter pilots, to keep a fist from reaching his eyes, protect his throat, and to retard blows to the head via its smoothness. His gauntlets and boots are grounded, and his soles are treaded. Captain America's uniform is not battle armor. As the intensity of the above forces approach superhuman level it's effectiveness diminishes, often preventing injury but not combat trauma. It is more than ample for letting Cap ignore street level and conventional technological threats.
Wealth
In addition to his Army pension, a clerical error gave Steve accumulated back pay. He's not rich, but he doesn't have to worry about a regular job. He owns a converted multiple family townhouse in Red Hook, Brooklyn with SHIELD security enhancements.
Acrobatics
Captain America is an incredible acrobat. His enhanced agility and strength combined with his sheer confidence allow him to succeed at manoeuvres that would daunt other gymnasts. He combines power with grace on par with Batman, but does not match Nightwing in terms of skill. His speed is just above human maximum on par with Daredevil or Deathstroke, but not Spider-Man.
Captain America's sense of balance is superb, and he is able to perform gymnastic maneuvers from deadly heights and under other hostile conditions and distractions. He can keep his footing during an earthquake or other concussive shock, especially if his shield is present to disperse the vibrations.
Artist
Steve Rogers is a talented illustrator, and a professional freelance commercial artist. He has done comic strips and comic books as well, often illustrating the fictionalized adventures of his costumed persona as an ironic private joke.
Chess
Steve's training in battlefield tactics and strategy included chess, and he keeps up with the game when he can, often resorting to playing against computer programs. Against human beings, he is no master, but can beat 'serious amateurs' and the lower escelons of professional players.
Combat
Captain America employs a dizzying combat style that blends his mastery of hand-to-hand combat with his gymnastic talent. He has been trained by experts in boxing, dirty brawling, judo, karate, and savate. He is familiar with the Eastern counterparts but they are not his forte. When it comes to kung fu, Batman, Daredevil, Elektra and their compatriots are his superiors. He is however in their class as fighters go. Their particular specialties are balanced by Captain America's experience and flexibility in combat.
Captain America's entire body is a weapon, and he instinctively combines offensive and defensive maneuvers. He uses strategy and tactics in battle in addition to physical force, and often surprises an opponent with a split-second dodge to attack from behind. Captain America is adept at subduing multiple opponents, can attack with both hands and both feet equally, and knows how to turn his foes' weaknesses against them. Captain America can effectively use his surroundings to his advantage in a combat situation. Along with Batman, Taskmaster, and Deathstroke, he is likely the ultimate human combatant.
Dance
Steve's altheticism lends itself to dancing. He is by no means trained in any particular dance style, but can keep a beat without making a fool of himself. On the other hand (or is that foot?), he's a mean swing dancer.
Escape
Captain America can escape from simple bonds through strength, leverage, and agility. He has picked simple locks with his belt buckle. Unless he has his shield, there is a limit to the materials he can break. He is not double jointed, or trained in escape in the manner of illusionists like Batman, Zatanna, or the Human Fly.
Espionage
His WWII and SHIELD training makes Captain America no stranger to the ways of espionage. He can break-and-enter, inflitrate, and obfuscate. He does not habitually use advanced spy equipment. Instead he relies on the old school methods, prefering to jimmy a door with his shield or break a lock. Similarly, he is no stranger to disguises and simple undercover acting, but again sticks to basics like hair coloring, sunglasses and trenchcoats rather then image inducers and other paraphernalia. Given his effectiveness as a symbol, Steve only operates in the shadows when he has to.
Geometry
To master his shield-throwing skills, Steve has studied the geometry of angles, and physics of action-reactions. He can uncannily predict the angles of incidence and reflection of missile objects from knives and clubs to gunfire. It makes Steve very good at billiards as well. He gives the Beast a run for his money, but Cyclops and Daredevil are likely better.
Languages
Captain America speaks English, German, Hebrew, Japanese, Italian, Chinese, French, Russian, Polish, Dutch, Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, and Esperanto.
Leadership
Captain America is a natural leader. He can analyze a group's dynamics and put each member's abilities to best use. His optimism and charisma motivate people under his command to reach their full potential and maximizes the synergy between them.
Orator
Captain America is a gifted orator. His can use his presence, voice, and posture to influence both allies and enemies. Captain America's eloquence can boost the morale of the downtrodden, and break the resolve of the hard-hearted. He can rally those without focus, and diffuse the enflamed.
Piano
Steve's mother played the piano, and he dabbles in it.
Poker
Steve is a decent poker player, having spent plenty of time playing with other soldiers and WWII era mystery men, particularly Nick Fury and his Howling Commandos.
Tactics
Captain America is one of the best field tacticians in the modern world. No plan survives contact with the enemy, but Steve adjusts on the fly. Those with time and resources can outplan him, but Cap sails the tides of battle like few others.
Vehicles
Captain America can operate small to medium vehicles (motorcycle, jeep, truck, jet ski, speedboat, hovercraft, airplanes, etc) under combat conditions. He is particularly good with a motorcycle.
Warfare
Captain America is trained in the arts of war, and has been a professional soldier his entire adult life. He can operate in a chain of command, survive in hostile territory, and analyze and counter enemy tactics and strategy. He can gather and disseminate information and disinformation, including propaganda. He can allocate resources, and use equipment, vehicles, weapons, and personnel to the most efficient ends.
Weaponry
Captain America knows how to use war weapons such as firearms, explosives, communications equipment, doomsday devices, and vehicles. He chooses not to except in extreme circumstances. He is the most familiar with those of his time, but since his revival, he has got used to modern ordinance. The more advanced or alien a device is, the harder time Steve will have, but triggers and steering yokes and self-destruct buttons generally all still operate they way they used to.
Captain America hurls his personal weapon - the Shield of Freedom - with uncanny perfection, performing stunts duplicated only by the Taskmaster.
Charisma
Steve's charisma can be a curse as well as a blessing, giving him unwanted attention both positive and negative. People may dig in and disagree with him, they may think him naive. They may assume he will agree with them and get angry when he doesn't. He is uncomfortable with overt hero worship from his fans. Steve can get flustered by attention from women.
Enemies
Captain America is a target of any criminal or villain with a beef against the United States, or just wants to earn a reputation by defeating him. AIM and HYDRA particularly dislike him as does anyone with legacy connections to the Axis 'supervillians'. Captain America's archenemy is the Red Skull, his literal and figurative opposite symbol.
Ethics
Steve lives by a strong, old-fashioned personal code. He plays by the rules. He does not cheat, lie (unless necessary), or judge. He fights fair. He is extremely reluctant to kill, even as a last resort. Enemies can exploit this, and it can clash with allies' attitudes.
Identity
Despite being a public figure in costume, Steve tries to maintain a private life. His identity is technically a goverment secret, but those with sufficent clearance can learn it, and he isn't as careful with it as other heroes. If the public knew who he was, Steve would have no privacy from fans or foes. Worst of all, the Red Skull knows who Steve Rogers is.
Reputation
Captain America's reputation can hinder him. People can make assumptions about his beliefs and values that may be innacurate. His enemies can make things difficult for Cap by manipulating circumstances that interfere with his reputation or clash with Steve's ethics. Sometimes people just won't leave him alone.
Shield
The Shield of Freedom attracts the attention of criminals. They think Captain America is somehow helpless without it, or that stealing it will enhance their reputation. Should he lose it, Steve is less protected against gunfire and other ranged attacks. He also cannot perform any of the throwing feats without it. Luckily, it takes planning, skill, and luck to get it away from Cap.
Susceptibility - Cryogenics
Unusually intense or supernatural cold could trigger the Super-Soldier Serum in Steve's body putting him into suspended animation.
Van Wrinkle Syndrome
Steve missed everything from 1945 to the 1990s. Although he studied history to catch up, he has gaps when it comes to things like pop culture, technology, modern values and social fads. Things that people consider 'retro', Steve didn't even experience the first time.
Wistful: Steve's effectiveness as Captain America is tied to his self-confidence and driven by his will. If he doubts his role and place in the modern world, his razor edge dulls and his abilities diminish. This can have a disastrous effect on his allies, because nothing shakes a hero more than seeing the unshakable Captain America off his game.
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