Alignments
Everyone I talk with - and even each member of my D&D group - has their own interpretation of the Alignment Chart. So I would like to share my own interpretation of the alignments:
I see the alignments as a spectrum instead of three nice and orderly boxes. (think a political compass)
So, here are my definitions of the axis:
Lawful - Neutral - Chaotic
I interpret this to mean “do you follow your head or your heart?” If you follow your head and logic, you are most likely Lawful, but not necessarily. If you follow your heart and rely on impulses / instincts, you are most likely Chaotic.
As a side note, Lawful characters tend to be (but are not always) more intelligent than Chaotic characters.
Good - Neutral - Evil
Instead of interpreting this solely on a moral standard, I believe that it more implies how selfish / selfless you are. For example: You are placed in a situation where you must make a difficult decision. One option will help you greatly at the expense of others; the other will help others greatly at the expense of yourself. If you would rather avoid the choice all together you are probably on the neutral to evil side of the spectrum.
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Based on this, here is my definition of each of the alignments:
Lawful Good: will do their best to make logical decisions but overall places others before him/herself. May or may not have a “code of ethics” that they strive to follow. In extreme cases, will follow their code of ethics to the letter regardless of the situation or moral implications.
Neutral Good: Pretty good balance between following their head and their heart. Fits most “normal” people. Favors the group over themselves. More likely to follow the spirit of the law.
Chaotic Good: The motto of this alignment is “doing the right thing the wrong way”. They tend to make impulsive decisions, but in the end, their heart is in the right place. It’s the thought that counts, right?
Lawful Neutral: The most logical member of the party. Generally will take the time to make the best decision overall with the greatest benefits to all parties. Balances helping him/herself and helping others.
True Neutral: Perfectly balanced as all things should be. Generally, they don’t place anybody higher up than anybody else, but overall tend to stay out of moral quandaries, arguments, and tend to avoid “taking sides.”
Chaotic Neutral: Guided purely by instincts and impulses, these characters do whatever strikes their fancy. They tend to be the most animalistic members of the party.
Lawful Evil: No one is more important to an evil character than him/herself but Lawful Evil characters temper this with logic. Like devils, they tend to be very intelligent, and they use this intelligence to better their situation. In some cases, Lawful Evil characters may have a “code of ethics”: a line they will not cross, a person they would never swindle, etc.
Neutral Evil: Tend to worry only about themselves. They might be narcissistic, or just have a enlarged sense of self-worth. They may even just have an over-active survival instinct.
Chaotic Evil: Do whatever they want but with an emphasis on him/herself. Like Chaotic Neutral they are often impulsive but Chaotic Evil characters also overemphasize their own importance. Everything they do is to further their own interests and to pull down anyone or anything that may become a threat.
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Someone needs to make a political-compass style alignment survey...