Alignment

The psychological alignment and behavioral alignment systems work together to provide a comprehensive understanding of a character's motivations, decision-making processes, and mental state. While the behavioral alignment system focuses on what drives a character's actions and the ethical or practical methods they employ (e.g., whether they are selfless, pragmatic, or self-serving and whether they act in principled, flexible, or unrestrained ways), the psychological alignment system delves into the mental stability and approach to interactions (e.g., stable, volatile, or unstable, combined with adaptive, situational, or disruptive behaviors). Together, these systems create a multi-layered profile that outlines not only what a character seeks and how they act but also how they handle stress, maintain relationships, and navigate challenges.

Psychology

The psychological alignment system categorizes a character's mental and behavioral traits into a structured 3x3 matrix, offering insight into their emotional and cognitive stability and approach to interactions and challenges. This alignment helps define how characters respond to stress, adapt to change, and engage with others, ranging from stable, well-adapted individuals to volatile or unstable characters with disruptive tendencies. It is not a clinical or diagnostic tool but a creative framework. The system is used to create multi-dimensional personalities in storytelling and role-playing games, providing depth to character development by showcasing not just what they want, but how they think, behave, and manage their internal states.

Emotional and Cognitive Stability

• Stable: Maintains consistent emotional balance and cognitive clarity, effectively handling stress and challenges with composure.
• Volatile: Experiences shifts between stability and instability, with moments of emotional and cognitive fluctuation that impact behavior and decision-making.
• Unstable: Frequently struggles with emotional and cognitive instability, displaying significant stress responses and unpredictable behavior.

Behavior and Interaction Approach

• Adaptive: Demonstrates flexible thinking and effective coping mechanisms, maintaining positive interactions and relationships.
• Situational: Balances adaptive and less effective behaviors, choosing approaches based on immediate circumstances and showing mixed coping strategies.
• Disruptive: Displays rigid or distorted thinking, struggles with relationships, and often resorts to maladaptive coping mechanisms that negatively affect interactions.

Alignment Chart

	Adaptive	Situational	Disruptive
Stable	Stable Adaptive	Stable Situational	Stable Disruptive
Volatile	Volatile Adaptive	Volatile Situational	Volatile Disruptive
Unstable	Unstable Adaptive	Unstable Situational	Unstable Disruptive

Description of Psychological Composition

The following alignment chart integrates psychological theory and narrative archetyping to map common mental patterns, both adaptive and maladaptive, across a spectrum of stability and interaction styles. The descriptions draw from clinical research on psychological disorders (e.g., DSM-5 criteria), traits in positive psychology (e.g., VIA Character Strengths), and narrative archetypes from myth, literature, and media. This framework is informed by sources such as the National Institute of Mental Health (www.nimh.nih.gov), the American Psychological Association (www.apa.org), and the VIA Institute on Character (www.viacharacter.org), as well as storytelling models used in role-playing games and literary analysis. The site, its owners, writers, and creators are not licensed medical professionals, psychologists, or clinicians, and we do not work in the mental health industry. This material is intended for creative inspiration and character development purposes only, not for diagnosis, treatment, or clinical reference.

Alignment Combination	Description	Archetypes	Related Psychological Disorders
Stable Adaptive	Emotionally balanced and highly adaptable, these individuals exhibit strong emotional resilience, empathy, and self-regulation. They build stable relationships and thrive under pressure. However, they may overfunction, develop savior complexes, or overcommit to responsibilities, risking burnout.	Noble Leader, Wise Mentor	None or mild stress-related conditions
Stable Situational	Grounded and consistent, with a practical and flexible mindset. They show prudence and situational awareness but may become indecisive or morally relativistic under stress, or rigid when adaptability is most needed.	Tactical Commander, Practical Hero	Mild anxiety disorders, high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Stable Disruptive	Emotionally controlled but behaviorally rigid. They value integrity, structure, and consistency but may become inflexible, authoritarian, or overly judgmental, especially when challenged.	Unbending Judge, Cold Strategist	Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD), paranoid personality traits
Volatile Adaptive	Emotionally intense yet striving to adapt, they exhibit passion, creativity, and emotional depth. Their strength lies in bold action, but they are vulnerable to impulsiveness, overattachment, and emotional outbursts.	Passionate Hero, Loyal Wildcard	Cyclothymia, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Volatile Situational	Often fluctuating between stability and instability, they are adaptable under pressure and resourceful, but also inconsistent, reactive, and prone to unreliability or aggression depending on stressors.	Reluctant Antihero, Reactive Leader	Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Bipolar II Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Volatile Disruptive	Intensely reactive with frequent emotional and behavioral disruption. They may channel raw authenticity and emotional insight into creative or powerful actions, but often exhibit manipulation, volatility, and self-sabotage.	Tormented Genius, Emotional Saboteur	Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Bipolar I Disorder, substance-induced disorders
Unstable Adaptive	Internally chaotic but with moments of resilience. These individuals show deep empathy, perseverance, and introspection, but often struggle with self-neglect, dependency, and overwhelming internalized shame.	Broken Hero, Haunted Visionary	Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), PTSD, Binge Eating Disorder (BED), Anorexia Nervosa (AN)
Unstable Situational	Highly unstable and inconsistent, they may have symbolic or spiritual insight but are prone to paranoia, dissociation, and disordered thinking. Coping strategies are unreliable and often deteriorate under pressure.	Tragic Wanderer, Maddened Prophet	Schizoaffective Disorder, Dissociative Disorders
Unstable Disruptive	Severely unstable with destructive tendencies. They may display brief flashes of brilliance or vision when structured, but typically suffer from distorted reality testing, megalomania, or psychotic behavior, leading to harm toward self or others.	Chaotic Villain, Mad Scientist	Schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, substance-induced psychosis

No alignment is better or worse—each has its own challenges and strengths. A Stable Adaptive character may seem ideal, offering calm and resilience, but they can overextend themselves or suppress personal needs. In contrast, an Unstable Disruptive character may be chaotic and unpredictable, yet their raw intensity can reveal deep emotion or flashes of brilliance. Similarly, a Stable Disruptive character might uphold structure with integrity but struggle to connect emotionally, while a Volatile Adaptive character may be erratic yet deeply passionate and creative. Each alignment represents a different way of navigating stress, relationships, and purpose.

Behavior

This behavioral alignment matrix pertains to the fundamental motivations and ethical approaches that drive a character’s decisions and actions. It reflects the underlying "why" behind their goals (whether they are selfless, pragmatic, or self-serving) and "how" they pursue those goals (whether they adhere to principles, act flexibly, or operate without ethical boundaries). A character’s position within this system reveals not only what they strive for but the methods they are willing to employ to achieve it, influencing their interactions, conflicts, and development throughout a narrative.

Motivational Drivers and Goals

• Selfless: Driven by the desire to help others or a cause greater than oneself.
• Pragmatic: Maintains a mix of personal goals and altruistic intentions, adapting based on context and practical needs.
• Self-Serving: Primarily motivated by personal gain, power, or self-interest.

Methods, Approach, and Means

• Principled: Adheres strictly to a personal code or ethical standards, showing consistency and honor.
• Flexible: Uses adaptable and practical approaches, making decisions that balance between various needs and ethics.
• Unrestrained: Willing to act without regard for conventional morality or the consequences to others, often using any means necessary.

Alignment Chart

	Principled	Flexible	Unrestrained
Selfless	Selfless Principled	Selfless Flexible	Selfless Unrestrained
Pragmatic	Pragmatic Principled	Pragmatic Flexible	Pragmatic Unrestrained
Self-Serving	Self-Serving Principled	Self-Serving Flexible	Self-Serving Unrestrained

Description of Behavior Composition

The table below presents each behavioral alignment with an expanded explanation. These descriptions reflect a character's driving motivations and ethical approach—ranging from noble self-sacrifice to ambitious self-interest. This content is based on narrative design theory, psychological literature, and roleplaying game alignment systems. Informational resources include the National Institute of Mental Health (https://www.nimh.nih.gov), the American Psychological Association (https://www.apa.org), and the Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org). This material is for storytelling and character creation purposes only. It is not intended for diagnosis, treatment, or clinical use. The authors are not licensed mental health professionals.

Alignment	Description	Related Behavioral Disorders
Selfless Principled	Dedicated to helping others or a cause with unwavering moral standards; acts with integrity and consistency even under pressure. They tend to be altruistic, dependable, ethical, and courageous, though they may become self-sacrificing, rigid, or overly idealistic.	None commonly associated; may exhibit overcontrol or perfectionistic traits
Selfless Flexible	Altruistic but pragmatic; committed to helping others while adapting methods to maximize impact or efficiency. They are often compassionate, resourceful, and open-minded, but can become overextended, inconsistent, or blur personal boundaries.	Occasionally overlaps with ADHD or Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) under stress
Selfless Unrestrained	Fiercely devoted to a noble cause, even if it means using ethically questionable means for what they believe is a greater good. These individuals are passionate, fearless, and mission-driven, but can be fanatical, reckless, or ethically blind.	Possible overlap with Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) or Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Pragmatic Principled	Balances personal and communal goals while adhering to a personal code; acts with discipline but makes room for practicality. Typically reliable, balanced, and thoughtful, they may also be stubborn, conflicted, or overcalculating.	Minimal, but may show traits of rigid planning under anxiety
Pragmatic Flexible	Driven by practical concerns, adjusting actions to suit the situation while balancing self-interest and altruism. They are adaptive, efficient, and realistic, but may also be opportunistic, morally vague, or emotionally detached.	Occasionally associated with ADHD or mild ODD patterns
Pragmatic Unrestrained	Focuses on results and effectiveness, pursuing goals without being bound to moral or ethical standards. These individuals are strategic, goal-oriented, and persuasive, but may become ruthless, cold, or exploitative.	May show signs of Conduct Disorder (CD) or early ASPD traits
Self-Serving Principled	Pursues personal gain while staying loyal to a strict set of internal rules, traditions, or values. They are disciplined, ambitious, and principled, but may be self-righteous, inflexible, or self-justifying.	Can align with early obsessive or oppositional tendencies
Self-Serving Flexible	Primarily motivated by self-interest, using adaptable methods to succeed while not bound to any consistent code. Often clever, adaptable, and persuasive, they can also be manipulative, untrustworthy, or inconsistent.	Often overlaps with CD or subclinical ASPD patterns
Self-Serving Unrestrained	Operates entirely for personal benefit with no regard for ethics, others, or consequences. Ruthless and opportunistic, they may be bold, independent, and relentless, but are also prone to cruelty, selfishness, and amorality.	Strongly associated with ASPD, CD, or IED

The behavioral disorders listed are included to illustrate extreme manifestations of behavioral patterns and are not meant to imply that characters with these alignments must exhibit such traits. Rather, they serve as dramatic anchors to clarify tendencies within each alignment. Most characters will fall along a spectrum and can express these behaviors in subtler, more nuanced ways—or not at all.

Even seemingly virtuous alignments such as Selfless Principled may lead to burnout or inflexibility, yet they can also serve as pillars of moral integrity and leadership. Likewise, a Self-Serving Unrestrained character might be ruthless, but in high-risk or competitive environments, their decisiveness and lack of hesitation can be assets. A Pragmatic Unrestrained character might succeed as a crisis manager, cutting through red tape for results, while a Selfless Flexible character could thrive in diplomacy or education by blending compassion with adaptability. These alignments highlight paths—each with their own potential strengths and weaknesses—rather than prescribing personality types.

Examples

When choosing alignments, a character's psychological traits define their mental stability and coping style—ranging from stable and adaptive to volatile and disruptive. This psychological alignment shapes how they handle stress, adapt to situations, and interact with others. The behavioral alignment then reflects what drives their actions and the methods they use to pursue their goals, whether through principled, flexible, or unrestrained approaches.

Stable Adaptive & Selfless Principled

Psychological Alignment: Stable Adaptive Behavioral Alignment: Selfless Principled

A character with this alignment maintains emotional and cognitive balance, handling stress and challenges with composure and confidence. They adapt well to various situations, showing effective problem-solving and positive interactions. Driven by a strong desire to help others or serve a greater cause, they uphold a moral and ethical code, acting with integrity and consistency. This alignment describes someone who is reliable, altruistic, and committed to maintaining high standards of behavior. They serve as a source of stability and inspiration in a group.

Volatile Situational & Pragmatic Flexible

Psychological Alignment: Volatile Situational Behavioral Alignment: Pragmatic Flexible

This alignment represents characters who experience fluctuations in emotional stability, affecting their consistency under stress. Their coping strategies vary depending on context—they may be effective or struggle, depending on external pressures. They pursue a balance between personal and communal goals, relying on flexible, outcome-driven methods that mix ethical and non-ethical choices. Such characters are resourceful and adaptive, though their unpredictability can cause tension in relationships or decision-making processes.

Common Archetypes

Archetype	Alignment Combination	Description	Example Characters
The Noble Leader	Stable Adaptive & Selfless Principled	A dependable, moral character driven to serve others and maintain order, showing resilience and adaptability.	Captain America (Marvel), Aragorn (The Lord of the Rings), Beowulf, King Arthur
The Wise Mentor	Stable Adaptive & Pragmatic Flexible	Balances personal and communal goals with a practical approach, offering guidance and adaptability.	Gandalf, Professor X, Merlin
The Passionate Hero	Volatile Situational & Selfless Principled	Noble but emotionally volatile, often disrupted by instability despite good intentions.	Anakin Skywalker, Frodo Baggins, Hamlet, Achilles
The Reluctant Antihero	Volatile Situational & Pragmatic Flexible	Balances altruism and self-interest, emotionally reactive but adaptable.	Han Solo, Wolverine, Jay Gatsby, Heathcliff
The Chaotic Villain	Unstable Disruptive & Self-Serving Unrestrained	Ruthless and unrestrained with unstable, destructive tendencies.	The Joker, Homelander, Macbeth, Iago
The Lawful Opportunist	Stable Adaptive & Self-Serving Principled	Pursues personal gain ethically and with emotional stability.	Tywin Lannister, Inspector Javert, Sherlock Holmes, Shylock
The Ambitious Rogue	Volatile Situational & Self-Serving Flexible	Volatile, self-serving, and strategically adaptive to gain advantage.	Jack Sparrow, Loki, Dorian Gray, Richard III
The Mad Scientist	Unstable Disruptive & Pragmatic Unrestrained	Immoral pursuit of discovery paired with psychological instability.	Victor Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll, Faust, Prospero
The Calculated Maverick	Stable Adaptive & Pragmatic Unrestrained	Emotionally stable, yet willing to bend or break ethical rules for goals.	Tony Stark, Sherlock Holmes (BBC), Captain Ahab, Cyrano de Bergerac

Inspiration

The psychological and behavioral alignment systems were inspired by established alignment and morality mechanics found in popular tabletop role-playing games. These systems offer frameworks for defining character motivations, ethical behavior, and mental states, guiding role-play and narrative development.

• Dungeons & Dragons Alignment System: Uses a 3x3 grid combining ethical (Lawful, Neutral, Chaotic) and moral (Good, Neutral, Evil) axes.
• Palladium's Alignment System: Includes Principled, Aberrant, Anarchist, etc., each with defined behavioral profiles.
• Pathfinder Alignment System: Similar to D&D, impacting character behavior and mechanics.
• World of Darkness Morality System: Uses Humanity score to track behavior and moral descent.