non-player character
Pronunciation
/nˈɑːnplˈeɪɚ kˈæɹɪktɚ/
NPC

Definition & Meaning of "non-player character"in English

Non-player character
01

any character in a video game that is controlled by the computer itself rather than the playe

Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Inanimate
Plural form
non-player characters

What is a "non-player character"?

A non-player character (NPC) is any character in a game that is not controlled by a player. NPCs are typically managed by the game's programming and serve various roles, such as advancing the story, providing quests, offering information, or acting as merchants or enemies. They are a key part of creating a game world, making it feel more alive and interactive. For example, in role-playing games, NPCs might include villagers who give advice or shopkeepers who sell items. Unlike player characters, NPCs have limited behaviors set by the game.

Examples
I talked to an NPC in the village who gave me a quest to find a lost artifact.
02

a person perceived as lacking independent thought or originality

Slang
Examples
He's acting like an NPC, just repeating what everyone else says.
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