I use characters based on my own IP (copyrighted and everything) and want to take advantage of the coloring tools in CA5. I cannot tell my stories with assets from the store, because none of those assets are about the US Navy in 1980's. So why isn't there a template or instructions on how to create custom characters, not just dumb downloads of an eps. I can see HOW TO create, but not HOW TO package it for use. I can do this in Open Toonz, but have invested time and mony into assets and training for CTA.

It's not clear to me whether this is what you mean, but:
1/2 Add new media and select and import your svg file
3. In Content tab click custom
4. Select your prop and click save
5. Rename it and save again.