If you play D&D, also known as DnD or Dungeons and Dragons, you’ll know that you have to select personality traits, bonds, and ideals when you create your character. The personalities that you develop don’t just apply to your characters within the game — they can also be relevant to people in real life.
Some people base their D&D character on themselves but arm them with idealized personality traits. Other people take the opposite approach and create a character who is absolutely nothing like them. There’s no right or wrong way to make a character, which is part of the fun.
The importance of D&D personality traits
In Dungeons and Dragons, sometimes a character’s personality traits can have an impact on the story. Other times, they have no effect at all and are simply creative additions to a character. What’s interesting is that a character’s personality traits can be both positive and negative, depending on your perspective.
For example, let’s say your character is very wary of others. In some campaigns, this could be considered to be a strength as they’re less likely to be fooled by other characters into doing something dangerous and ill-advised. However, it could also be seen as a weakness as other characters will be less likely to open up to someone who doesn’t trust them.
Another example is if your character is very placid and peaceful. This could be a major weakness in battle, but a significant strength when it comes to forming bonds and unions with other characters. It really does depend on what the campaign is and what your goals are.
Sometimes characters don’t even openly recognize their personality traits. Depending on the campaign, they may be unaware of their lack of trust or in denial about it. Sometimes they may just not care what the other characters think.
Possible reflections to think about
You may have based your D&D character’s traits on yourself without even realizing it. Just like D&D characters may be unaware or in denial about their flaws, there are many people in real life who are unable to or simply don’t want to acknowledge their shortcomings.
If you’ve chosen some of the following personality traits and attributes for your character, it may be worth considering if you have the same characteristics and habits, too:
Abrasive
Being abrasive can often be viewed as negative because it means you have trouble being pleasant in conversation. It implies you’re very demanding and, although your attitude gets you what you want, you’re likely to hurt others. Abrasiveness can make you more intimidating, but others won’t want to be around you.
Cautious
If you’re cautious, you’re constantly making an effort to ensure you’re safe. This trait can often be mistaken or interchanged for cowardice, which is always considered negative. If you’re cautious, you may use creative strategies to get out of harm’s way, but may be weak or fear approaching things head-on.
Dishonest
Being dishonest simply means lying a lot. You may have mastered the art of lying to get people to think about you in a certain way or get what you want. But the big issue is that if your web of lies gets unraveled, everyone will know you’re dishonest. This could be very damaging, particularly in a boy who cried wolf scenario.
Absent-minded
If you’re absent-minded, you’re likely intelligent, but your flaw is that you think too much. Because of your excessive thoughts, you may find yourself not paying attention and being lost in conversations. People may rely on you for knowledge, but if they need someone to be present, they’ll go elsewhere.
Aggressive
Aggression is when you’re always ready for a fight, whatever’s happening. While this trait can be a way of keeping safe in dangerous situations, it often means starting unnecessary fights when there’s a more peaceful solution available. This can make others want to avoid you so they don’t have to deal with conflict.
Detached
Being detached means you’re always in your own world when you’re surrounded by others. You may fade into the background and avoid joining in with the conversation. This can give you the advantage as you’re able to observe the people around you without giving anything away yourself. But it can also make it difficult for people to get to know or trust you.
Easygoing
Someone who is easygoing is often really liked for their friendly character. You may find that people enjoy talking to you and you never have a problem making friends. But being easygoing can also mean you have trouble standing up for yourself and being heard. It can also make you more likely to be gullible and fall for others’ lies and tricks.
You can change, too
D&D character attributes can tell you a lot about how humans think, feel, and behave. Just like different personality traits affect characters in the game and their bonds with other characters, your personality traits determine who you are and affect the connections you have with other people.
Similarly, just as the personality of your D&D character can change throughout a campaign, your personal traits can ebb and flow as you progress through life. This means that if there’s an aspect about yourself you’re not happy with, you can change it.
If you want to improve your own weaknesses and flaws or build better bonds with the people around you, reach out to one of our Cyti therapists. They’ll be able to support you while you work on your goals, helping you improve yourself so you can achieve your aspirations and get to where you want to be.
About the author: Shiva Amin
Shiva is a licensed clinical psychologist providing telehealth services in California. She mostly sees clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, work stress, relationship issues, and adjustment issues. She uses an evidence based treatment approach such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. Her goal is to provide each client a safe place to talk about their concerns, while exploring different perspectives and options in managing their difficulties.
