In most ways, any format of written role is better than no role. If you want to write a list - Likes orc, hates dwarves, eats meat, drinks beer...that's fine, but I have a difficult time getting into a role such as that.

If you want to use a list format to bullet your past life and goals, by all means go for it, again it is not my style or liking to have a list hanging out there with no explanation.

In the end, the role is more for the immortal view than character, though it can function as a reminder of who you are and why.