What you're talking about, the one-sentence description, is a character's spine. I learned about this in playwriting ^_^.
Here's a character's spine from my best play:
"KATIE, a garrulous, naïve barista with a tendency to point out the obvious."
To describe her, I found her three most prominent traits: she talks a lot, she's young, and she doesn't know when not to "observe." Then I found shorter words for her traits.
Another character from that play, Nick, was pretty much the opposite of a commitmentphobe, but I couldn't for the life of me find one word for someone who was afraid to be alone, so I called him "(My protagonist's) cocky, unfaithful friend with human Velcro tendencies."
You've got a pretty good start, let's see if I can expand on it...
James Eriksson - a lovable soccer player who bites off more than he can chew even off the field.
or
James Eriksson - an amiable soccer-ball-buster who's always running even off the field.
(Puns are your friend)
If you wanna throw a few descriptive words or terms for each person in your family out there I'd be glad to get back to you and help you out a little more. Drop one in my inbox or add some info to your question, I'll check back.
-Siren =)

Yes, oh my gosh, that's exactly what I mean! I didn't think abyone would get it! I'm sending you another question =]

I'm a laid-back 26 year old with a Psychology BA, starting my MA program, and working my way into the field as quickly as I can. It took me an extra Bachelor's degree (in vocal performance and creative writing) to figure it out, but I was put on this Earth to help, to heal, and to love.

I have made the decision to dedicate my life and career to helping others. I am here to do just that.

I've been a member since 2004, and since I signed up, I've gone through quite a lot and learned quite a lot from it. I'm here to give guidance where I had none; no one should have to go through the difficulties I went through alone.

Feel free to visit my website/blog, if you want to read my experience with domestic violence and my thoughts on it.

***While I do tend to answer mental health and other health-related or medicine-related questions, I am by NO MEANS a licensed physician or practitioner of any sort. Any and all advice I give for these questions is from my own experience or studies.***

If you need to get a hold of me quickly, my screen name on AIM is SirenCytherea. Just let me know you found me here.

I'm a strong believer in the idea that there are no stupid questions except the ones left unasked, so, please, keep an open mind, heart, and mouth.

Siren

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