In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, a character's moral alignment is a huge part of what guides their deeds and how they respond to situations around them. Alignment is based on two separate spectrums: Lawful versus Chaotic, and Good versus Evil. Characters be Neutral on either or both of these as well, creating nine total alignments.

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Good and Evil are self-explanatory: does this character seek to help others, or harm them? Meanwhile, Lawful and Chaotic refer to how strictly a character will follow rules. Bear in mind, though, that this isn't necessarily the literal law — some Lawful characters follow a personal code instead. Additionally, remember that a character's alignment can shift over the course of an adventure. Experiences can shape characters, and watching them grow is part of the fun.

Lawful Good

Krypto And Superman

Characters under this alignment have pure intentions. They seek to eliminate evil, and are willing to forego their own comfort or safety to protect others. Lawful good characters take pride in bringing evildoers to justice, and often seek to keep their party on the moral high road. Clerics and Paladins often fall under this alignment.

Some players see lawful good as less interesting than other alignments, believing it is too rigid and dull. However, there are plenty of ways to keep lawful good characters interesting. Perhaps they will clash with other characters in the party, or face a situation that challenges their moral compass.

Neutral Good

harry potter deathly hallows book cover

Those under this alignment are willing to recognize unjust laws, and are open to bending the rules if it helps more people. They don't disregard law and order completely, and they treat any personal code as more a set of guidelines than rigid rules.

Protagonists far and wide across media embody this alignment. They work for the forces of good, but aren't afraid to take risks or get into trouble now and again. For similarly-aligned D&D characters, it's much the same. They might break a few city ordinances, but do so in the interest of heroics.

Chaotic Good

robin hood holding bow and arrow

They don't care much for rules or regulations, but a strong sense of right and wrong remains rooted in the hearts of Chaotic Good characters. They're willing to riot, cheat, or steal in order to break the system and help the people it exploits.

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Duty means little to these characters, unlike the Lawful Good alignment. Like other Chaotic alignments, they flaunt the law, but they only do so to hurt those in power or bring relief to those who are struggling — or both at once.

Lawful Neutral

Samara in Mass Effect 2

Whether it's the letter of the law or a personal creed, Lawful Neutral characters stand by their conviction — for better or worse. Some such characters have a mission that must not fail, regardless of sacrifices they may have to make. Others, like Monks, may have been raised in a faction with strict rules, and are inclined or compelled to abide by them.

Lawful Neutrals believe in organization. Many are devoted to law and order, believing that their nation or faction would collapse without it. They can often be rigid characters, who see the world in terms of black and white.

True Neutral

Lara Croft with a flaming arrow

True Neutrals are often characterized as survivors, doing whatever they have to do in order to keep themselves or their loved ones alive and thriving. This might mean stealing essential supplies, or choosing to save a party member rather than help a bystander.

Some may see a True Neutral's behavior as selfish; however, they typically see themselves as pragmatic and realistic. They want to protect themselves and their party, and they'll do what they have to do in tough situations.

Chaotic Neutral

Pirates of the Carribbean Jack Sparrow

Tied to neither good nor evil, chaotic neutral characters value their freedom above all else. These characters will lie, cheat, and steal for profit or just for fun — much like a typical Rogue. Unlike chaotic good characters, they don't care much about the welfare of strangers, and wouldn't call off a heist to help someone else.

However, they also won't cause harm for harm's sake. Though they often enjoy flaunting the law, chaotic neutral characters won't blow up a building or start a tavern brawl for no reason. They won't take innocent lives, but they might steal from an honest merchant.

Lawful Evil

Darth Vader in The Empire Strikes Back

As mentioned before, "lawful" doesn't necessarily refer to the law of the land. Lawful evil characters are capable of vicious cruelty and plenty of illegal deeds — but they follow a strict internal code, and thus often believe they are doing what is right or honorable.

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Tyrannical leaders often fall under this alignment, as do fanatics or extremists. Such characters always have strict code in place for themselves and their followers. However, that code may dictate the systematic killing of innocents, or methodical destruction of civilizations.

Neutral Evil

Saruman in The Lord Of The Rings

Neutral Evils don't see much value in having a code. They have goals to accomplish, and they're certainly not going to stand in their own way. Yet, they don't put extra effort into needless slaughter or devastation. Assassins, bandit plunderers, and worshippers of evil deities often fall under this alignment.

Unlike their Lawful Evil cousins, Neutral Evils are out for themselves and not for a twisted cause. They kill, lie, and manipulate in order to amass their own wealth or power. They share their practicality with True Neutrals, but won't hesitate to commit much darker and bloodier deeds.

Chaotic Evil

Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker

Chaotic Evil characters are among the most frightening, simply because they are so unpredictable. These characters often take pride in causing suffering, and pursue destruction for its own sake. While they may have an agenda, they'll take any opportunity to wreak havoc, even if it doesn't move their goals forward.

These characters are referred to as "demonic" due to their erratic and destructive nature. While other evil characters murder and betray to advance themselves, Chaotic Evils often do so simply because it's fun.

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