6: Your first extruded cube model

The extrude cube model will be the basis for all characters and complex models you create as a 3D animator. Although there are a number of other ways to build articulated characters. This process is by far the quickest and easiest to control.
I really suggest that before launching in and creating a character to animate. You try your skills building some simple objects. The tutorial here at katsbits.com is a really good exercise. It will give you a great feel for all the basic processes for building complex objects. Nearly all objects you create from this point on will reference these processes.