Ever since I got big into RPGs I’ve been obsessed with character alignment charts.
I even bought one of those cool CritSuccess die rings that determines alignments at random. Alignment is a way to determine a person’s character in very vague terms. Under each of the nine alignment categories lie a variety of philosophies and personality traits that more or less cover the range of human behavior. Though there are online tests to help you determine which category you fall under, studying which traits apply to each alignment can better help you to discover where you truly fall on the spectrum.
To give you all a general idea of the nine main alignments, I’ve broken each description down and included examples of some of my favorite characters who I feel illustrate each type.
Lawful Good
This alignment is more commonly known as “The Crusader”. Lawful goods are filled with compassion and honor and use these traits in their battle against evil. They are disciplined, fight relentlessly, and always stick to their word. Overall, they’re just truly good people. Their worst fear is seeing evil go unpunished.
Characters that fit this description: Dana Scully, Leslie Knope, Ellen Ripley
Neutral Good
This character type is referred to as “The Benefactor”. Neutral goods work with people in power and are devoted to helping others, but they don’t necessarily have any bias in either direction. They are usually chosen to fight for a particular side and spend their journey learning what exactly it is that they’re fighting for. I would argue that neutral good is a transitional phase as far as alignments go. By the end of a neutral good’s heroic journey, they have usually determined whether or not they are lawful or chaotic good. Unless of course, they turn evil.
Characters that fit this description: Luke Skywalker, Neo, Frodo Baggins
Chaotic Good
Not to be totally biased, but this is one of the best alignments. Commonly referred to as “The Rebel,” chaotic goods let their conscience be their guide. They have their own morals that may conflict with society, but CGs don’t care for rules and regulations. These characters are ultimately benevolent and have kind hearts. And are usually fighting for a cause that is nearly impossible to win.
Characters that fit this description: Matt Murdock, Fox Mulder, Mal Reynolds
Lawful Neutral
If a character is lawful neutral, they are law-abiders to a T. Referred to as “The Judge,” they are different from lawful good, because they don’t let a crusade against evil cloud their judgement. LNs are non-biased, very much by the book, and believe firmly in an organization of some sort.
(Arguably, Zoe Washburne is not technically a law-abider, but the entire Firefly universe is very immoral so I would say this counts.)
Characters that fit this description: Zoe Washburne, Temperance Brennan, Gil Grissom
Neutral
This is the perfect alignment for those who are unsure of their conviction and morals. Not to say it’s a cop out, in fact, neutral characters can be some of the strongest characters in existence because they aren’t burdened by emotions and never have to worry about their good (or bad) intentions being misconstrued. They see things as they are and act upon each moment in whatever way they see fit.
Characters that fit this description: Sherlock Holmes, “The Driver” (Ryan Gosling’s character in Drive), M (James Bond)
Chaotic Neutral
This character type is commonly known as “The Free Spirit”. They follow their own whims like chaotic goods, but unlike chaotic goods are mainly focused on their own well-being. They’re not evil about it, they just aren’t necessarily motivated by the needs of others. CNs have the ultimate freedom to come and go as they please and do as they want. They’re against government, laws, and any sort of rules and restrictions.
Characters that fit this description: Marv (Sin City), Captain Jack Sparrow, River Tam
Lawful Evil
This alignment refers to characters who practice finely crafted evil. They’re referred to as “The Dominator” because they are diabolical juggernauts who believe in common lawful traits like loyalty and order, but have no regard for life.
Characters that fit this description: Hannibal Lecter, Cersei Lannister, Lex Luthor
Neutral Evil
Known as “The Malefactor,” neutral evils are known for doing whatever evil they can get away with. They are evil purely for the sake of being evil, not for a malevolent cause like chaotic evil. And in a way, it’s almost worst. At least the other evil alignments have something they’re striving for. Neutral evil just… is evil. *shudders*
Characters that fit this description: Two-Face, Scar, Yzma
Chaotic Evil
Fittingly known as “The Destroyer,” CE thrives on blood lust and greed. They will do whatever it takes to get what they want. If you find yourself identifying with chaotic evil, not to judge or anything, but… I’m scared. But hey, some men just want to watch the world burn.
Characters that fit this description: Joffrey Baratheon, Ramsay Bolton, The Joker
So, where do you fit in? Personally speaking, I received Chaotic Neutral when I took the test, but I haven’t met a single person familiar with the alignment system that hasn’t called me Chaotic Good.
Let us know where you fall in the comments below!
Images: Fox, Lucasfilm, Netflix, BBC, Miramax, NBC, Warner Bros., HBO
This article was originally published on Geek & Sundry.
