There are loads of character tutorials here if you want to go that route. Otherwise, look for box-modeling tutorials. You start with a cube and extrude, split and shape the body out. You can probably find some good-time lapses of this in the forums at spiraloid.com. If you have something where you can view each frame of the gif one at a time, it'll be helpful.
You can also google the infamous joan of arc tutorial...I believe 3dtotal hosts the english version.
"Terminat Bora Diem, Terminal Auctor opus."