Originally Posted by AzureWinter

I don't recall seeing it anywhere - but is it a good idea to unlock all 5 ability levels and the 4 EQ slots before evolving a character?
I have several characters now ready to go, I just need the dragons. Just making sure I can still up their abilities after evolution.

Nah it doesn't matter. Skills and slots remain the same and you can upgrade it before/after evolution without worries.

Your only worries is skill up chance (pray to rng) and money cost (only if your base character have very high level, but in general it doesn't take too much money)