Semi-beginner

I played a short campaign of 3.5e and more of 5e but it was with friends that never got to serious with it, so they didn't last long. I have been wanting to play again. Don't really care if it is one-shot, or goes for a bit. Now, that I am in my mid-30s I have more time with work to enjoy weekends.  I want to use this opportunity to learn more how to play certain characters and learn more about this game than just explore/fight like the previous games were always set it. I want it to be more imaginative and creative. This would be online play and I will be a player. A patient DM would be a breath of fresh air. I only had one good one but he moved away. The rest didn't make it fun and made it feel more like work.