The word "alignment chart" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription of /əˈlaɪnmənt tʃɑrt/. The first syllable starts with a schwa sound, followed by a stressed long 'i' sound. The second part of the word starts with a 'ch' sound followed by a short 'a' sound and then a rolled 'r'. The final syllable rhymes with 'smart' and starts with a 't' sound. This term is commonly used in video gaming to categorize characters according to their ethical and moral values.
An alignment chart refers to a graphical representation or categorization system that is commonly used in role-playing games, particularly in the context of Dungeons & Dragons. It serves as a framework for defining and understanding the moral and ethical tendencies or inclinations of fictional characters, allowing players to create and develop distinct personality traits and behaviors for their in-game avatars.
The chart typically consists of a two-dimensional grid or axis with axes labeled "lawful-neutra-chaotic" and "good-neutra-evil." The lawful-chaotic axis illustrates a character's adherence to rules, order, and authority, with lawful characters valuing structure and discipline, while chaotic characters are more independent and willing to break rules. The good-evil axis represents a character's moral compass, with good characters valuing selflessness, compassion, and altruism, while evil characters prioritize self-interest, power, and harm to others.
By positioning a character within the grid, an alignment chart establishes their unique alignment, resulting in distinct archetypes like lawful good, neutral evil, chaotic neutral, and more. Alignment charts can be used to explore and develop a character's beliefs, motivations, decision-making, and relationships, prompting players to consider the ethical implications of their actions within the game world.
Beyond gaming, alignment charts have also become popular on social media and internet culture as a means of categorizing and humorously assigning alignments to various real-life individuals, fictional characters from different media, or even abstract concepts.
The term "alignment chart" originated from the context of tabletop role-playing games, particularly the game Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), which was created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson in the 1970s. Alignment in D&D refers to a moral and ethical outlook that guides a character's behavior and decision-making. The alignment chart is a system used in the game to categorize different moral and ethical perspectives.
While the exact etymology of the term "alignment chart" itself is not explicitly documented, it can be understood by examining the components of the phrase. "Alignment" refers to the concept of character alignment in D&D, representing an individual's moral and philosophical stance. "Chart" denotes a visual representation, a graphical organization, or a matrix used to illustrate different elements.