Non-player character

A classification of character used by role-playing games in general, a non-player character (abbreviated NPC) is a character that is played exclusively by the Story Guide (or whatever the equivalent is called in other RPGs), and whose motives and goals are therefore hidden from the rest of the troupe. The Story Guide uses NPCs to bring the game world to life. NPCs include antagonists, but also allies, mentors, bystanders, shopkeepers, even Animal Companions.

Generally, any character played by a player is a player character (abbreviated PC); however, in troupe style play, the line can become confused for minor characters.

Legacy Page

The history of this page before August 6, 2010 is archived at Legacy:npc