D&D Alignments: Understanding Moral and Attitude

Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a tabletop role-playing game where players create characters and go on adventures in a fantasy world.
One of the most important aspects of creating a character is choosing one of the D&D alignments for your alter-ego, which is a way to describe a character’s morals and attitudes towards society.

There are 9 different alignments in D&D, which can be broken down into three categories: good, neutral and evil.

The nine alignments in D&D are:

• Lawful Good
• Lawful Neutral
• Lawful Evil
• Neutral Good
• True Neutral
• Neutral Evil
• Chaotic Good
• Chaotic Neutral
• Chaotic Evil

Each alignment has its own set of values and beliefs, which can greatly influence how a character interacts with the world around them.

For example, a Lawful Good character will always try to do what is right, while Chaotic Evil characters will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, regardless of who gets hurt in the process.

Choosing the right alignment for your character is an important decision that will affect his backstory and personality.

Understanding the different alignments in D&D is essential for anyone who wants to create a well-rounded and interesting character.

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D&D Alignments – Morality and Attitude

Each alignment is made of two words, in facr it is a combination of two factors: morality and attitude towards others.

The Morality axis (Good-Evil) represents a character’s moral beliefs, with Good characters valuing compassion, selflessness, and altruism, while Evil characters prioritize their own interests and desires over others.
Neutral characters fall somewhere in between, prioritizing their own interests but not necessarily at the expense of others.

The Attitude axis (Lawful-Chaotic) represents a character’s ethical beliefs, with Lawful characters valuing order, structure, and following rules, while Chaotic characters prioritize freedom, spontaneity, and individuality.
Neutral characters fall somewhere in between, valuing both order and freedom.

Combining these two axes creates the nine different alignments in D&D and each of these alignments has its own unique characteristics and can be used to fuel and justify a character’s behaviour, motivations, and decisions throughout a D&D campaign.

Lawful D&D Alignments

Lawful Good

Characters with a Lawful Good alignment are guided by a sense of justice and honour, and they strive to do the right thing, uphold laws and order, and protect the innocent.

They believe in the greater good and will make sacrifices to achieve it. They are often seen as heroic figures, standing up against evil and fighting for what is right.

Some examples of Lawful Good characters include Superman, Captain America, and Aragorn from Lord of the Rings.

Traits and characteristics of Lawful Good characters:

• Honourable: Lawful Good characters value honesty and integrity and strive to always do what is right.
• Compassionate: They are motivated by a desire to help others and make the world a better place.
• Selfless: Lawful Good characters are willing to put themselves in harm’s way to protect others, even if it means risking their own lives.
• Respectful: They show respect to authority figures and follow the law, as long as it aligns with their moral code.
• Just: They believe in fairness and equality and will fight against injustice and oppression.
• Trustworthy: They keep their word and are dependable allies.
• Courageous: They are willing to face danger and stand up for what they believe in, even in the face of adversity.
• Humble: Lawful Good characters do not seek personal glory or recognition, but rather the satisfaction of doing what is right.
• Idealistic: They have a strong sense of what is right and wrong and strive to live up to their moral code even in difficult situations.

You can read my Lawful Good overview article for more examples and tips for D&D roleplayers.

Lawful Neutral

Characters with a Lawful Neutral alignment are bound by a strict code of conduct or set of rules.

They may not have any particular moral or ethical inclination, but they follow the laws and rules they have chosen to abide by.

They may act in their own self-interest, but they do so within the limits of their chosen code.

Some examples of Lawful Neutral characters include Boba Fett, James Bond, and Vincent Valentine from Final Fantasy VII.

Traits and characteristics of Lawful Neutral characters:

• Orderly: Lawful Neutral characters value order and structure, and believe in following the rules and traditions.
• Logical: They make decisions based on reason and logic, rather than emotions or personal beliefs.
• Reliable: They are dependable and keep their word, but may not always act in a compassionate or altruistic way.
• Disciplined: They have a strong sense of self-discipline and may be willing to sacrifice personal desires for the greater good.
• Respectful: They show respect to authority figures and follow the law, even if it goes against their personal beliefs or morals.
• Pragmatic: They make decisions based on what is practical and effective, rather than what is morally right or wrong.
• Fair: They believe in fairness and impartiality and will act justly even if it means going against their personal beliefs.
• Traditional: They value tradition and may be resistant to change or new ideas.
• Neutral: They are neutral in all aspects, not favouring any particular moral or ethical code.

You can read my Lawful Neutral overview article for more examples and tips for D&D roleplayers.

Lawful Evil

Characters with a Lawful Evil alignment are often seen as the most devious and dangerous.

They are focused on achieving their own goals and gaining power, often at the expense of others.

They are highly intelligent and strategic, using their skills to manipulate and control those around them, in fact, they are often seen as tyrants or dictators, ruling with an iron fist.

Some examples of Lawful Evil characters include Darth Vader, Admiral Akainu, and Dolores Umbridge.

Traits and characteristics of Lawful Evil characters:

• Ambitious: Lawful Evil characters are driven by a desire for power, wealth, or status, and will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals.
• Ruthless: They are willing to use any means necessary, including violence and manipulation, to get what they want.
• Calculating: They are highly intelligent and strategic, using their skills to gain an advantage over others.
• Disciplined: They have a strong sense of self-discipline and are willing to make sacrifices to achieve their goals.
• Respectful: They show respect to authority figures and follow the law, but may use it to their advantage.
• Practical: They make decisions based on what is practical and effective, rather than what is morally right or wrong.
• Selfish: They are primarily motivated by their own self-interest and may harm others to achieve their goals.
• Manipulative: They are skilled at manipulating others to do their bidding, often by using fear or intimidation.
• Lawful: They believe in the importance of order and structure and may use the law to gain power and control over others.

You can read my Lawful Evil overview article for more examples and tips for D&D roleplayers.

Neutral D&D Alignments

Neutral D&D alignments are those that fall in the middle of the spectrum, between good and evil, and between law and chaos.

These characters tend to act in their own self-interest, without necessarily being swayed by moral or ethical considerations.

They are often pragmatic and flexible in their approach to life, and may be willing to work with anyone who can help them achieve their goals.

Neutral Good

Neutral good characters are those who strive to do good, but are not bound by any particular moral code or set of rules. They are often motivated by a desire to help others, but may also be driven by a sense of justice or fairness. Neutral good characters may be willing to work with anyone who shares their goals, regardless of their alignment.

Some examples of neutral good characters include Legolas, Harry Potter and Cloud from Final Fantasy VII.

Traits and characteristics of Neutral Good characters:

• Compassionate: Neutral Good characters are motivated by a desire to do good and help others, often without seeking recognition or reward.
• Independent: They value personal freedom and may not always follow the law or traditional moral codes.
• Empathetic: They are able to understand and relate to the feelings of others and are often seen as caring and kind.
• Fair: They believe in fairness and equality and will fight against injustice and oppression.
• Flexible: They are willing to adapt to new situations and may change their approach to achieve their goals.
• Pragmatic: They make decisions based on what is practical and effective, rather than what is morally right or wrong.
• Trustworthy: They keep their word and are dependable allies.
• Humble: Neutral Good characters do not seek personal glory or recognition, but rather the satisfaction of doing what is right.
• Idealistic: They have a strong sense of what is right and wrong and strive to live up to their moral code even in difficult situations.

You can read my Neutral Good overview article for more examples and tips for D&D roleplayers.

True Neutral

True neutral characters are those who are neutral in all things, neither favouring good over evil nor law over chaos.

They are often driven by a desire to maintain balance in the world, and may be willing to work with anyone who can help them achieve that goal.

Some examples of true neutral characters include Mordenkainen, Tom Bombadil and Geralt of Rivia.

Traits and characteristics of True Neutral characters:

• Balanced: True Neutral characters are neutral in all aspects, not favoring any particular moral or ethical code.
• Impartial: They are fair and impartial in their decisions, and do not let emotions or personal beliefs cloud their judgment.
• Adaptable: They are able to adapt to new situations and may change their approach depending on the circumstances.
• Pragmatic: They make decisions based on what is practical and effective, rather than what is morally right or wrong.
• Independent: They value personal freedom and may not always follow the law or traditional moral codes.
• Flexible: They are willing to adapt to new situations and may change their approach to achieve their goals.
• Observant: They are keen observers and may be able to see things that others miss.
• Rational: They make decisions based on reason and logic, rather than emotions or personal beliefs.
• Unpredictable: True Neutral characters may be unpredictable in their actions, as they do not have a strong allegiance to any particular moral or ethical code.

You can read my True Neutral overview article for more examples and tips for D&D roleplayers.

Neutral Evil

Neutral evil characters are those who are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, regardless of the harm it may cause to others.

They are often motivated by a desire for power or wealth, and may be willing to work with anyone who can help them achieve those goals.

Some examples of neutral evil characters include Vecna, Emperor Palpatine and Walter White.

Traits and characteristics of Neutral Evil characters:

• Selfish: Neutral Evil characters are primarily motivated by their own self-interest and may harm others to achieve their goals.
• Ambitious: They are driven by a desire for power, wealth, or status, and will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals.
• Ruthless: They are willing to use any means necessary, including violence and manipulation, to get what they want.
• Pragmatic: They make decisions based on what is practical and effective, rather than what is morally right or wrong.
• Independent: They value personal freedom and may not always follow the law or traditional moral codes.
• Calculating: They are knowledgeable and strategic, using their skills to gain an advantage over others.
• Suspicious: They are often doubtful of others and may be paranoid or secretive.
• Unpredictable: Neutral Evil characters may be unpredictable in their actions, as they do not have a strong allegiance to any particular moral or ethical code.
• Manipulative: They are skilled at manipulating others to do their bidding, often by using fear or intimidation.

You can read my Neutral Evil overview article for more examples and tips for D&D roleplayers.

Chaotic D&D Alignments

Chaotic Good

Characters that fall under this alignment value individual freedom and believe that everyone should be allowed to pursue their own goals without interference from others.

They are willing to break laws or rules if they feel they are unjust or oppressive.

These characters are often seen as rebels or vigilantes who fight against corrupt governments or other forms of oppression.

Some notable examples of Chaotic Good characters include Robin Hood, Wolverine and Vaan from Final Fantasy XII.

Traits and characteristics of Chaotic Good characters:

• Independent: These characters value personal freedom and may not always follow the law or traditional moral codes.
• Compassionate: They are motivated by a desire to do good and help others, often without seeking recognition or reward.
• Rebellious: They are willing to challenge authority and traditional structures in order to achieve their goals.
• Courageous: They are willing to face danger and stand up for what they believe in, even in the face of adversity.
• Empathetic: They are able to understand and relate to the feelings of others, and are often seen as caring and kind.
• Fair: They believe in fairness and equality, and will fight against injustice and oppression.
• Unpredictable: They may be unpredictable in their actions, as they do not always follow traditional rules or codes.
• Idealistic: They have a strong sense of what is right and wrong, and strive to live up to their moral code even in difficult situations.
• Passionate: They are often passionate about their beliefs and goals, and may be willing to take risks to achieve them.

You can read my Chaotic Good overview article for more examples and tips for D&D roleplayers.

Chaotic Neutral

Chaotic Neutral characters value their own freedom and independence above all else.

They act on impulse and instinct, without worrying about rules, social norms, or morality.

Chaotic Neutral characters are often seen as unpredictable and unreliable, but they can also be very creative and resourceful.

Some notable examples of Chaotic Neutral characters include Deadpool, Captain Jack Sparrow and Therion from Octopath Traveler.

Traits and characteristics of Chaotic Neutral characters:

• Independent: Chaotic Good characters value personal freedom and may not always follow the law or traditional moral codes.
• Compassionate: They are motivated by a desire to do good and help others, often without seeking recognition or reward.
• Rebellious: They are willing to challenge authority and traditional structures in order to achieve their goals.
• Courageous: They are willing to face danger and stand up for what they believe in, even in the face of adversity.
• Empathetic: They are able to understand and relate to the feelings of others and are often seen as caring and kind.
• Fair: They believe in fairness and equality and will fight against injustice and oppression.
• Unpredictable: Chaotic Good characters may be unpredictable in their actions, as they do not always follow traditional rules or codes.
• Idealistic: They have a strong sense of what is right and wrong and strive to live up to their moral code even in difficult situations.
• Passionate: They are often passionate about their beliefs and goals and may be willing to take risks to achieve them.

You can read my Chaotic Neutral overview article for more examples and tips for D&D roleplayers.

Chaotic Evil

Chaotic Evil characters value their own power and pleasure above all else.

They have no regard for the rights or feelings of others, and they will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, no matter how cruel or destructive.

Chaotic Evil characters are often seen as villains or monsters who terrorize innocent people.

Some notable examples of Chaotic Evil characters include The Joker, Joffrey Baratheon and Kefka from Final Fantasy VI.

Traits and characteristics of Chaotic Evil characters:

• Selfish: Chaotic Evil characters are primarily motivated by their own self-interest and may harm others to achieve their goals.
• Ambitious: They are driven by a desire for power, wealth, or status, and will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals.
• Ruthless: They are willing to use any means necessary, including violence and manipulation, to get what they want.
• Impulsive: They may act on their emotions or instincts, rather than thinking things through logically.
• Unpredictable: Chaotic Evil characters may be unpredictable in their actions, as they do not have a strong allegiance to any particular moral or ethical code.
• Unreliable: They may be unreliable allies, as they do not have a strong sense of loyalty or commitment.
• Cruel: They enjoy causing pain and suffering to others and may do so for their own amusement.
• Destructive: They may enjoy destroying things or causing chaos, simply for the sake of doing so.
• Manipulative: They are skilled at manipulating others to do their bidding, often by using fear or intimidation.

You can read my Chaotic Evil overview article for more examples and tips for D&D roleplayers.

D&D Alignments FAQs

How do I choose an alignment for my character?

When choosing an alignment for your character in D&D, consider their personality, beliefs, and values.
Ask yourself questions such as: what motivates my character? What are his moral principles? Does he follow the law or rebel against it? Is he selfish or selfless?

Once you have a clear understanding of your character’s personality and ideals, choose an alignment that best reflects them.

Can a character’s alignment change over time?

Yes, the initially chosen alignment isn’t set in stone and it can change over time based on that character’s experiences and choices.

You and the DM of the campaign you’re playing could also do a quick game session in which your character “officially” changes his alignment.

This reminds me of when I was playing a chaotic good character that became chaotic neutral after a certain chain of events that changed his way of perceiving society; at that time we did a 1 hour or so session in which we officialized that change.

How important is the alignment in D&D gameplay?

The alignment is not crucial to the gameplay, but it can be a useful tool for roleplaying and character development.
It can help players understand their character’s motivations and behaviour, and can also be used by DMs to create more interesting and complex NPCs.

Don’t forget that is ultimately up to the players and DM to decide how much importance to place on alignment in their campaign.

How do I roleplay a character with a certain alignment?

To roleplay a character with a certain alignment in D&D, consider his beliefs, motivations, and values.

Think about how he would react in different situations based on his alignment.

For example, a Lawful Good character may be more likely to follow the law and help others, while a Chaotic Evil character may be more likely to act selfishly and harm others.

Use your character’s alignment as a guide for his behaviour and decision-making, but remember that alignment is not the only factor that influences a character’s actions.

What are the consequences of breaking your alignment in D&D?

There are no official consequences for breaking your alignment in D&D, as alignment is a roleplaying tool and not a strict set of rules.

However, some DMs may choose to impose consequences if a player’s actions consistently go against their stated alignment, such as loss of reputation, loss of favour with their deity, or even alignment change.

How does alignment affect interactions between characters in a party?

Characters with similar alignments may be more likely to get along and work well together, while characters with opposing alignments may have conflicts and disagreements.

A Lawful Good character may have trouble working with a Chaotic Evil character, as objectives and motivations are fundamentally different.

It is important to remember that alignment is not the only factor that influences character interactions, therefore players should prioritize creating interesting and dynamic relationships between their characters regardless of alignment.