Dnd characters typically scale up the progression ladder pretty fast. The difference between a lvl 1 and level 5 characters is especially big and this can sometimes happen over some weeks of adventuring (in-game time). 

Do you prefer to just not pay much attention to this or are you like me and enjoy explaining that in your BG? 

I think wizards in particular are tricky if there are no major timeskips involved. A lvl 1 wizard is an absolute beginner. But the spells cast by lvl 5-9 lvl wizards are already master level spells. This depends on the magic level of the world of course. And since wizardry is a scholarly and time consuming approach to magic, I kinda feel like I have to explain why I go from beginner to master in a short time. 

Examples

One of my favorite characters. A dwarf wizard named Branbadur Bartobar. Started at lvl 5 but the campaign was quick-paced (Strahd) so he was expected to learn new spells rapidly. 

I made Branbadur very old. In fact he was a retired professor. He was old even for a dwarf. For the last couple of decades he pretty much only used simple everyday magic to ease his old life. But he had no reason to use any higher level spells. So he had simply forgotten them. 

He still had the understanding though. So when he ended up adventuring again, he started practicing. I brought this up in-game by telling the party that I study and test spells when we set up camp and rested etc. 

And when I levelled up, I figured out how the cast some of the forgotten spells. 

This is of course completely unneccessary, but it's an important bit for me.

What about you? Do you do this? 😄

That’s a great idea! Imma try that next time I start with a level one character.

Quote from WoodsGirl0402 >>

That’s a great idea! Imma try that next time I start with a level one character.

 I've actually thought about this myself, and with other classes besides spellcasters, too. I think it's kind of situational, but yes, important, if you want your character's lore/story to grow. 

*Also, I love just following you around the forums, woodsgirl :). It's fun.*

yeh forums is fun for me rn i plan to join some dnd groups in my area and bring out my epic half orc and genasi

Quote from TheGreatDestroyerOrion >>

yeh forums is fun for me rn i plan to join some dnd groups in my area and bring out my epic half orc and genasi

 Wait, is that one race; half orc, half genasi? Or two different characters? 

Ooooh they should introduce multiracing in OneDnD. 😁 

Quote from SerLoxy >>

Ooooh they should introduce multiracing in OneDnD. 😁 

 A definite possibility :) 

nah one is a genasi called orion (in my pro pic) and the other is a  half ord called bokoblin that I'm drawing rn

Quote from TheGreatDestroyerOrion >>

nah one is a genasi called orion (in my pro pic) and the other is a  half ord called bokoblin that I'm drawing rn

 Well that's sweet. I like your art, btw. 

thanks