CT04 - create characteristic that allows free-form characteristic result

Hello, Experts! Working in the Chemical Industry, and fielding some support questions from our mfg facilities regarding QC results in Inspection Lot. I have need to create a General Characteristic for QM in CT04 which allows for "free-form" result entry in an Inspection Lot (maximum 20 characters). This General Characteristic also needs to be linked to a Master Characteristic, which I will create in QS21. This Master Characteristic will be assigned to specific materials in QS61.

Currently, my General Characteristics that are of a Character Format Data Type MUST be assigned to a Selected Set in order to be linked to the Master Characteristic and for results to be input into the system in QE51N. I am looking for a way for user to input a result (alhpanumeric and possibly symbols) without the need of a Selected Set. Any guidance you can offer is greatly appreciated!