The character model is created with joint setting and this joint application is integrated in Maya.
To find the joints, first go to main menu and choose menu as animation and here you will find joint setting in its sub menu. The joints are created mostly in side view because side view is thought perfect for this purpose and also provides accuracy in your projects.
The character setup may vary from other model so don’t worry it is always shaped with respect to real image geometry. 3d animator used different technique for setting up there character for animation. In Maya 2010 we have now different tools and MEL scripts for character setup. This video tutorial is an introduction to character setup in Maya.
You can create any kind of character here in Maya and there is no limit of their sizes and shapes. In short the video is given for the best of Maya learners so that they might learn with detail. Watch the video and enjoy.