Alignment

• The first part of the alignment focuses on the character's attitude towards law and order

• The second part addresses their moral outlook.

 

First Part: Law vs. Chaos

Lawful:

 

• Lawful characters believe in order, rules, and structure. They value societal norms, laws, and traditions, and often seek to uphold them. They may work within an established system to bring about change and are usually reliable and trustworthy.

• Example: A paladin who strictly follows a code of conduct, respects authority, and fights to maintain order.

 

Neutral:

 

• Neutral characters are balanced, neither strictly adhering to law nor embracing chaos. They often value personal freedom while recognizing the benefits of order. They tend to be pragmatic and make decisions based on the situation rather than a strict ethical code.

• Example: A merchant who follows laws when convenient but might break them if it benefits them without causing significant harm.

 

Chaotic:

 

• Chaotic characters value freedom, individuality, and flexibility. They often resist rules and restrictions, believing that personal freedom and autonomy are paramount. They might act unpredictably and prioritize their own judgment over societal norms.

• Example: A rogue who flouts laws and operates outside the boundaries of society, valuing personal freedom over authority.

 

Second Part: Good vs. Evil

Good:

 

• Good characters are altruistic, prioritizing the well-being of others. They are often compassionate, self-sacrificing, and strive to make the world a better place. Their actions are guided by a desire to help and protect.

• Example: A cleric who heals the sick, protects the innocent, and fights against evil forces.

 

Neutral:

 

• Neutral characters prioritize balance and may act with a mix of self-interest and altruism. They are neither particularly virtuous nor villainous and often act according to personal gain or pragmatic concerns without causing undue harm.

• Example: A druid who focuses on maintaining the balance of nature, regardless of the consequences for good or evil.

 

Evil:

 

• Evil characters are selfish, seeking personal gain, power, and dominance. They may harm others to achieve their goals and often lack empathy and compassion. Their actions can be destructive and malicious.

• Example: A necromancer who raises undead armies to conquer lands and subjugate others.

       

Lawful Good

• Definition:

  Characters who believe in the power of law and order, and use it to achieve altruistic ends. They use their power to protect the innocent and uphold justice.

• Example:

  A paladin who adheres strictly to a code of chivalry, protecting the innocent and punishing the wicked.

• Example characters:

  • Superman (DC Extended Universe) - A hero who upholds justice, fairness, and the greater good.
  • Captain America (Marvel Cinematic Universe) - Follows a strict moral code and believes in doing what's right.
  • Obi-Wan Kenobi (Star Wars) - A Jedi who adheres to the Jedi Code and fights for peace and justice.
  • Aragorn (The Lord of the Rings) - Adheres to a strong moral code, fights for justice, and aims to reclaim his rightful throne for the good of his people.
  • Gandalf (The Lord of the Rings) - Follows the rules of the Istari and works tirelessly to oppose Sauron and protect Middle-earth.

 

Lawful Neutral

• Definition:

  Individuals who prioritize order and organization, without a strong inclination towards good or evil.

• Example:

  A judge who applies the law with impartiality, regardless of personal feelings or outcomes.

• Example characters:

  • M (James Bond series) - Adheres strictly to the rules and regulations of her position, focusing on duty.
  • Spock (Star Trek) - Governed by logic and duty, without swaying towards good or evil.
  • Elrond (The Lord of the Rings) - Governed by the laws and traditions of Rivendell, prioritizing the protection and continuity of his people.
  • Eomer (The Lord of the Rings) - Loyal to the laws and traditions of Rohan, even when it conflicts with his personal desires.

 

Lawful Evil

• Definition:

  Characters who use laws, traditions, or codes of conduct to further their own selfish interests, often at the expense of others. They use the law and order to control and oppress others.

• Example:

  A tyrant who manipulates legal systems to maintain power and control, disregarding the welfare of the people.

• Example Characters:

  • Darth Vader (Star Wars) - Serves the Empire with ruthless efficiency and adherence to its order.
  • Dolores Umbridge (Harry Potter series) - Enforces cruel rules and regulations in the name of order and control.
  • Hans Landa (Inglourious Basterds) - A meticulous and ruthless Nazi officer who follows orders to the letter.
  • Saruman (The Lord of the Rings) - Initially lawful good but becomes lawful evil as he adheres to Sauron's power and order for his own gain.
  • Gríma Wormtongue (The Lord of the Rings) - Follows Saruman’s orders and manipulates King Théoden, adhering to an evil scheme for personal benefit.

 

Neutral Good

• Definition:

  Good-hearted individuals who believe in doing what's right, without necessarily following laws or rules.

• Example:

  A healer who aids anyone in need, irrespective of their standing with the law or societal expectations.

• Example characters:

  • Harry Potter (Harry Potter series) - Fights for what is right and good without strict adherence to law or chaos.
  • Frodo Baggins (The Lord of the Rings) - Undertakes the quest to destroy the One Ring out of a sense of duty to protect Middle-earth.
  • Samwise Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings) - Loyal and kind-hearted, supports Frodo and seeks the greater good without a strict adherence to laws or chaos.

 

True Neutral

• Definition:

  Characters who maintain balance, showing no strong inclination towards any alignment, valuing their personal freedom and neutrality.

• Example:

  A druid who strives to maintain balance in nature and stays out of moral or societal conflicts.

• Example characters:

  • Lisbeth Salander (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) - Operates outside the bounds of law and morality, focused on her own goals.
  • Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean) - Primarily concerned with his own survival and freedom, without leaning towards good or evil.
  • Han Solo (Star Wars, initially) - More interested in self-preservation and profit than in moral or chaotic extremes.
  • Tom Bombadil (The Lord of the Rings) - Exists outside the struggles of good and evil, focusing on his own domain.
  • Treebeard (The Lord of the Rings) - Primarily concerned with the well-being of the Ents and the forests, neutral in the broader conflict until directly affected.

 

Neutral Evil

• Definition:

  Individuals who are primarily self-serving, unconcerned with law and not bothered by the randomness of chaos.

• Example:

  A rogue who is willing to cheat, steal, and harm others to achieve personal gain, as long as it's the most straightforward path.

• Example characters:

  • The Joker (The Dark Knight) - Seeks personal gain and chaos without regard for laws or morals.
  • Scar (The Lion King) - Driven by ambition and willing to betray and murder for power.
  • Norman Bates (Psycho) - Commits heinous acts driven by personal urges and without moral consideration.
  • Gollum (The Lord of the Rings) - Driven by his obsession with the One Ring, willing to betray and deceive for his own gain.
  • Denethor (The Lord of the Rings) - His despair and selfishness lead him to actions that harm others, putting his own interests above all else.

 

Chaotic Good

• Definition:

  Free spirits who believe in doing good, in their own unique way, often challenging traditional methods.

• Example:

  A rebel leader who fights against an oppressive regime, valuing individual freedom and the greater good but disregarding laws and orders.

• Example characters:

  • Robin Hood (various adaptations) - Breaks laws to fight injustice and help the oppressed.
  • Deadpool (Deadpool series) - Fights for good in a highly unconventional and chaotic manner.
  • Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games) - Rebels against an oppressive system to fight for justice and freedom.
  • Galadriel (The Lord of the Rings) - Uses her power to fight against Sauron and help the Fellowship, even if it means breaking some norms.
  • Merry and Pippin (The Lord of the Rings) - Though often acting impulsively, they fight for the good of their friends and Middle-earth.

 

Chaotic Neutral

• Definition:

  Characters who acts unpredictably and value their personal freedom and autonomy above all else, without a strong tendency towards good or evil.

• Example:

  A wanderer who goes where the wind takes them, following whims and desires without regard for moral or legal implications.

• Example characters:

  • Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean, later) - Acts on whims and personal desires without regard for order or morality.
  • Tyler Durden (Fight Club) - Embraces chaos and anarchy without a clear moral compass.
  • Mad Max (Mad Max series) - Acts based on survival instincts, often indifferent to moral or lawful constraints.
  • Boromir (The Lord of the Rings) - Though he ultimately seeks to protect Gondor, his methods and actions are often impulsive and self-serving.
  • Bilbo Baggins (The Lord of the Rings) - Though good at heart, he often acts on whim and personal desire, especially in his younger days.

 

Chaotic Evil

• Definition:

  Unpredictable individuals who embrace chaos and evil, often seeking to disrupt order and harm others for their own enjoyment or gain.

• Example:

  A marauding warlord who revels in destruction and anarchy, using violence and intimidation to achieve power and sow discord.

• Example characters:

  • The Joker (various adaptations) - Sows chaos and destruction purely for personal amusement and malice.
  • Cersei Lannister (Game of Thrones) - Willing to use any means, including widespread chaos and destruction, to achieve her goals.
  • Sauron (The Lord of the Rings) - Seeks total domination through fear, corruption, and chaos.
  • Orcs (The Lord of the Rings) - Driven by destructive impulses and chaos, serving Sauron's evil without regard for any moral or lawful order.

     

Actions Create Alignment vs. Alignment Creates Actions

One of the core debates surrounding character alignment is whether actions define alignment or if alignment drives actions.  

Actions Create Alignment

This perspective posits that a character's alignment is a reflection of their consistent behavior over time. For example, a character who repeatedly chooses to help others at personal cost, upholding the law and protecting the innocent, will naturally align with Lawful Good. This approach allows for more dynamic character development, where shifts in behavior can gradually lead to an alignment change.   Example: In "The Lord of the Rings," Boromir starts as Lawful Good, but his desperation to save Gondor tempts him to act impulsively, shifting towards Chaotic Neutral. His eventual redemption act before his death realigns him closer to his original Lawful Good nature.  

Alignment Creates Actions

Conversely, the idea that alignment dictates actions suggests that a character's inherent nature or chosen moral code guides their decisions and behavior. Characters act in ways that are consistent with their alignment, making alignment a core aspect of their identity rather than a result of their actions.   Example: Aragorn from "The Lord of the Rings" consistently demonstrates Lawful Good behavior. His actions are driven by his alignment, which emphasizes honor, duty, and the greater good. Even when faced with temptation, his adherence to his alignment guides him.  

Is Alignment Mutable?

The question of whether alignment is mutable is crucial in understanding character development. In many narratives, alignment is indeed mutable, allowing characters to grow and change based on their experiences and choices.  

Mutable Alignment

Characters with mutable alignments can undergo significant transformations as they experience new events, learn from their mistakes, or change their beliefs. This allows for rich character arcs and the exploration of themes such as redemption, corruption, and personal growth.   Example: In "Star Wars," Anakin Skywalker's alignment shifts from Chaotic Good (as a passionate Jedi Knight) to Lawful Evil (as Darth Vader), driven by his fear, anger, and manipulation by Emperor Palpatine. Eventually, his redemption and return to Good in "Return of the Jedi" highlight the mutability of alignment.  

Immutable Alignment

In contrast, some narratives treat alignment as a more static aspect of a character's identity, often tied to their nature or role in the story. These characters are less likely to experience significant alignment shifts, maintaining consistency in their actions and motivations.   Example: Sauron from "The Lord of the Rings" remains steadfastly Chaotic Evil throughout the narrative. His inherent nature as a force of corruption and malice prevents any significant change in alignment.  

Player Responsibility: Actions and Alignment

Players in D&D have the creative freedom to develop their characters, including choosing an initial alignment that reflects their character's moral and ethical perspective. Once the game begins, players must decide how their characters' actions align with this chosen alignment. There are two primary approaches players can take:  

Actions Guide Alignment

In this approach, a character's alignment is a reflection of their actions over time. Players who choose this path allow their characters' experiences and decisions to gradually shape and possibly shift their alignment. This dynamic approach can lead to rich character development and unexpected narrative twists.   Example: A Neutral Good rogue who starts to prioritize personal gain over helping others might gradually shift towards Neutral Evil. This change can result from various in-game experiences, such as betrayal, desperation, or exposure to corrupting influences.  

Alignment Guides Actions

Alternatively, players may use their character's alignment as a guiding principle for their actions, ensuring consistency with their moral and ethical code. This method can create a strong, coherent character identity and help guide decision-making in complex situations.   Example: A Lawful Good paladin who encounters a moral dilemma will always opt for the most honorable and just course of action, even if it poses personal risk or challenges.  

Dungeon Master Role: Monitoring and Consequences

The Dungeon Master is responsible for overseeing the game world and ensuring that players' actions align with the established rules and narrative. Part of this role involves monitoring how players' actions correspond to their characters' stated alignments and determining if any shifts occur. The DM can use these observations to enhance the storytelling experience and maintain the integrity of the game.  

Monitoring Alignment

The DM observes and records significant actions taken by characters, noting how these actions align with or deviate from their stated alignment. This tracking helps the DM determine if a character's alignment is shifting due to their behavior.   Example: If a Chaotic Good bard repeatedly engages in deceit and manipulation for personal gain, the DM might decide that the character's alignment is shifting towards Chaotic Neutral or even Chaotic Evil.  

Consequences of Adherence or Change

Depending on whether a character adheres to or deviates from their alignment, the DM can introduce various consequences that affect the game's narrative and mechanics. These consequences can enrich the game by adding depth and complexity to character development and interactions.  

Adherence to Alignment

 

• Reward: Characters who consistently act in line with their alignment may gain favor, respect, and support from allies and like-minded NPCs.

• Reputation: Maintaining alignment can lead to a strong and reliable reputation, opening doors to new quests and opportunities.

 

Change in Alignment

 

• Conflict: Shifting alignment can cause tension and conflict within the party or with NPCs, creating compelling narrative arcs.

• Character Development: A change in alignment can signify personal growth or corruption, leading to significant character development and new storylines.

• Mechanical Consequences: In some cases, a change in alignment might affect a character's abilities or access to certain spells, particularly for classes like paladins or clerics who are bound by specific moral codes.

Example: A Lawful Evil sorcerer who begins to act selflessly and protectively might shift towards Lawful Neutral or even Lawful Good. The DM might introduce a storyline where the character's newfound allies recognize this change and offer new quests or rewards. Conversely, the sorcerer's former evil associates might view this change as a betrayal, creating potential conflict.