New to Lucid Dreaming: Should I Create A Dream Character Now or Later?

Hello! I'm new to lucid dreaming. I haven't had my first lucid dream yet, but I came close to having one once. Once I start having lucid dreams, I want to create a dream character to accompany me, like a "dream friend." But I've heard people say that attempting to create people in dreams could easily lead to waking up. They say I should spend my first few lucid dreams walking around, looking at the environment around me to get used to lucid dreaming. Others say I could easily create my dream character by believing he is behind a door, then opening it, and he will be there. So, should I try to create my dream character when I have my first lucid dream, or should I wait a little while first? If I should wait, is there any way for me to practice or to prepare myself so that when I do create him I don't awaken? I don't want to waste my first lucid dream by attempting to create him, only for me to wake up. Thanks for all your help!