What do each of the alignments in Dungeons and Dragons mean?

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Alignment in Dungeons and Dragons is one of the rules that helps govern a character’s moral and ethical aims. In the earlier editions of D&D, characters who broke their alignment rules while roleplaying or even in battle often suffered serious consequences. Some of those rules exist today, for characters like Paladins, in one shape or another.

However, alignments and their descriptions also vary across the Dungeons and Dragons community. Not everyone views them quite the same way. Initially, players were either Lawful, Neutral, or Chaotic, but that has since expanded to 10 total alignments. They run the gamut of character archetypes, offering something for everyone.

The first word in an alignment (Lawful) is the basis of that character’s ethics, and the second (Good) is the focal point of their moral code. Some characters will do the right thing, no matter what, while others will do good, but in weird, backward ways.

While playing Dungeons and Dragons, you have the Lawful, Neutral, Evil, and Chaotic alignments. Each has a character archetype and ways players are likely to adopt.

What your DM will and won't allow varies based on several factors. In many cases, you aren’t going to find DMs willing to allow Chaotic Evil. On the other hand, some might not want Lawful Good in their games.

Not all DMs will allow a Lawful Good in a mixed party. Occasionally called “Lawful Stupid,” Lawful Good characters are supposed to act with compassion and honor and defend the weak and powerless.

However, some characters will treat this as “doing the right thing, no matter what.” These character styles can often disrupt games.

The archetypical Lawful Good character will defend the righteous against injustice and work towards defeating evil.